Jeremiah Smith is a 99 Overall in EA Sports College Football 26

When EA Sports announced the return of its long-awaited college football video game series, the buzz was deafening. But among all the hype, screenshots, and roster leaks, one name stood out from the digital crowd—Jeremiah Smith, the superstar wide receiver from Ohio State, who has been given a 99 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 26.

The rating—one of the highest honors in sports gaming—immediately set the internet on fire. For college football fans, Buckeye faithful, and gamers alike, Smith’s inclusion at the top tier of virtual football royalty sent a clear message: he’s not just hype—he’s him.

Only a handful of college players throughout gaming history have ever received a 99 overall rating. Names like Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow, and Trevor Lawrence come to mind—transcendent talents whose dominance was too clear to ignore. Now, Jeremiah Smith joins that elite club, and at just 19 years old, he may be the youngest to do so.

So, how did a true freshman earn such an exclusive rating? The answer lies in a combination of jaw-dropping talent, sky-high potential, and immediate impact at a program that demands greatness.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout from South Florida, arrived in Columbus as the highest-rated wide receiver prospect in the modern recruiting era. A five-star out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, Smith turned down offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Miami to join the Buckeyes, citing the program’s elite receiver development pipeline under coach Brian Hartline.

From day one of spring camp, it was clear Smith wasn’t just another freshman—he was a phenomenon. Reports out of practice described him as “unguardable” and “NFL-ready.” Coaches raved about his size, catch radius, and smooth route-running. Quarterbacks couldn’t stop looking his way. Defensive backs? They were helpless.

“He doesn’t look like a freshman,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “He’s physical. He’s polished. And he competes like a pro.”

Smith’s performances in scrimmages and drills turned heads nationally, even before he’d played a snap. In the spring game, he hauled in six catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns, including a leaping, one-handed grab that instantly went viral and had ESPN anchors calling him “the best freshman in America.”

But it’s not just flash. Smith brings a blend of discipline, intelligence, and maturity rarely seen at his age. He studies film like a senior. He’s the first on the field, last off. His routes are crisp, his hands are elite, and he’s already mastered the nuances of separation against high-level coverage.

That complete package—physical tools, mental makeup, and day-one dominance—led EA Sports’ developers and ratings team to make an extraordinary decision: give a true freshman a 99 overall rating, the first in the new game’s return.

“After extensive testing, roster reviews, and feedback from both real-world coaches and analysts, we determined Jeremiah Smith’s on-field value and potential warranted the top-tier rating,” EA’s lead gameplay designer said in a statement. “He represents what this game is about: excellence, excitement, and the future of college football.”

Within hours of the announcement, social media exploded. Smith trended nationally on Twitter/X, with memes, gameplay clips, and excited reactions flooding feeds. Some called it bold. Others said it was deserved. A few questioned if any freshman could truly be rated 99—but most agreed Smith is a generational talent.

Ohio State fans, already salivating over a stacked offense featuring Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and quarterback Julian Sayin, now had another icon to celebrate—both on the field and in digital form. Fans at The Shoe have already begun printing jerseys with “99 SMITH” on the back. One tweet summed it up best: “We ain’t playing games this season. Literally.”

And for Smith himself? He took it in stride.

“I’m honored,” he said in a short clip shared by Ohio State’s official account. “But it doesn’t mean anything unless I prove it on Saturdays.”

That humility has endeared him even more to Buckeye Nation. Despite the fanfare, Smith remains focused, showing the same work ethic that earned him offers from every blue blood in the sport. He credits Brian Hartline for challenging him every day and helping him sharpen the mental side of the game.

“He’s taught me to slow the game down,” Smith said. “Every route, every rep, has to mean something.”

Smith’s 99 overall rating also reflects his versatility in-game. In EA Sports College Football 26, he’s nearly unstoppable in 1-on-1 matchups. His speed and acceleration ratings are both in the high 90s, while his catching, release, and awareness are maxed out. He can line up on the outside, in the slot, and even return punts. For players looking to dominate in Dynasty Mode or Road to Glory, Smith will be an immediate cheat code.

Game reviewers and YouTubers have already begun calling him “the ultimate WR1.” In early demo footage, Smith torching DBs on deep posts or making circus grabs in traffic has already become the norm. One viral clip showed him scoring five touchdowns in a single half against Michigan—instant legend.

But perhaps the most impressive part of Smith’s rise is how quickly he’s been embraced not just by the fanbase, but by the older players around him. Veterans like Egbuka and tight end Cade Stover have spoken highly of his attitude and toughness, noting that he’s earned their respect through grind, not hype.

“He came in with all the stars, and he never acted like he was above the grind,” Egbuka said. “He’s earned everything, and he’s going to do special things here.”

That praise speaks volumes in a locker room filled with NFL talent and high expectations. Ohio State is expected to compete for the Big Ten title, a College Football Playoff berth, and potentially a national championship. Smith’s emergence only sharpens those goals.

And while the video game rating may be symbolic, it sets the tone for what this season could become. If Smith plays anything like his 99 overall suggests, he won’t just be the best freshman in the country—he might be the best player in college football, period.

Already, NFL scouts have taken notice. Though he won’t be eligible for the draft until 2027, one anonymous AFC scout was quoted as saying: “He’s a first-rounder already. He’s Julio [Jones] meets Garrett Wilson.”

Of course, the season must play out. Injuries, pressure, and game plans can all shape a player’s journey. But the foundation is undeniable. Jeremiah Smith is already becoming a household name, and he hasn’t even played a regular-season snap.

His 99 rating in EA Sports College Football 26 is not just a nod to his potential—it’s a celebration of the excitement he brings to the sport. In a new era of college football, with NIL deals, superconferences, and digital branding, Smith is positioned to be the face of a new generation: elite, poised, and ready to lead.

In the game, he’s already a superstar.

On the field, he’s just getting started.