The game is out next week.
The calendar has flipped to July, and for many of us 30-somethings, that could only mean one thing back in the day — a new college football was upon us. That feeling returned last year as EA Sports revived the franchise, and they’re back with the 2026 edition which is set to come out next week.
Part of the lead-up to the game’s release is getting the slow trickle of details. Team rankings, stadium toughness, new features, and of course — player rankings! With EA finally getting access to NIL, real player names finally appeared on the game for the first time last season.
Now EA has released the first batch of player rankings, giving us a glimpse at the top rated players for Tennessee this season.
The ratings are in @EASPORTSCollege#CFB26 | #GBO pic.twitter.com/KEwWO7P6Sr
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) July 2, 2025
Jermod McCoy leads the way for the Volunteers with a 94 overall mark. The rising junior cornerback had a breakout season in his first year in Knoxville, coming in and instantly taking over the top cornerback role. Game-changing plays against Alabama, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt got him on the NFL’s radar where he’s now being projected as a potential first round pick. McCoy is currently working back from a torn ACL that he suffered during January offseason training.
McCoy is the top-rated cornerback in the entire game.
Another guy that broke out last season was tight end Miles Kitselman, who comes in with a 90 overall ranking. The JUCO product was an afterthought last offseason, but forced his way on the field to eventually become the starter.
Stepping into the James Pearce role this season will be Joshua Josephs, who was given an 89 overall ranking. Josephs flashed quite a bit down the stretch for Tennessee and is expected to take a big step forward in an expanded role.
Impact defensive backs Boo Carter and Rickey Gibson both got 87 overall rankings, giving Tennessee one of the best secondaries in the game.
Interestingly, Duke transfer running back Star Thomas was given an 87 overall ranking to make him the top-ranked back on the roster. Tennessee will more than likely have a three-man approach to the backfield this season with Desean Bishop and Peyton Lewis also ready to roll. The pecking order, if there even really is one, will be interesting to see early on in the year.
College Football 26 is set to officially release next week on July 10th.