Which Buffs are rated too high and too low?
College Football 26 is here!
Eager fans can finally get their hands on the game today, with Deluxe Edition pre-orders gaining access early this afternoon.
Last year, many thought Colorado got some favoritism in the ratings department due to Coach Prime’s media presence. However, if we look back on CFB 25 and the Buffs’ 9-4 season, everything points to EA and their ratings team doing a great job, despite the fan criticism.
This year, things might be different. Let’s take a look at CU’s roster on CFB 26 and discuss where the game may have gotten things wrong, and where I believe they got things right.
Offense – 83 Overall:
QB: Kaidon Salter (88), Julian Lewis (79), Ryan Staub (72)
RB: Micah Welch (83), Dallen Hayden (81), Simeon Price (81), Charlie Offerdahl (80)
WR: Joseph Williams (80), Drelon Miller (79), Omarion Miller (79), Jack Hestera (76)
TE: Zach Atkins (77), Sav’ell Smalls (76)
OT: Jordan Seaton (92), Xavier Hill (90), Phillip Houston (80)
OG: Aki Ogunbiyi (79), Tyler Brown (75), Kareem Harden (75)
C: Zarian McGill (75)
Defense – 82 Overall:
DE: Arden Walker (83), Samuel Okunlola (83), Keaten Wade (81), Justin Bigby (78)
DT: Jaheim Oatis (86), Tavian Coleman (78), Gavriel Lightfoot (76)
LB: Martavius French (81), Reginald Hughes (76)
CB: DJ McKinney (89), Tyrecus Davis (82), Makari Vickers (76)
FS: Carter Stoutmire (85)
SS: Preston Hodge (82)
Special Teams – 77 Overall:
K: Alex Mata (76), Buck Buchanan (73)
P: Damon Greaves (71)
What they got right:
- DJ McKinney – 89 Overall (CB): This feels like a good spot for DJ. He has the upside and experience to become a premier cornerback in the Big 12 this year. This rating also places DJ as the third highest overall on the entire team, which feels about right. Adjusting his overall up from 89 will be easy if DJ has the breakout year he looks poised to have.
- Jordan Seaton – 92 Overall (OT): 92 for a true sophomore is high praise, but Seat has earned it. He is expected to be one of the best tackles in the entire Big 12 this season, and low 90’s feels fair for a guy with much more to prove.
- Kaidon Salter – 88 Overall (QB): Salter has lots of reps at the FBS level during his time at Liberty, throws a great ball and very well might be the best rushing quarterback within the Big 12. Salter has yet to play for a Power Five program, but with what he’s already proven in Jamey Chadwell’s offense, an 88 feels very fair for Salter to start.
What they got wrong:
- Preston Hodge – 82 Overall (SS): This one is strange. Not only has Hodge earned mid-to-high 80s overall respect, but he also doesn’t play strong safety. Hodge, like last year, is expected to play nickel corner and was rated as one of the best in the entire country last year. Expect Hodge to be moved into the high 80’s and to cornerback by October.
- Omarion Miller – 79 Overall (WR): Omarion Miller had some massive moments in 2024, and the upside is through the roof with Omarion. I would have given Miller an 84 or 85, even with the broken leg he suffered at the end of last season. Miller has the potential to grow into one of the best receivers in the Big 12, and 79 is far too low.
- Carter Stoutmire – 85 Overall (FS): Stoutmire has the potential to reach an 85 overall this year, but I don’t think he’s done anything yet to warrant this rating. Last season, Stoutmire was utilized as a backup Nickel Corner and Safety. He is a versatile DB with lots of upside all over the field, but low 80s would have been plenty fair at this point.