Mark your calendars, college football gaming fans! EA Sports College Football 27 is set to hit the shelves on July 9. For those eager to get an early start, pre-order early access begins on July 6, and MVP+ members can dive in even sooner with a seven-day head start on July 2.
For Oklahoma Sooners fans, the virtual gridiron is looking promising. You’ll have the chance to command a roster boasting some top-tier talent.
Leading the charge is David Stone, the game’s No. 1 defensive tackle, alongside top-10 quarterback John Mateer and top-10 cornerback Eli Bowen. These stars, among others, are ready to shine on your console.
Every year, the initial roster update misses a few players, often due to timing issues with NIL agreements. Let’s break down who made the cut for Oklahoma and how their virtual counterparts stack up.
Offensive Lineup:
- Quarterback & Running Back: John Mateer’s speed is a highlight at 89, while Bentley clocks in with an impressive 85 speed. Jett Niu might be missing, but the ratings otherwise seem spot on.
- Wide Receivers: Notably absent is freshman Jonathan Hatton. Blaylock and Robinson share similar ratings, reflecting their comparable skills. Blaylock’s 93 speed is a standout feature.
- Receivers & Tight Ends: Manny Choice and Daniel Odom’s absences are felt, yet Sategna’s blazing 96 speed sets him apart, with Thomas not far behind at 94. The tight end room, missing Trynae Washington, Tyler Ruxer, and Ryder Mix, still showcases strength with top ratings among the leading trio.
- Offensive Line: Fasusi and Harris hold steady with solid ratings, and while Owen Hollenbeck is missing, the included players maintain a strong showing.
Defensive Lineup:
- Defensive Tackles & Ends: Freshman Brian Harris is a notable miss. David Stone’s top ranking as the No. 1 defensive tackle is well-deserved. Jackson and Carrington bring solid, albeit slightly underrated, performances.
- Linebackers: Kip Lewis leads the pack with an 89 OVR, supported by Owen Heinecke and Cole Sullivan. Despite strong speed stats, omissions like Kristian Moore and Jacob Curry are felt, with some ratings seeming a touch low.
- Cornerbacks: Eli Bowen shines with a 90 OVR, supported by speedsters like Courtland Guillory and Jacobe Johnson, who all boast at least 90 speed. LeBron Bauer’s absence is notable, and Guillory’s rating hints at room for growth.
- Safety & Defensive Backs: The room is thin, and missing players like Niko Jandreau and Markel Ford doesn’t help. Boganowski and Powers could use a boost in their ratings, though their speed stats show promise.
As we gear up for the release, Oklahoma fans can look forward to leading a formidable squad. With a mix of speed, power, and skill, the Sooners are set to make an impact both on your screen and in the virtual world of college football.
In Other News...
Gerald McCoy Just Reignited Oklahomas Most Polarizing QB Debate
Gerald McCoy just put a fresh jolt into one of Oklahoma footballs favorite barroom arguments, and he did it by naming Caleb Williams as the quarterback he would take for a program today. The former All-Americans choice puts Williams in the same conversation with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts, a group that gives the Sooners no shortage of star power to compare across eras.
McCoys view was rooted in Williams athleticism and versatility, traits that helped make his lone season in Norman impossible to ignore. Even in a brief stay, Williams left a lasting impression on Oklahoma fans, and the debate around where he fits in the programs quarterback hierarchy is only going to get louder whenever one of these names comes back into the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Brent Venables Just Landed A Massive Defensive Commitment For 2027
A major early piece is in place for Oklahomas 2027 recruiting class, with another highly regarded defender giving Brent Venables staff a marquee addition to build around. The Sooners have landed a prospect who sits among the nations top 100 in multiple recruiting services, a profile that says as much about his ceiling as it does about the level of programs chasing him.
For Oklahoma, the appeal goes beyond rankings. The staff sees a defensive piece who can fit multiple spots in Venables scheme, with safety and cheetah both on the table as he develops. It also gives the Sooners another strong marker in a class that is starting to stack blue-chip talent, and one more reason for the rest of the country to keep watching how this group comes together. [Read more 🡒]
David Stone Is Suddenly Facing Oklahomas Biggest Defensive Question
David Stones progress from his first season to his second gave Oklahoma something to feel good about along the defensive line. The former five-star recruit was far more active in Year 2, finishing with 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks after a quieter debut, and that kind of jump is exactly why the Sooners still view him as a cornerstone piece up front.
Gerald McCoy sees the same upward trend and thinks Stone is close to a different level altogether. The former Sooner has pointed to Stones ability to move from simply being a good player to becoming a dominant defensive lineman, and that is where Oklahomas biggest question now starts to form - whether Stone is ready to own a much bigger piece of the defense when the pressure rises next season. [Read more 🡒]