Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been announced as the cover athlete for EA Sports College Football 26, making him the first player from the Buckeyes to grace the cover. EA Sports revealed Smith’s selection alongside Alabama’s Ryan Williams on May 27.
The game is set to launch on July 10 and will have both Smith and Williams featured on the standard and deluxe editions. The deluxe edition will also include notable figures from Ohio State, such as head coach Ryan Day and safety Caleb Downs. Earlier this year, they participated in a promotional photoshoot at the Rose Bowl.
Smith’s inclusion as a cover athlete comes after an impressive freshman season in which he set records at Ohio State, racking up 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, culminating in a pivotal 56-yard catch in the national championship game against Notre Dame. Smith expressed his excitement, stating, “Being on the cover of EA SPORTS College Football 26 is a tremendous privilege, and I’m proud to represent Ohio State alongside Coach Day while carrying the Buckeye legacy forward.”
The college football video game series, previously known as NCAA Football, returned in 2023 after a decade-long absence, and it will be available on the latest gaming consoles including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Ohio State’s representation continues strong, building on last year’s success when former running back Quinshon Judkins appeared on the deluxe edition cover alongside a roster of other prominent players. This new selection signifies a growing recognition of Ohio State’s football talent on a national level, particularly among younger audiences who engage with the sport through gaming.