Ryan Williams burst onto the SEC scene in 2024 with poise and College Football 26 Coins precision. The Alabama phenom recorded 48 catches, 865 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. His production ranked him second among SEC receivers in touchdown receptions and tied him for second among freshman wideouts nationally. Williams showed a veteran’s skill set in his first year, making him an easy pick for the cover.

Jeremiah Smith’s freshman season was nothing short of historic. The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, Smith lived up to every ounce of hype, finishing the year with 1,315 receiving yards, 76 receptions, and 16 touchdowns. His dominance made him the most productive freshman receiver in the country and a cornerstone in Ohio State’s march to a national championship.

Both athletes are not only representative of football’s youth movement but also of EA Sports’ renewed focus on players who are rewriting the game in real time. This move away from only featuring upperclassmen or established NFL-bound players aligns with EA’s goal of bringing fans closer to the heart of college football as it evolves.

Speaking to On3, Williams reflected on what the honor means to him. “It’s wild. I used to play the old NCAA games back home all the time. I remember the Mark Ingram cover—just thinking, ‘Man, what if one day that’s me?’ Now it actually is, and it’s almost too surreal to process. Little Ryan would be going crazy right now.”

Smith also emphasized what the cover symbolizes. “It’s a privilege, no doubt. To be on the cover and represent not just Ohio State, but also all the young players trying to make a name for themselves—it's powerful. I take a lot of pride in that, and I hope it motivates others coming up NCAA Football 26 Coins for sale behind us.”