Alabama's Ryan Williams makes cover of EA Sports' ‘College Football 26' video game
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith have been announced as the cover athletes for EA Sports' 'College Football 26' video game.
The highly anticipated game will go on sale worldwide July 10, those who preorder will be able to play July 7. This is second consecutive release in the 'College Football' series in two years, with 'College Football 25' and was one of the best-selling games of 2024.
Williams and Smith both enter their sophomore season after electrifying the college football in year one. A highly-touted recruit out of Saraland, Williams was originally committed to Alabama, but decommitted following news of Nick Saban's retirement. However, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer and staff were able to persuade Williams to come back, where he quickly made a name for himself at the Capstone, finishing his freshman year with 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Most notably, he went 177 yards against Georgia last season, including the go-ahead touchdown on one of the more acrobatic plays of the season.
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At Ohio State, Smith won a national championship with the Buckeyes in his freshman campaign, defeating Notre Dame 34-23. Many analysts and football fans regarded Smith as the best receiver in the country.
Smith wrapped up his freshman season with 76 catches for 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns. Smith was also awarded Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He was named Rose Bowl MVP after putting up 187 yards and two touchdowns in a dominating win over the Oregon Ducks, 41-21.
Alabama will open the upcoming season against Florida State Aug. 30 on the road while Ohio State will host Texas.
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