EA Sports has once again stirred up college football fans with its latest player ratings for “College Football 27.” Two Penn State athletes landed among the top-rated defensive players and specialists: safety Jeremiah Cooper and kicker Ryan Barker.
That’s a pretty big deal for both players, and it says a lot about Penn State’s strength on defense and special teams. Let’s get into their ratings and what this could mean for Penn State’s season ahead.
Jeremiah Cooper: A Defensive Powerhouse
Jeremiah Cooper, a redshirt senior who transferred from Iowa State, is making headlines with a 91 rating in “College Football 27.” He’s the No. 4 safety in the game, just behind KJ Bolden of Georgia (95), Bray Hubbard of Alabama (94), and Koi Perich of Oregon (93).
Cooper is the only Penn State defender to crack the top 10 at his position, which stands out.
Cooper’s Versatility and Skill Set
EA Sports broke down Cooper’s ratings in detail:
- Speed: 93
- Strength: 65
- Agility: 92
- Change of Direction: 88
- Injury: 92
- Awareness: 95
Those numbers show off his agility, awareness, and flat-out speed. He can line up anywhere in the secondary, which is a huge asset for Penn State.
Impressive Career and Accolades
Cooper’s journey to Penn State included plenty of highlights. At Iowa State, he piled up 134 tackles (82 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, a touchdown, 22 pass defenses, and one forced fumble over 38 games (36 starts).
- All-Big 12 first team (2023)
- Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2022)
- All-Big 12 honorable mention (2022, 2024)
He also made preseason All-Big 12 and landed on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists heading into 2025. Penn State fans are eager to see what he brings when preseason camp kicks off in August.
Ryan Barker: The Underrated Kicker
On special teams, Ryan Barker has quietly become one of the country’s most reliable kickers. EA Sports gave him an 84 rating, tying him for sixth-best kicker in “College Football 27” alongside Alex McPherson of Auburn.
Barker’s Key Ratings
Here’s how EA Sports graded Barker:
- Speed: 71
- Strength: 48
- Agility: 62
- Change of Direction: 62
- Injury: 85
- Awareness: 67
Those ratings point to Barker’s reliability and steady nerves. Over the last two seasons, he’s become a mainstay for Penn State’s special teams.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Barker has put together a strong resume. He’s 33-of-37 on field goals and 92-of-94 on extra points. In 2025, he went 18-of-19 on field goals, setting a Penn State single-season record with a 94.7% success rate.
His only miss was a blocked 53-yarder against FIU. Barker’s achievements include:
- All-Big Ten honorable mention
- Penn State’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage (89.2%)
- Seventh in career PAT percentage (97.9%)
Barker’s story—going from a walk-on to one of the top kickers in the country—shows what hard work can do. He’s definitely earned his spot among the best in “College Football 27.”
Penn State’s Overall Ratings in “College Football 27”
EA Sports also dropped team ratings for “College Football 27.” Penn State got an overall rating of 83, which ties them for 21st place.
The offense sits at 86 (tied for 13th), and the defense is at 81 (tied for 30th).
Top-Rated Penn State Players
Besides Cooper and Barker, tight end Ben Brahmer also made the list of top players at his position. Brahmer received an 88 rating, ranking him seventh-best tight end in the game.
These ratings really highlight the depth and talent on Penn State’s roster in “College Football 27.”
The release of player ratings for “College Football 27” has stirred up plenty of buzz, especially among Penn State fans.
Jeremiah Cooper and Ryan Barker landed recognition as top players in their positions. That’s a nod to their skill and all the effort they’ve put in.
With these two standouts joining the roster, Penn State’s upcoming season looks more interesting. Their presence should give the team a real boost on defense and special teams.
If you’re curious about more details on the player ratings or Penn State’s performance in “College Football 27,” check out the full article on 247Sports.
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