Meet the Stars of EA Sports College Football 26: Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith

Alabama's superstar freshman Ryan Williams was already known to be one of the cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26. EA Sports brought back to highly anticipated college football game last season after NIL was legalized, allowing the gaming company to pay players for their name, image, and likeness in the video game.

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According to NIL Daily, more than five million players picked up the new game last year. Athletes who are in the game received a free copy of the game and $600 for their likeness.

Alabama fans got the game to get an early look at true freshman Ryan Williams, who joined the Tide in June 2024. Williams took the Crimson Tide by storm, immediately becoming a household name in Tuscaloosa as the Tide's top receiving option, catching 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He caught the game-winning touchdown against Georgia on September 28, which writ his name in Crimson Flame just four games into his collegiate career.

Joining Williams on the cover is the other standout freshman from 2024, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Smith also took the college football world by storm, catching 76 passes in an air raid Ohio State offense for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. Smith helped lead the Buckeyes to a 14-2 record and capitalized on the spotlight by leading them to a national championship victory.

Both players will likely battle for the top receiver title in the 2027 NFL draft, as well as multiple awards in college football, potentially including the Heisman Trophy.

But for now, Williams and Smith have teamed up with EA Sports to be the cover athletes of EA Sports College Football 26.

The game is set to release on July 10.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.