With the release of EA CFB 26, the Texas Longhorns have made a resounding statement, showcasing not just their storied program but a new generation of talented players. As fans dive into the latest edition of this beloved series, they’ll find that while the Longhorns’ stadium pulse – an indicator of home-field advantage – garners attention, it’s the ratings of Texas’ young crop that are generating buzz.
Although Texas might not claim the title of having the nation’s highest-rated freshman – that honor goes to Oregon’s Dakorien Moore, a standout wide receiver – they certainly don’t lag far behind. The Longhorns are notably represented with a robust seven freshmen rated 78 or higher, which is no small feat. Only a handful of teams can boast more than five freshmen within the top 50, a clear reflection of Texas’ impressive No. 1 recruiting class.
Leading the charge is running back James Simon, whose 81 rating ranks him among the elite at sixth-best for players in the game. It’s interesting to note that while Simon’s emergence is impressive, receiver Kaliq Lockett – a highly-touted five-star recruit – also shares the spotlight with matching ratings. Lockett, who is ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the On3 industry ratings, had the benefit of a higher profile coming into the season compared to Simon, who just cracked the top 150 in the same rankings. Simon’s advantageous position as a running back allows for greater immediate impact, especially considering he’s running behind one of the nation’s top offensive lines.
The offensive talent doesn’t stop there. Wide receivers Jaime Ffrench (80 OVR) and Daylan McCutcheon (79 OVR) also make waves as early contributors, with McCutcheon already earning early praise as one of the standout players of this incoming class.
On the defensive side, Texas continues to impress with defensive lineman Justus Terry (80), cornerback Kade Phillips (79), and EDGE rusher Lance Jackson (79) all earning their spots among the rated freshmen. Texas managed to land Terry, who hails from Georgia, a considerable coup for the program and a testament to their recruiting prowess. He’s recognized as the No. 2 defensive lineman nationally, and both he and Jackson could become cornerstone players in a defense poised for success, especially with Phillips joining them as a highly-rated five-star recruit.
However, it’s worth noting some potential omissions in player ratings within the game. As pointed out recently, select high-profile players may not appear in the rankings due to licensing issues. For instance, Ohio State’s cornerback Devin Sanchez serves as one such example. This may also explain why top-10 recruit Jonah Williams is notably absent from the Longhorns’ list, a gap that could raise eyebrows among fans. Other names like linebacker Elijah Barnes, wide receiver Michael Terry III, and cornerback Graceson Littleton are also knocking on the door of the top 50.
Overall, Texas’ top-ranked recruiting class is receiving well-deserved recognition, proudly showcasing some of the game’s most promising ratings. With Georgia’s No. 2 class trailing slightly behind, the Longhorns have established themselves firmly on the national landscape, reflecting confidence in the young talent and the overall caliber of the team set to challenge for glory in 2025. As anticipation builds for their much-anticipated showdown with Ohio State on August 30, eyes will be glued to see how this talented roster performs on the actual gridiron.
