Transferring an athlete’s set of skills to the video game world is an inexact science, especially when there are 136 college football rosters to assemble. As the latest iteration of EA Sports College Football 26 rolls out, Ohio State fans find themselves debating the ratings of their favorite players. While standout talents like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs boast impressive ratings of 98 and 96, respectively, several Buckeyes appear to have been undervalued by the game’s developers.
Among these are wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Mylan Graham, rated 80 and 78 overall. Despite their modest ratings, both players are expected to exceed expectations on the field. However, the conversation doesn’t end there. A deeper dive reveals five Buckeyes—two offensive linemen and three defenders—who may have been overlooked by EA’s scouting team.
Spotlight on Payton Pierce
One of the most glaring oversights is linebacker Payton Pierce, who holds a 74 overall rating. This rating pales in comparison to a fictional player, Blake Carney, who is rated 79 overall. Pierce, a sophomore, has a 247Sports composite ranking as the No. 15 linebacker and No. 204 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. Despite an ankle injury that limited his spring practice, Pierce has shown immense potential.
James Laurinaitis, Ohio State’s linebackers coach, has been vocal about Pierce’s capabilities. “Payton’s awesome. Tough,” Laurinaitis said. “Absolute natural middle linebacker. His feel in the box and his ability to maneuver and feel blocking schemes. He’s got that wrestling background, so his striking ability and the way he snags and then runs his feet on contact, like, it’s just a throwback, man. I love Payton. I expect Payton to have a lot of playing time.”
Pierce’s role as the third linebacker in Ohio State’s 4-2-5 defense offers him ample opportunity to demonstrate his skills, potentially outshining his virtual counterpart.
Jaylen McClain: A Rising Star
Safety Jaylen McClain, rated 77 overall, shares a similar narrative with Pierce. As a second-year defender, McClain is vying for a starting position and has already made a significant impact. Last year, he was the third Ohio State freshman to shed his black stripe, a rite of passage for new players, after impressing during spring practice and preseason camp.
McClain’s interception during the spring game highlighted his potential. Competing with Malik Hartford for the strong safety position, McClain’s aggressive playstyle and athleticism have caught the attention of safeties coach Matt Guerrieri. “Jaylen’s had a great spring,” Guerrieri noted. “Competition has been awesome, but it’s our job as coaches to have packaging that, if those guys earn the right to be on the field, we’ve got to put them on the field.”
Offensive Line: Montgomery and Siereveld
Transitioning to the offensive line, Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld both received 78 overall ratings. Montgomery, an Ohio native, is poised for a breakout season. After a strong showing in the College Football Playoff, he secured a starting position at left guard, showcasing his rugged playing style.
Siereveld, on the other hand, is making waves as the likely starter at right tackle. His versatility and recognition as an Iron Buckeye underscore his value to the team. Head coach Ryan Day praised his progress, stating, “Austin Siereveld is going to be a starter for us. He’s an excellent player. Really had a good spring for us.”
Kayden McDonald: A Defensive Powerhouse
Finally, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, rated 80 overall, is another player whose virtual rating may not reflect his true impact. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, McDonald has demonstrated his prowess on the field. Despite playing behind established starters, he was a key component of Ohio State’s formidable goal-line defense last season.
McDonald logged 214 snaps, the most among the Buckeyes’ defensive tackles outside of those who have moved on to the NFL. With 19 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, he is set to start at nose guard in 2025, potentially proving that his current rating is an underestimate of his capabilities.
As Ohio State gears up for the upcoming season, these players are poised to showcase their talents, potentially prompting EA Sports to reconsider their ratings in future updates. The Buckeyes’ depth and talent continue to make them a formidable force in college football, both on the field and in the virtual arena.
