As the excitement builds for the release of EA Sports College Football 27, fans are getting their first look at team and player ratings, and there's plenty to digest. Nebraska football enthusiasts have a mixed bag of news to consider. While there are some bright spots, the digital gridiron mirrors a harsh reality for the Huskers: their defense isn't turning heads in this year's game.
The absence of any Nebraska defenders among the top-rated players is a tough pill to swallow. It's a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Huskers' defense.
Adding to the sting, Memorial Stadium, once a fortress feared by opponents, has again missed out on being listed among the top 25 toughest venues in the game. This marks the second consecutive year it hasn't made the cut, signaling a shift in its virtual reputation.
On a brighter note, Nebraska's overall team rating of 83 lands them at No. 24 in the game, which is quite generous given their 7-6 finish in 2025, capped by three blowout losses. This ranking suggests a potential for growth and improvement, even if the recent past has been rocky.
There is genuine cause for celebration on the offensive side of things. Center Justin Evans has earned a spot among the top offensive players, boasting a 91 overall rating, making him the fifth-best center in the game's preseason lineup. Evans stands alone as the sole Nebraska player to crack the top 100 player ratings, highlighting his standout performance.
The defensive ratings tell a story of a unit still seeking respect. With an overall defense rating of 82, Nebraska finds itself trailing some of its Big Ten rivals.
Yet, hope is not lost. Transfer linebacker Owen Chambliss, coming in from San Diego State, is the Huskers' top-rated defender with an 89 overall.
Meanwhile, linebacker Larry Shavers Jr. and cornerback Andrew Marshall follow closely with 85 and 83 ratings, respectively. These players have the potential to boost their ratings with strong early-season performances.
Offensively, the Huskers have some exciting talent ready to make waves. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea leads with an 87 rating, matched by wide receiver Jacory Barney.
Another receiver, Nyziah Hunter, is not far behind with an 86, while transfer Kwazi Gilmer adds depth with an 85. This formidable passing attack could be Nebraska's ace in the hole, especially if their defense doesn't step up as expected.
In the virtual world, as in reality, Nebraska's success might hinge on an explosive offense to balance out a defense still finding its footing. With EA Sports College Football 27 set to launch on July 2, fans will soon see how these digital Huskers fare on the virtual field.
In Other News...
Nebraska Faces A High-Stakes Flip Battle As QB Buzz Explodes
Nebraskas recruiting board is getting a lot of attention right now, and not just because of the class the Huskers already have in hand. Quarterback commit Trae Taylor has been one of the biggest names in the cycle, and his rise has only sharpened the spotlight on Nebraskas broader pitch to elite prospects. A commitment like Taylors gives the program a headliner at the most important position, which matters when the staff is trying to build momentum with other top targets.
The bigger test is whether Nebraska can keep that momentum from turning into a tug-of-war, especially with other schools circling the same commitments and trying to change the conversation late. Taylors profile has only grown after a standout spring on the camp circuit, and Nebraska has been active in pursuing more talent on both sides of the ball to match that energy. With recruiting traffic picking up fast, the Huskers are suddenly operating in the kind of high-stakes environment where every relationship counts. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Fans Are Reconsidering One Uniform Change They Hated
Nebraskas new uniforms for the 2026 season did not get much love when they were first unveiled, with plenty of fans reacting as if the school had stepped too far outside its comfort zone. But the backlash started to ease once the look was shown in a sneak peek of EA Sports College Football 27, where the digital version seemed to land a little better than the real-life reveal did.
The universitys early look at the Huskers entrance and gameplay inside the game also gave fans more to talk about, from the presentation to the way the uniforms fit into the full Nebraska experience. Some supporters still are not sold, while others seem willing to give the new look a chance, which is usually how these things go when a traditional program changes something this visible. [Read more 🡒]