As the countdown to the college football season ticks away, fans are gearing up for the release of EA Sports' College Football 27 on July 9. With the game set to showcase players from all 138 teams, there's plenty of buzz, especially surrounding the Michigan State Spartans.
Heading into 2026, the Spartans have a familiar face at the helm with Pat Fitzgerald taking charge in East Lansing. The hope is that his leadership will steer the program back to bowl game contention. With the game’s launch ratings now public, let's dive into what they reveal about the Spartans’ roster.
Topping the defensive lineup is Ben Roberts, a standout transfer from Oregon, who boasts an impressive 83 overall rating as he steps into his redshirt senior year. Following him, albeit with a notable drop, are players like defensive tackle Derrick Simmons, Eli Coenen, redshirt Isaac Smith, and NC State transfer Kenny Soares Jr., each holding a 75 overall rating. This defensive squad has their work cut out for them, with Roberts leading the charge to elevate the team's performance.
On the offensive side, redshirt sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic finds himself with a 75 overall rating, a point of contention given his potential to enhance Michigan State's offensive efficiency. His ratings in areas like Throw Under Pressure, Throw on the Run, and Break Sacks have room for improvement, and it could be just the motivation he needs to prove the game wrong and lead the Spartans to a successful season.
The ratings for Michigan State's top talents seem spot on. Cam Edwards, a dynamic running back transfer from UConn, leads the pack with a stellar 90 overall rating, marking him as the Spartans’ top player in the game. He’s followed by seasoned linebacker Jordan Hall at 86, cornerback Charles Brantley at 85, wide receiver Chrishon McCray also at 85, and Iowa transfer punter Rhys Dakin at 84.
For fans ready to take on a virtual Spartan rebuild in CFB 27, the roster offers a promising mix of new and returning talent. Spartans Nation has every reason to be optimistic about the potential these players bring to the field, both in the game and the upcoming season.
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