A historic rating
When EA Sports rolls out College Football 27 on July 9, the conversation will quickly pivot to a single name that has never before appeared on a player card with a 99 overall rating: Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State. The rating marks the first time a collegiate athlete has been granted the maximum score at launch, a testament to Smith’s dominance on the field and his impact on the Buckeyes’ recent success.
Career highlights
Smith’s rise has been meteoric. In just his second season with Ohio State he recorded 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and 29 touchdowns, numbers that earned him unanimous All‑American honors and two Big Ten Receiver of the Year awards. His performance has helped position him as the best player in college football, a label that resonates after he led the Buckeyes to their first national championship since 2014.
Team rating and championship legacy
The Buckeyes enter the new title as the second‑highest‑rated team at 90 overall, boasting the nation’s top‑rated offense at 92 and a defense ranked seventh at 88. Ohio State’s recent championship, combined with a roster that includes standout talents such as Ryan Williams, reinforces the program’s status as a powerhouse heading into the next generation of college football gaming.
Release details and platforms
Early access to College Football 27 begins on July 2 for owners of the MVP Bundle, with a wider release on July 6 for Deluxe Edition purchasers. The game will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, bringing the excitement to the two leading consoles and allowing fans to experience Smith’s 99 rating in the most immersive way possible.