With the return of College Football 26, a new wave of talented athletes is ready to leave their mark and shake up the college football landscape. Among these rising stars, a few standout freshmen have already begun to separate themselves from the pack.
EA has done a commendable job in College Football 26, assigning player ratings that closely reflect real-life performances, and that realism extends to the incoming rookie class. If you’re stepping into Dynasty Mode as a coach, keeping an eye on the top young prospects can give you a crucial edge.
Here’s a breakdown of the best rookies to watch (and recruit) in College Football 26.
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Table of Contents
Bryce Underwood
Bryce Underwood is a polished passer with elite traits. He enters College Football 26 as one of the most promising freshman quarterbacks in the game. With 91 throw power, 88 throw accuracy, and 86 awareness, Underwood already plays with the poise of a veteran. His 83 speed and 87 acceleration make him a true dual-threat option, dangerous both inside and outside the pocket. While his 72 break sack and 69 carrying suggest he’s still developing as a runner under pressure, his ability to extend plays and deliver strikes on the move sets him apart. Built for modern, spread offenses, Underwood has franchise QB potential in Dynasty Mode.
- Team: Michigan
- Position: Quarterback
- Overall Rating: 81
- Height: 6’4″ / 193cm
Zymear Smith
Zymear Smith is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball in College Football 26. With 95 speed, 93 acceleration, and 91 change of direction, Smith thrives in space and stretches defenses vertically with ease. His 84 catching and 86 kick return ratings make him a dangerous weapon in both the passing game and on special teams. His effectiveness against press coverage is limited early on, but his raw athleticism makes him a nightmare matchup for slower defenders. Smith fits perfectly in up-tempo, spread systems and projects as an electric playmaker with game-breaking potential.
- Team: Maryland
- Position: Halfback
- Overall Rating: 81
- Height: 6’0″ / 183cm
Kaliq Lockett
A physically imposing receiver with a smooth release and reliable hands, Kaliq Lockett is one of the most complete freshman wideouts in the game. At 6’2” with 89 speed, 90 jumping, and 86 catching, Lockett is built to win on the outside and in contested situations. His 84 route running and 82 release allow him to separate against man coverage, while a 79 catch-in-traffic rating means he can make tough grabs over the middle. Lockett’s frame and polish make him an ideal fit for pro-style offenses that rely on timing and precision. With the right development, he will become a reliable wide receiver.
- Team: Texas
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Overall Rating: 81
- Height: 6’2″ / 188cm
Devin Sanchez
Devin Sanchez is one of the most pro-ready cornerbacks in College Football 26. With 91 speed, 89 acceleration, and 90 awareness, Sanchez is incredible at both man and zone coverage. His 86 man coverage and 84 zone coverage ratings showcase his versatility, while an 88 play recognition rating highlights his ability to read routes and jump throws. At 6’2”, his size (combined with a 92 jumping rating) gives him an edge against taller receivers.
- Team: Ohio State
- Position: Cornerback
- Overall Rating: 81
- Height: 6’2″ / 188cm
Malachi Goodman
Goodman brings size, speed, and ball skills to any secondary in College Football 26. With incredible speed and acceleration ratings and a lengthy 6’1″ frame, Goodman is built to match up with modern wideouts. His 83 zone coverage and 81 awareness make him a natural fit in zone-heavy schemes, while his 86 jumping and 80 catch rating highlight his playmaking potential on the back end.
- Team: Penn State
- Position: Right Tackle
- Overall Rating: 81
- Height: 6’6″ / 198cm
Amare Adams
With 91 strength, 87 block shedding, and 85 power moves, Adams is built to wreak havoc in the trenches. Though his 66 finesse moves and 70 acceleration limit his pass-rush versatility early, he thrives in 4-3 and hybrid fronts as a gap-plugging, pocket-collapsing DT. Under the right tutelage, Adams could become an invaluable piece for any defense looking to control the line of scrimmage.
- Team: Clemson
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Overall Rating: 82
- Height: 6’4″ / 193cm
Elijah Griffin
Griffin is nearly unblockable when firing off the line. His 84 pursuit and 81 play recognition reflect a high football IQ for a freshman, allowing him to read plays quickly and stay disciplined in gap assignments. With elite traits and a high ceiling, he’s a future All-American in Dynasty Mode.
- Team: Georgia
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Overall Rating: 82
- Height: 6’4″ / 193cm
Gideon Davidson
Gideon Davidson’s 93 acceleration, 91 speed, and 88 change of direction make him a nightmare in open space and a perfect fit for outside zone and spread offenses. His 84 break tackle and 82 carrying give him the physicality to finish runs, while a 79 catch rating makes him a reliable option in the passing game.
- Team: Clemson
- Position: Halfback
- Overall Rating: 83
- Height: 6’0″ / 183cm
Harlem Berry
Harlem Berry is a versatile linebacker with excellent instincts and range. Boasting 90 speed, 88 acceleration, and 85 awareness, Berry excels at reading plays and rushing the ball carrier. With 82 tackle and 79 block shedding, he is effective against both the run and pass. Berry’s 76 zone coverage and 74 man coverage allow him to stay with tight ends and running backs in coverage.
- Team: LSU
- Position: Halfback
- Overall Rating: 83
- Height: 5’10” / 178cm
Dakorien Moore
Dakorien Moore immediately stands out in College Football 26 with stats that rival some veterans in the game. Moore boasts 94 speed, 92 acceleration, and 90 change of direction, making him a threat to break any play open. He also has 85 catching and 83 route running, making him a reliable target out of the slot or wide receiver spot. His strength and blocking stats could use some work, but that’s part of the fun of developing a future star. Moore’s agility and playmaking instincts make him a dynamic weapon in any spread or tempo-based offense. With such great stats as a freshman, Moore is destined for the top.
- Team: Oregon
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Overall Rating: 84
- Height: 5’11” / 180cm
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