EA Sports has released its highly anticipated College Football 27 title, and the latest ratings reveal a surprisingly strong position for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Irish are assigned an overall team rating of 89, which places them fourth in the nation behind Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana.
Defensive dominance shapes the Irish roster
Notre Dame’s defensive unit emerges as the centerpiece of the game’s rankings, with eight of the top eleven player ratings belonging to players on that side of the ball.
Among the standout defenders, cornerback Leonard Moore tops the list with a 97 overall rating, tying him for the second‑best player in the entire game.
Linebacker Drayk Bowen and left guard Anthonie Knapp also feature among the Irish stars, contributing to a defense that the developers label as the team’s greatest strength.
Key offensive weapons and schedule outlook
On offense, quarterback CJ Carr leads a group that includes several highly rated skill players, though the team’s overall offensive rating lags behind its defensive counterpart.
The 2026 schedule highlights a matchup against Miami, which holds the highest opponent rating at 88, making it the toughest opening challenge for the Irish.
Other top‑rated opponents include Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana, each boasting overall ratings that surpass Notre Dame’s 89.
Individual player ratings shine as well; Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith tops the chart with a perfect 99 overall score.
The game will launch worldwide on July 9, with a deluxe edition offering a seven‑day early‑access window for fans who pre‑order.
EA Sports has partnered with USA Today to promote the release, underscoring the title’s cross‑platform reach.