Ohio State Buckeyes’ sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has solidified his status as a college football superstar, gracing both the Regular and Deluxe Edition covers of EA Sports College Football 26 (CFB 26). This honor underscores Smith’s meteoric rise from a five-star recruit to one of the most electrifying talents in the sport, captivating fans and gamers alike.
Smith’s selection for the CFB 26 covers is no surprise given his remarkable freshman campaign in 2024. As the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class and the highest-rated wide receiver in modern recruiting history, Smith shattered expectations with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, breaking Ohio State freshman records previously set by Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter. His standout performances, including a 7-catch, 187-yard, two-touchdown MVP showing in the 2025 Rose Bowl against Oregon, cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. Smith’s blend of size (6’3”, 215 pounds), speed (a former Florida state champion in hurdles), and elite route-running made him a natural choice to represent the Buckeyes on the game’s cover.
The Regular Edition cover features Smith alongside Alabama’s Ryan Williams, highlighting two of college football’s most dynamic young receivers. This pairing reflects the game’s focus on rising stars who are redefining their programs. Smith, in his scarlet Ohio State jersey, stands front and center, embodying the Buckeyes’ National Championship legacy from 2024. The Deluxe Edition cover takes a broader approach, showcasing Smith with teammates like safety Caleb Downs and head coach Ryan Day, alongside other stars like Florida’s DJ Lagway, Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, and legends like Tim Tebow. Shot at the Rose Bowl, the Deluxe cover captures the grandeur of college football with mascots, coaches, and players in a vibrant stadium setting.
Smith’s cover appearance is a testament to his immediate impact and Ohio State’s dominance in producing NFL-caliber wide receivers, following in the footsteps of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. His rumored 100 overall rating in CFB 26—the first-ever perfect rating in the game’s history—further amplifies the hype surrounding his virtual and real-life prowess. Fans on social media, particularly on X, have celebrated Smith’s inclusion, though some expressed mixed feelings about the Deluxe Edition’s crowded design, with one user noting, “This cover is fresh, but where’s Brutus?”
For Smith, being on the cover is a “tremendous privilege,” as he expressed pride in representing Ohio State and its passionate fanbase. As the Buckeyes gear up for a title defense in 2025, Smith’s prominence on CFB 26 ensures his legacy will resonate both on the field and in the gaming world, inspiring fans to recreate his highlight-reel plays in virtual stadiums.
