EA College Football 27 is just around the corner, gearing up for a big release on July 9, with MVP+ members getting an early taste on July 2. As part of the lead-up, EA has been dropping player rating reveals, and Friday was the big day for Syracuse fans.
The Orange have 66 players in the game, and it's important to note that players must opt-in to have their name, image, and likeness featured. This year, Syracuse's top ten players offer some intriguing insights:
- CB Chris Peal leads the pack with a stellar 90 rating.
- CB Demetres Samuel Jr. follows with an 87.
- HB Ahmad Miller clocks in at 82.
- WR Cole Weaver, QB Steve Angeli, and LEDG Tunmise Adeleye each earn an 81.
- MIKE Antoine Deslauriers is rated at 80.
- HB Ju’Juan Johnson and WR Zamondre Merriweather both come in at 79.
- QB Amari Odom rounds out the top ten at 78.
Tied with Odom at 78 overall are CB Davien Kerr and DT Rashard Perry, showcasing some depth in the Orange lineup.
Chris Peal's 90 rating is particularly noteworthy, making him only the second Syracuse player in the recent era of college football games to hit that mark at launch. Oronde Gadsden II previously set the bar with a 91 in EA College Football 25.
Looking at the broader picture, Syracuse's roster ratings reflect a bit of a decline over recent seasons. Back in EA College Football 25, the Orange boasted 12 players rated 80 or higher, with six surpassing the 85 mark.
Fast forward to EA College Football 26, and those numbers dipped to 10 players at 80 or above, with just one hitting 85. This year, only seven players make the 80+ cut, with Peal and Samuel breaking the 85 threshold.
Peal's rating underscores the growing buzz around his game and professional potential. In fact, he's the only 90-rated cornerback in the ACC, tying for ninth best in the game overall.
Samuel isn't far behind, tied for third best among ACC cornerbacks. Meanwhile, Angeli shares the sixth spot for ACC quarterbacks with Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz, and Deslauriers ties for eighth among MIKE linebackers with Duke’s Nick Morris Jr.
When it comes to team rankings, Syracuse finds itself in a bit of a challenging spot, tied for 60th overall with a 78 rating. They're in the company of Georgia Tech and Wake Forest, while Boston College and Stanford are the only ACC teams ranked lower. Syracuse's offense is rated at 77, with the defense slightly stronger at 80.
These ratings provide a fascinating snapshot of where Syracuse stands as we head into the new season of EA College Football. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there's plenty to digest as the virtual gridiron action kicks off.
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