Anticipation for the 2026 college football season is already buzzing. Tennessee Volunteers fans have something extra to look forward to, even before the first kickoff.
EA Sports is dropping its new College Football video game on July 9, 2026. The virtual Vols come loaded with high ratings and attributes, mirroring the team’s real-life potential. Let’s dig into the standout players and their top attributes from the game’s initial ratings release.
The Virtual Vols: A Preview of Tennessee’s Top Players
EA Sports College Football 27 has unveiled its player ratings, and Tennessee fans will spot plenty of familiar faces among the top ranks. The game features 61 players from Tennessee, but only two freshmen—so some hyped newcomers like quarterback Faizon Brandon and wide receiver TK Keys aren’t rated yet.
Still, the current roster is packed with talent at several positions. It’s a good mix, honestly.
Offensive Standouts
On the offensive line, Wendell Moe Jr. and David Sanders Jr. stand out. Moe, who came over from Arizona in 2025, ranks as the 10th-best guard in the game, with a strength of 95 and awareness also at 95.
Sanders, now a sophomore and a former SEC All-Freshman Team pick, is rated the ninth-best offensive tackle. His strength rating sits at 90, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Running back Bishop is another name that jumps off the ratings sheet. He’s the 12th-best running back in the game, with speed (89), awareness (89), agility (88), and change-of-direction (87).
Bishop’s 2025 season—1,076 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns—definitely helped those numbers.
Defensive Powerhouses
On defense, Campbell (a Penn State transfer) has an overall rating of 87. His awareness is elite at 93, which makes up for slightly lower marks in speed (85), strength (78), and agility (82).
Campbell’s career stats—193 tackles, 22 for loss, and 10.5 sacks over 37 games—back up his high rating.
Cornerback Lee comes with a “bump and run” tag and some eye-catching attributes. He boasts 96 acceleration, 92 speed, 93 agility, and 92 change-of-direction.
His awareness is a bit lower (85), but with 81 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and three interceptions in SEC play, he’s a tough matchup.
Rising Stars and Key Players
Wide receiver Staley, last season’s SEC Freshman of the Year, is one to keep an eye on. He’s got 93 speed, 93 agility, and an 82 in change-of-direction.
Staley’s breakout in 2025—68 catches, 837 yards, six touchdowns—earned him the “elusive route runner” label in the game.
Another receiver, Matthews, enjoyed a ratings boost too. With 94 speed and acceleration, he’ll be a blast for gamers to use.
Matthews had 53 receptions for 813 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, and those stats show up in his improved ratings.
Defensive Line and Special Teams
Defensive tackle Gilliam, another Penn State transfer, is labeled a “pure power” player with an 88 strength rating. He’s known for taking on double teams and putting pressure on the quarterback.
On special teams, punter Ross comes in as the No. 8 punter in the game. He’s got an 88 for kicking power and 87 for accuracy.
Ross’s knack for pinning opponents deep is captured well with his “accurate” tag.
Conclusion
EA Sports College Football 27 gives us a sneak peek at what the Tennessee Volunteers might look like in 2026. The game highlights some impressive ratings for key players.
Fans get a chance to mess around with the virtual Vols long before the real team hits the field. Curious about the top-rated players and their best stats? You can dive into the full breakdown over at 247Sports.
With the new season creeping closer, it’s worth keeping an eye out for more updates and deeper dives into Tennessee football. Who knows what surprises are still in store?
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