EA Sports has made a much‑anticipated comeback in the college football arena, reviving a franchise that fans thought was retired for good. The new installment leverages recent name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements, allowing each athlete to appear in the game as themselves, a shift that has turned the title into a cultural touchstone.
How the ratings work
The rating engine evaluates players across six categories — speed, strength, agility, awareness, change of direction and injury risk — before combining them into a single overall score. This granular approach means a athlete can be celebrated for a specific skill set while still being measured against the broader pool of prospects.
Because the model is tied to real‑world performance, the numbers are fluid. As a player's on‑field production rises or falls, the rating can adjust mid‑season, reflecting the dynamic nature of college football.
Oklahoma State University is fully represented in the game, with more than 70 of its athletes listed individually. The depth of the roster underscores the program's recent resurgence and the growing visibility of its players under the new NIL landscape.
Top‑rated Cowboys
Among the Cowboys, running back Caleb Hawkins leads the pack with a 91 overall rating, while wide receiver Wyatt Young follows closely at 90. Their scores blend raw athleticism with projected impact, positioning them as the most valuable assets on the virtual field.
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker isn’t far behind, earning a 89 rating that places him just outside the elite tier. Each of these players exemplifies how the new system rewards both current performance and future potential.
The ratings are designed to capture growth as well as established skill. A breakout game or a standout statistical week can push a player's score upward, meaning the leaderboard is likely to shift as the season unfolds.