ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

College Football 26, the much-anticipated second edition EA Sports’ revived video game franchise, released Monday for customers who pre-ordered the game.

The game, available for all customers July 10, includes more than 10,000 college football players from 136 FBS teams, including four graduates of Rome High School.

Stephiylan Green, Martel Hight, Justin Terrell and Joe Wilkinson were all in the game as of its July 7 launch, with other local alumni possibly added in the game later this year.

In the game, players are given ratings for each different element of their game, as well as an overall rating that aggregates each of their individual ratings. Ratings range from 0-99, although the lowest individual ratings are typically reserved for non-quarterbacks’ throwing ratings, and the lowest overall in the game at launch was 47.

These ratings impact how a player handles when controlled by a user, and how well they perform when controlled by the computer or in simulation.

The ratings are updated periodically throughout the season.

Stephiylan Green, Clemson DT

Ratings: 80 overall, 87 strength, 87 tackle, 85 pursuit, 84 hit power

Green (Rome class of 2023) had a breakout season as a redshirt freshman in 2024. He was named to The AthleticÐÔÊӽ紫ý Freshman All-American second team after making 17 tackles (2.5 of them for loss), one sack and playing in 12 of ClemsonÐÔÊӽ紫ý 14 games. He is expected to continue to emerge as a disruptive interior lineman this year.

EA Sports rates Green highly in injury prevention and toughness, with each receiving a 90 rating.

In College Football 26, Green is the fifth-highest-rated Clemson defensive tackle, behind Peter Woods (94 overall), Demonte Capehart (84), Vic Burley (82) and Amare Adams (80).

Martel Hight, Vanderbilt CB

Ratings: 87 overall, 93 acceleration, 91 speed, 90 agility, 88 kick return, 87 zone coverage, 87 play recognition

Hight (Rome class of 2023) was an important part of the Commodores’ winningest season since 2012. As a cornerback, he made two interceptions and 33 tackles. As a punt returner, he took 18 kicks back for 265 yards (14.7 average), including a 57-yard return touchdown against Alcorn State.

He was named to the All-SEC second team and Phil Steele All-American honorable mention list, and was a semifinalist for the Jet Award, given to the top returner in college football.

After his impressive sophomore season, EA Sports rated Hight very highly. His 87 overall is fourth-best on the team and 42nd of 1,009 cornerbacks in the game.

In the game, HightÐÔÊӽ紫ý 88 kick return, 91 speed, 93 acceleration and 90 agility reflect his impressive kick return prowess, while his 87 zone coverage, 85 man coverage and 87 play recognition make him a real threat on the defensive side.

Hight also has the quick jump and blanket coverage abilities at a bronze level in the game, meaning he reacts to snaps and wide receiver cuts quicker than the average player.

Justin Terrell, N.C. State DT

Ratings: 76 overall, 91 strength, 82 block shed, 82 hit power, 79 tackle

Terrell (Rome class of 2024) played only 24 snaps across four games as a true freshman last season, but he has reportedly added 30 pounds. He is expected to play as the backup nose guard in N.C. StateÐÔÊӽ紫ý three-down defensive scheme this year.

The added weight is reflected in TerrellÐÔÊӽ紫ý in-game 91 strength rating. He is also rated as an all-around run-stopper, receiving an 82 in block shed, 79 tackle and 77 pursuit.

In College Football 26, he is the second-rated Wolfpack defensive tackle, behind Brandon Cleveland (84)

Joe Wilkinson, Clemson FS

Ratings: 71 overall, 89 speed, 88 agility, 86 acceleration, 83 pursuit, 73 hit power, 72 tackle

Wilkinson (Rome class of 2024) played three snaps over two games as a true freshman, maintaining his redshirt eligibility after a decorated career at Rome.

WilkinsonÐÔÊӽ紫ý ratings reflect his high school experience as a defensive back unafraid to step into the box and make a tackle. His solid 83 rating in pursuit, 73 hit power and 72 tackle are higher than his average zone coverage and press ratings.

In College Football 26, Wilkinson is the 14th-highest-rated Clemson defensive back, seventh-highest Clemson safety and third-highest Clemson free safety behind Khalil Barnes (84) and Ricardo Jones (78).