EA Sports College Football 26 is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing about the player ratings, especially for the pivotal quarterback position. With a fresh crop of talent stepping in as many top performers from last season move on to the NFL, it’s intriguing to see which college quarterbacks have made their mark in this year’s game.
You may have heard the buzz around Arch Manning, a name that’s been impossible to ignore in the college football landscape. Despite the hype and fanfare surrounding the Texas Longhorns’ new starter, he didn’t crack the top five when it comes to ratings. Instead, that honor is shared among a couple of Manning’s SEC rivals, who tied for the fifth spot with an impressive 91 overall rating.
Leading the pack, though, are three quarterbacks hailing from power conferences, and it’s easy to see why they’ve earned such high marks. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Penn State’s Drew Allar have each showcased remarkable talent in the previous season, solidifying their status in the game.
Klubnik put together a standout year, completing 63.4% of his passes for a career-high 3,639 yards and an eye-popping 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His efforts not only earned him individual accolades but also propelled the Tigers to an ACC title and their first appearance in the College Football Playoff since 2020. That kind of performance definitely warrants his top rating.
Nussmeier, in his inaugural season as a starter, didn’t miss a beat. He led the SEC in completions and passing attempts, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns with a completion rate of 64.2%. His ability to command the field and deliver in crucial moments positioned him as one of college football’s rising stars.
Allar, making history with Penn State, guided the Nittany Lions to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, ultimately pushing them to the national semifinals before a narrow defeat to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. His numbers—3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns against eight interceptions, including five games with three touchdown throws—speak volumes of his aptitude and potential.
While the EA Sports ratings provide an engaging look at college football talent, they don’t necessarily predict how these players will fare in the real world as the 2025 season unfolds. Expect some fans to vent their frustrations should their favored quarterbacks not live up to the ratings hype.
As history has shown, there’s always a player who seemingly rises from the shadows to take the spotlight. The question remains: will any of these top-rated quarterbacks assert themselves and truly claim the title of the best QB in college football by the end of the 2025 season? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this season is shaping up to be as thrilling as ever.
