Ohio State Football will be the only school with three players/coaches featured on this year’s covers

In a groundbreaking achievement for Ohio State football, the Buckeyes have become the first program in history to feature three representatives on the covers of the 2025 EA Sports College Football 26 video game. This unprecedented honor highlights the program’s exceptional talent and national prominence. The three Buckeyes gracing the covers are:

• Jeremiah Smith: A standout wide receiver and the top recruit of the 2024 class.
• Ryan Day: The head coach who led the team to a national championship.
• Caleb Downs: A dynamic safety who played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

This trio’s inclusion underscores Ohio State’s dominance in college football and sets a new benchmark for player and coach representation in the gaming world.

Jeremiah Smith’s debut season at Ohio State was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, he amassed 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over 16 games, playing a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ national championship victory. His performance not only earned him First-Team All-American honors but also the Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards. Smith’s inclusion on the cover of the standard edition of College Football 26, alongside Alabama’s Ryan Williams, celebrates his meteoric rise and the future of college football .

Head coach Ryan Day’s leadership was instrumental in Ohio State’s 2025 national championship triumph. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes achieved a remarkable four playoff victories in just 31 days, culminating in the program’s first national title in a decade. Day’s strategic acumen and ability to develop talent have solidified his reputation among the elite coaches in college football. His appearance on the deluxe edition cover of College Football 26, alongside other notable figures like Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, reflects the game’s commitment to showcasing the broader spectrum of college football excellence .

Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama, made an immediate impact in his first season with the Buckeyes. With 49 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions, and six passes defended, Downs was a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense. His versatility and playmaking ability were key factors in the team’s success. Downs’ inclusion on the deluxe edition cover of College Football 26 highlights the game’s expanded focus on defensive players and coaches, offering fans a more comprehensive representation of the sport .

The 2025 edition of EA Sports College Football marks a significant evolution in the franchise’s history. For the first time, the game features real-life college football coaches and players on its covers, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world football. The deluxe edition showcases a diverse array of talent, including rising stars like DJ Lagway and Sam Leavitt, legendary figures such as Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow, and esteemed coaches like Ryan Day, Kirby Smart, and Marcus Freeman .

This inclusive approach reflects the game’s commitment to celebrating all facets of college football, from emerging talents to seasoned veterans and strategic masterminds.

The Buckeyes’ representation on the covers of College Football 26 serves as a testament to their sustained excellence and the bright future ahead. With a roster brimming with talent and a coaching staff led by one of the game’s premier strategists, Ohio State is poised to remain a powerhouse in college football. The game’s release on July 10, 2025, will undoubtedly further cement the Buckeyes’ status as a program that continues to shape the landscape of college football.