If you're gearing up to dive into EA College Football 27 when it hits the shelves in early July, Wisconsin might just be the perfect project for those looking to rebuild a team from the ground up. EA Sports has just unveiled the player ratings for the 2026 edition of this beloved game, set to launch worldwide on July 9. And if the Badgers' roster is anything to go by, it seems EA Sports shares the skepticism many have expressed about Wisconsin's prospects this offseason.
Now, let's remember that these ratings are just the starting point. As the season progresses, player performances will likely lead to updates.
But for now, this initial release gives us a glimpse into how the game's creators perceive Wisconsin's squad. Here are some key insights from the Badgers' initial ratings:
The Big Ten is packed with elite talent, but according to EA, Wisconsin isn’t exactly brimming with top-tier players. While 37 players across the conference boast ratings of 90 or higher, the Badgers don't have anyone hitting that mark. In fact, they fall short of it by a noticeable margin.
Leading the pack for Wisconsin are running back Abu Sama and cornerback Javan Robinson, each with an 85 overall rating. Not too shabby, but not quite elite either.
When considering the Badgers' standout players for the 2026 season, Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph should be on your radar. His potential is clear, even if he's yet to prove himself in the Big Ten.
However, EA seems to remain unconvinced, rating him at an 84 overall. And his speed?
An 86 rating, which might raise eyebrows for those who’ve seen him blaze past defenses with 75-plus yard touchdown runs against Indiana last fall.
On the defensive front, sophomores Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano are expected to be key figures. Yet, their ratings suggest otherwise, with Posa at an 80 overall and Catalano at a 73. These numbers might feel like a bit of an underestimation for those familiar with their play.
Despite the seemingly lukewarm reception of the Badgers' roster, a few players have been acknowledged for their standout athleticism. Wide receiver Malachi Coleman and cornerback Bryce West have been recognized for their blazing speed, earning ratings of 95 and 94, respectively.
West also shines with a 95 in agility and a 97 in change of direction, though his overall rating sits at 77. Clearly, EA sees the athletic potential even if it’s not fully reflected in the overall numbers.
Then there's wideout Chris Brooks Jr., who boasts a 95 injury rating, one of the highest on the team. It's an interesting choice considering his history of injuries, making it a point of humor for those who know his career well.
It's clear that some of these ratings might not fully align with reality, especially for a team like Wisconsin that might not be on everyone's radar nationally. For the Badgers to boost their EA ratings this season, they'll need to prove their worth on the field.
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The concern, of course, is that these situations rarely feel settled until signing day arrives. Zion has already drawn outside attention, and the kind of recruiting tug-of-war that follows a top commit can turn quickly, which is why any sign of reassurance from him lands so well in Madison as the calendar keeps moving toward the finish line. [Read more 🡒]