EA Sports College Football 26 is set to release on July 10, with early access available starting July 7. The much-anticipated installment of the franchise has already sparked debates among fans, particularly concerning the strength of the rosters for Iowa and Iowa State heading into the 2025-26 college football season.
Based on the average ratings for the top 11 players from each team, Iowa State boasts a slight edge with an average rating of 86.8, compared to Iowa’s 86.5. This data was revealed when EA Sports published their rankings of the top players at various schools, including the two Iowa teams.
Iowa’s roster includes notable standouts such as defensive tackle Aaron Graves and right offensive tackle Gennings Dunker, both rated at 91, while center Logan Jones follows closely with a rating of 90. Overall, Iowa features four players rated 90 or higher, which positions them well as top-focused competitors for the new season.
On the other hand, Iowa State’s top-rated players include safety Jeremiah Cooper, also receiving a rating of 91. The Cyclones have a more balanced distribution of talent with seven offensive players making the list, showcasing their depth in the positions.
Both teams have unique strengths—while Iowa has strong top-end talent, Iowa State’s lineup reflects a broader depth of skilled players, making it an intriguing contest for fans. The ratings reflect each player’s attributes, such as speed, agility, and tackling, which are crucial to performance and strategy in college football.
With the game set to hit the shelves soon, it will be interesting to see how the players’ ratings evolve throughout the upcoming season. In a year filled with excitement and potential, both Iowa and Iowa State fans have a reason to be optimistic about their teams’ prospects.