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While the Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day continue to prepare for the upcoming college football season, the program’s top players are making headlines this offseason.

One of the most important playmakers on the Buckeyes’ roster leading up to the 2026 season is star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who will look to carry the success from his first two college seasons into this year. And while many fans are excited to see the talented offensive weapon live in action, everyone will be able to enjoy his player in College Football 27.

According to EA on Wednesday morning, Smith will be the first-ever 99 overall-rated player at the launch of the game.

📈 The first ever 99 OVR at launch belongs to Jeremiah Smith. #CFB27

Become an MVP+ Member by 7/1 for 7-Day Early Access. pic.twitter.com/gUyVcDHIEK

— College Football 27 (@EASPORTSCollege) June 24, 2026

Smith’s Legendary Run With Ohio State

After a brief 11-year hiatus from creating a college football video game, Electronic Arts was able to produce a game back in 2024, with College Football 25 being one of its best-selling games in recent memory. Thanks to the new NIL licensing, the company reached an agreement with players, coaches, and programs for its name, image, and likeness for the beloved game.

This, however, is not the first time that Smith has been a key part of the game, as the highly-touted wide receiver joined fellow college football star, Alabama’s Ryan Coleman-Williams, on the cover of College Football 26’s standard edition. In last year’s game, Smith was the highest-rated player at the launch of the game with a 98 overall rating and was able to remain as a 98 for the entire course of the game.

It’s clear that throughout his two seasons with the Buckeyes, Smith is well-deserving of becoming the first 99 overall rating before the launch of the game. In his first year with Ohio State, the former five-star wide receiver shattered multiple freshman records for the program, recording 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while playing alongside two future first-round draft picks in Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate.

Following his incredible freshman campaign, Smith was able to continue his impressive run at the college level during the 2025 season, ending the year with 1,243 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in three fewer games.

His dominant run throughout his time with the Buckeyes has paved the way for him to be one of the top prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft class, as he could become the first non-quarterback to be selected in next year’s draft.

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