Meet the Stars: Cover Athletes Ryan Williams & Jeremiah Smith

The cover athletes for NCAA College Football 26 are two standout sophomore wide receivers who have already made huge impacts in college football: Ryan Williams from Alabama and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State. Their selection as the faces of the game highlights their rising stardom and the excitement surrounding their young careers.

Jeremiah Smith burst onto the national scene as a key player in Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run. He set Big Ten freshman records with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American honors. Smith’s ability to make spectacular one-handed catches and consistently dominate defenses made him arguably the best player on the Buckeyes’ championship team. His presence on the cover marks the first time an Ohio State player has been featured on the standard edition of the game, underscoring his significance to the program and college football as a whole.

Ryan Williams, meanwhile, was a freshman All-American for Alabama, catching 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns while still only 17 years old throughout the season. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to make game-changing plays—like his memorable spinning touchdown catch against Georgia—Williams represents the next generation of Crimson Tide stars. He is the third Alabama player to grace the standard cover, joining legends like Shaun Alexander and Mark Ingram.

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The two athletes share more than just cover honors; they have an intriguing off-field connection. During their recruitment, Williams even tried to persuade Smith to join Alabama, imagining the unstoppable duo they could form. Though they ultimately chose different schools, their friendship and mutual respect have grown, with both admiring each other’s unique skills—Smith coveting Williams’ speed, and Williams admiring Smith’s size and hands.

The standard cover features just Williams and Smith, symbolizing the new wave of college football talent, while the deluxe edition expands to include over 20 current players, coaches, college football legends like Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow, and mascots, celebrating the sport’s rich traditions.

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Both Williams and Smith have seen their in-game ratings rise as their freshman seasons progressed, with expectations that they will be rated at least 95 overall. Their dynamic play styles and electrifying performances make them perfect ambassadors for the game’s sophomore edition, which aims to capture the heart and authenticity of college football.

Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith embody the future of college football—young, talented, and already making history. Their presence on the cover of NCAA College Football 26 not only celebrates their individual achievements but also excites fans about the thrilling seasons ahead.