If you’re planning to take the gridiron as the Ohio State Buckeyes in EA Sports College Football 26, you’re in for a wild ride. This team isn’t just built for winning – it’s loaded with elite-tier athletes that can straight-up dominate every phase of the game. From explosive receivers to trenches filled with NFL-bound talent, OSU’s roster makes them one of the toughest squads to beat. Let’s dig into the full ratings and why those numbers matter when you boot up College Football 26.
Highest-Rated Buckeyes
These are the top-tier stars you’ll lean on to run the table.
- Jeremiah Smith, WR – 98 OVR
The highest-rated player in the entire game. Speed, hands, route running — you name it. - Caleb Downs, FS – 96 OVR
Lockdown safety with elite read-and-react. Your last line of defense is the best in the country. - Carnell Tate, WR – 91 OVR
A dynamic WR2 option. Stretch the field or crush zone coverage. - Max Klare, TE – 91 OVR
A big-body target for 3rd down or red-zone looks. Run him on seams and corner routes. - Sonny Styles, ROLB – 90 OVR
Speed, strength, and versatility. Bring the heat from the edge or drop him into coverage. - Davison Igbinosun, CB – 90 OVR
Your lockdown corner. Man-up top receivers and trust him in single coverage.
Core Buckeyes Above 85 OVR
These players round out a ridiculously balanced, deep roster.
- Jermaine Mathews Jr., CB – 88
- James Peoples, HB – 87
- Jayson Ball, HB – 87
- CJ Donaldson Jr., HB – 86
- Julian Sayin, QB – 85
- Ethan Onianwa, LT – 85
- Beau Atkinson, RDE – 85
- Eddrick Houston, DT – 85
- Arvell Reese, MLB – 85
Full Key Players by Position
Quarterbacks
- Julian Sayin – 85
- Lincoln Kienholz – 80
- Tavien St. Clair – 80
Running Backs
- James Peoples – 87
- Jayson Ball – 87
- CJ Donaldson Jr. – 86
- Bo Jackson – 80
- Sam Williams-Dixon – 76
Wide Receivers
- Jeremiah Smith – 98
- Carnell Tate – 91
- Brandon Inniss – 80
- Mylan Graham – 78
- Quincy Porter – 78
Tight Ends
- Max Klare – 91
- Will Kacmarek – 82
- Jelani Thurman – 82
- Bennett Christian – 79
Offensive Line Highlights
- Ethan Onianwa (LT) – 85
- Carson Hinzman (C) – 81
- Austin Siereveld (RT) – 78
Defensive Line & Front Seven
- Beau Atkinson (RDE) – 85
- Eddrick Houston (DT) – 85
- Arvell Reese (MLB) – 85
- Sonny Styles (ROLB) – 90
Secondary
- Caleb Downs (FS) – 96
- Davison Igbinosun (CB) – 90
- Jermaine Mathews Jr. (CB) – 88
How to Use This Roster
Offense:
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate shred secondaries, while Julian Sayin’s 85 OVR makes him dependable for vertical or RPO playbooks. Use Ball, Peoples, and Donaldson Jr. to rotate the run game and keep defenses honest.
Defense:
With Downs and Igbinosun locking down the back end and Atkinson, Houston, and Styles dominating up front, you’ve got the tools to run multiple looks. Press coverage. Zone blitzes. Spy mobile QBs. Pick your poison — this unit can do it all.
Why Ohio State is a Must-Play in College Football 26
Top-end stars. Loaded depth. A defense that rivals Alabama and Penn State. If you want a Big Ten juggernaut that can light up scoreboards AND keep opponents under wraps, the Buckeyes are your move.