Will an Ohio State Buckeye be on the cover of College Football 26? Buckeye Breakfast

The College Football video game series, long beloved by fans of both the sport and gaming, has seen a massive resurgence in recent years. With the announcement of the return of the franchise after a long hiatus, speculation is swirling about which player will be chosen to grace the cover of College Football 26. In the spotlight, as usual, are the powerhouses of college football — including the Ohio State Buckeyes, a program that has consistently been at the forefront of college football excellence. So, the question remains: will an Ohio State player make history by appearing on the cover of College Football 26? This article takes a deep dive into Ohio State’s football program, the significance of the cover athlete, and why a Buckeye may very well take that prestigious spot.

A Legacy of Excellence: Ohio State Football

Ohio State is one of the premier college football programs in the country, with a rich history of success dating back to the early 20th century. The Buckeyes have won eight national championships and are consistently among the top teams in the Big Ten Conference, with a long-standing tradition of excellence that has made them a national powerhouse. Ohio State’s status as a football juggernaut is built on a combination of great coaching, an unwavering fan base, and, most importantly, the talent that flows from its roster year after year.

The program has produced numerous Heisman Trophy winners, All-American players, and NFL stars. From Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner in history, to recent legends like Braxton Miller, Ezekiel Elliott, and Chase Young, Ohio State has been a consistent breeding ground for future NFL talent. With such a history, it’s not surprising that the Buckeyes have a massive fanbase, and their impact extends far beyond the gridiron, influencing not only college football but also the gaming world.

The College Football Video Game Series: A Cultural Phenomenon

The College Football video game series has long been a staple for football fans and gamers alike. The last installment, NCAA Football 14, released in 2013, became a beloved classic. Players were able to take control of their favorite college teams, including Ohio State, and lead them to national championships while experiencing the highs and lows of college football in virtual form. The series stood out for its detailed and realistic gameplay, allowing users to experience everything from recruiting to game-day action, while also celebrating the storied histories of college football programs.

However, the series was discontinued following NCAA Football 14 due to legal issues surrounding the use of players’ likenesses, as college athletes were not compensated for their participation in the game. This led to a hiatus that lasted nearly a decade. In 2021, Electronic Arts (EA) Sports announced that they would be bringing the series back under the new title, EA Sports College Football, with the release of College Football 24. Fans were ecstatic at the news, and the game became an immediate success. But even as the game returned, the most coveted spot remained the cover athlete — a tradition that carries great significance, especially for top programs like Ohio State.

The Cover Athlete: More Than Just a Face

The cover athlete of a College Football video game is no small matter. It’s not only a personal accolade but also a reflection of the player’s impact on college football. Historically, the players chosen to represent the game have been household names — the best of the best. The selection is not only about skill on the field but also about a player’s story, impact, and marketability. The cover athlete is often a player who embodies the spirit of college football — a leader, a star, and a true competitor.

For Ohio State, having a Buckeye on the cover of College Football 26 would be a monumental achievement. The Buckeyes are always among the top contenders for national titles, and their players are among the most talented and recognizable in college football. Having a Buckeye on the cover would serve as both a celebration of Ohio State’s ongoing dominance in the sport and an acknowledgment of the individual greatness of the player chosen.

Recent Ohio State Football Stars: Potential Candidates for the Cover

Ohio State’s roster is always stacked with talent, and there are a number of current and recent players who could make a strong case for being chosen as the cover athlete of College Football 26. Let’s take a look at some potential candidates who could represent the Buckeyes on the game’s cover.

1. C.J. Stroud – Quarterback Extraordinaire

C.J. Stroud, a former Ohio State quarterback, was one of the most highly anticipated and talented quarterbacks in recent college football history. Over his two years as the starting quarterback, Stroud became the face of the program, leading the Buckeyes to two College Football Playoff appearances and earning multiple accolades. Stroud’s poise in the pocket, ability to make every throw, and leadership qualities made him a standout player during his time at Ohio State.

Stroud’s numbers were incredible during his career: he threw for over 8,000 yards, 85 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions. His performance in big games, including a standout showing against Georgia in the 2023 College Football Playoff, cemented his legacy as one of the top quarterbacks to ever play for Ohio State. His draft selection by the Houston Texans as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft also added to his prestige and further solidified his status as a superstar.

Stroud’s legacy at Ohio State makes him an obvious choice for the College Football 26 cover. His leadership, high performance, and impact on the college football landscape would make him a fitting representative of the Buckeyes and college football as a whole.

2. J.K. Dobbins – The Workhorse Running Back

Another player who has left an indelible mark on Ohio State football is J.K. Dobbins, one of the most electrifying running backs in recent memory. Dobbins was a workhorse for the Buckeyes, rushing for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns during his career, including a monster 2,003-yard, 21-touchdown season in 2019. His physical running style and ability to break through tackles made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.

Dobbins played a crucial role in Ohio State’s offense during his time, and his ability to carry the team both in and out of conference play made him one of the most respected players in the country. Dobbins went on to be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, where he quickly became a key player for the Ravens. His performance at Ohio State, his highlight-reel runs, and his humble demeanor off the field all make him a potential cover athlete for College Football 26.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr. – The New Era of Wide Receivers

One of the most exciting players in recent Ohio State history is Marvin Harrison Jr., a wide receiver who has taken the college football world by storm. As the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Jr. has all the tools to be a future star at the next level. With incredible size, speed, and route-running ability, Harrison has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in college football.

Harrison’s emergence as a go-to target for C.J. Stroud in 2022 and 2023 helped Ohio State’s offense become one of the most explosive units in the country. He has the potential to be the best wide receiver in college football and a future top NFL draft pick. Given his prominence, athleticism, and connection to his father’s legacy, Harrison Jr. would be an exciting and marketable choice for the College Football 26 cover.

4. Chase Young – The Defensive Game-Changer

When it comes to dominance on the defensive side of the ball, few players have had the impact that Chase Young did during his time at Ohio State. As one of the most feared pass rushers in college football history, Young’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a force to be reckoned with. In 2019, he earned the prestigious Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and finished as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, an honor usually reserved for offensive players.

Young’s combination of strength, speed, and football IQ made him nearly unblockable, and his performances in big games (including a memorable game against Wisconsin in 2019) helped elevate Ohio State’s defense to elite status. Young’s selection as the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team further solidified his status as one of the most impactful players in Ohio State history.

Though College Football tends to focus on offensive players, Chase Young’s electrifying play and game-changing abilities could make him a strong contender for the cover.

Conclusion: The Buckeye’s Road to the Cover

As College Football 26 approaches, Ohio State fans can only hope that one of their own will be selected to appear on the cover. Whether it’s C.J. Stroud, J.K. Dobbins, Marvin Harrison Jr., or even Chase Young, the Buckeyes have a deep pool of talent to choose from. Each of these players has left a lasting legacy at Ohio State, and each of them has the potential to represent the program on one of the most coveted covers in sports video games.

Ohio State football has a rich history of success, and its players are some of the best to ever step onto a college football field. With the program poised for continued greatness, it’s only fitting that a Buckeye would be featured on the cover of College Football 26 — symbolizing not just the team’s dominance but also the bright future of college football as a whole.