Williams and Smith are no ordinary underclassmen. In their debut seasons, both players put up College Football 26 Coins elite numbers and quickly emerged as household names. Williams caught 48 passes for 865 yards and scored eight touchdowns—his receiving touchdown tally ranked second in the SEC and tied for second among all freshmen across Division I football. Smith’s performance was arguably even more dominant: 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and a staggering 16 touchdowns. His touchdown mark led all freshmen nationally and played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s national championship season.

Their impact goes beyond the stat sheet. These two receivers became symbols of a shifting college football landscape where youth, talent, and adaptability define success. For EA Sports, choosing them as cover athletes is a nod to the future of the sport and a recognition of its rising stars.

For Ryan Williams, being on the cover is a personal dream realized. Speaking to On3, the Alabama star recalled his childhood memories of playing earlier EA titles. “The oldest one I remember is the one with Mark Ingram,” he said. “Just thinking back to little Ryan… If he got to see what was going on right now, I could only imagine how excited he would be. It’s super exciting. It’s a blessing.” The nostalgia of playing mascot mode and Road to Glory as a kid made this moment all the more special for him.

Smith echoed a similar sense of pride and accomplishment, saying in a statement, “Being on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26 is a tremendous privilege. I’m proud to represent Ohio State alongside Coach Day. This is about the fans and the legacy of our program.”

The standard edition may spotlight two rising stars, but EA is also catering to longtime fans with a deluxe edition cover that celebrates both the present and the past. This version showcases some of NCAA 26 Coins for sale the biggest coaching names in college football, including Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, Penn State’s James Franklin, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, and Ohio State’s Ryan Day.