Jeremiah Smith has made history yet again.
EA Sports announced Wednesday that Smith is the first player ever to earn a 99 overall rating at launch in the College Football franchise (this does not include the old NCAA Football games). The honor comes one year after the Ohio State wide receiver appeared on the cover of CFB 26 alongside Alabama standout Ryan Williams.
The first ever 99 OVR at launch belongs to Jeremiah Smith. #CFB27
— College Football 27 (@EASPORTSCollege) June 24, 2026
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Leaks from May indicated Smith would be the lone 99 overall player in CFB 27 at launch, making him the highest-rated player in the game. He sits ahead of Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith (97 overall), Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore (97), Missouri offensive tackle Cayden Green (96) and Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy (96).
Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney (96), Georgia safety KJ Bolden (95), Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (95), Texas defensive end Colin Simmons (95) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (94) rounded out the top 10, according to the leaks.
Smith is widely regarded as the best player in college football after recording 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and 29 total touchdowns in 29 games across his first two seasons at Ohio State. Smith starred during the 2024 College Football Playoff and helped lead the Buckeyes to their first national championship since 2014. He earned unanimous All-American honors as a sophomore and has been named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year twice.
Ohio State enters CFB 27 as the game's second-highest-rated team at 90 overall. The Buckeyes also boast the top-rated offense (92 overall) and the No. 7 defense (88 overall), while Ohio Stadium ranks as the second-toughest venue to play in.
CFB 27, the third installment of the revived series since its return in 2024, will be released July 9 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Early access begins July 2 for MVP Bundle owners and July 6 for players who purchase the Deluxe Edition.
