In the virtual world of EA Sports College Football 26, the Illinois football team is making a strong case for optimism in the 2025 season.
With 19 players rated 80 overall or higher, the Illini demonstrate a depth of talent that rivals many top-ranked programs. This robust roster, combined with the team’s real-world success in 2024, sets the stage for an exciting year both on the screen and on the field. However, the ratings do leave out players in an important position group.
A Roster Packed with Talent
Illinois’ roster in College Football 26 is a testament to the program’s resurgence under Bret Bielema. The team features a balanced mix of offensive and defensive stars. Leading the pack is Gabe Jacas, the highest-rated left outside linebacker in the game at 92 overall.
The defensive side is complemented by cornerback Xavier Scott (90 OVR), free safety Miles Scott (83 OVR), and strong safety Matthew Bailey (88 OVR). Those three anchor one of three secondaries in the Big Ten that have two safeties and a cornerback with an 83 overall rating or better (Nebraska and Wisconsin).
The offense is equally impressive, with quarterback Luke Altmyer (89 OVR) poised to lead Illinois with his dual-threat capabilities. The offensive line is bolstered by left tackle J.C. Davis (90 OVR) and left guard Josh Gesky (84 OVR), providing protection and opening lanes for running backs Aidan Laughery (86 OVR) and Kaden Feagin (84 OVR). Additional contributors like wide receiver Hudson Clement (82 OVR) and tight end Tanner Arkin (80 OVR) round out a good receiver group.
Illinois Players Rated 80+ in College Football 26
Name | Position | Overall (OVR) |
|---|---|---|
Gabe Jacas | LOLB | 92 |
Xavier Scott | CB | 90 |
J.C. Davis | LT | 90 |
Luke Altmyer | QB | 89 |
Matthew Bailey | SS | 88 |
Aidan Laughery | HB | 86 |
Josh Kreutz | C | 85 |
Torrie Cox Jr. | CB | 85 |
Kaden Feagin | HB | 84 |
Josh Gesky | LG | 84 |
Kaleb Patterson | CB | 84 |
Miles Scott | FS | 83 |
Dylan Rosiek | MLB | 82 |
Hudson Clement | WR | 82 |
Ca'Lil Valentine | HB | 82 |
Tanner Arkin | TE | 80 |
Melvin Priestly | RT | 80 |
Tomiwa Durojaiye | RE | 80 |
David Olano | K | 80 |
Competitive Standing Among Ranked Teams
The presence of 19 players with 80+ ratings positions Illinois competitively among other top programs in College Football 26.
Teams that have appeared on preseason polls often have 15-25 players rated 80 or higher, placing Illinois in a comparable tier. This, combined with an excellent coach in Bielema, is great news for the Illini’s potential to compete in the Big Ten and vie for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff in 2025.
However, the optimism does come to a halt with Illinois’ overall team rating of 82, with an 81 offense and 84 defense. That puts them in tier three, outside the top 15 teams in the game, near teams like Kentucky, NC State, and North Carolina.
Defensive Line: A Critical Area for Improvement
Despite the roster’s strength, the defensive line presents a potential weakness. Only one defensive lineman, Tomiwa Durojaiye (80 OVR, right end), is rated 80 or higher. Defensive tackles Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr., both rated at 79 OVR, and Gentle Hunt at 74 OVR. The defensive line group will need to outperform their ratings to address this gap.
Conclusion
With 19 players rated 80 overall or higher, the Illini are on par with many top programs, signaling their ability to compete at a high level in 2025. While the defensive line requires attention, most of the starters on the roster provide a strong foundation for optimism.
As the season approaches, Illinois fans can look forward to seeing if their virtual prowess translates into real-world success, potentially propelling the Illini to new heights in the Big Ten and beyond.