Both players were instrumental during the 2024 season, showcasing exceptional skill, maturity, and star power that made them instant fan favorites. Williams posted 48 receptions, racking up 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His eight touchdowns placed him second in the SEC and tied for College Football 26 Coins second among all freshmen nationally. A deep threat with polished route running, Williams quickly became a focal point of Alabama’s offense.

Smith’s freshman campaign was even more dominant. The top-ranked recruit in his class, Smith hauled in 76 catches for 1,315 yards and a staggering 16 touchdowns, the highest among freshmen nationwide. His breakout year helped fuel Ohio State’s national championship run and established him as one of the most explosive weapons in college football.

Their emergence as cover athletes signals a shift in how EA approaches player recognition. In past years, the cover featured players who were already college legends or on the cusp of entering the NFL. This time, EA is betting on the future—and in doing so, reflecting the current college football landscape, where underclassmen are making an impact earlier than ever before.

Williams shared his emotional reaction to being selected for the cover in an interview with On3. “I remember playing the old EA games back when I was little,” he said. “Mascot mode, Road to Glory, all of that. I used to look at guys like Mark Ingram on the cover and think, ‘What if that could be me one day?’ Now it is. I’m grateful, and it’s surreal.”

Smith echoed similar pride in representing his school and the broader community of college athletes. “To be on the cover of College Football 26 and represent Ohio State, our fans, and our legacy—it's a huge honor,” Smith said. “It means the world to me and my teammates.”

While the standard edition spotlights college football’s rising stars, EA is also honoring the sport’s deep-rooted traditions with its deluxe edition cover. This version features a collage of current coaches and iconic players from past editions. Fans will see the faces of cheap College Football 26 Coins Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, Penn State’s James Franklin, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, and Ohio State’s Ryan Day.