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EA Sports Names Syracuse Football Best Players For 2026 Season
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- EA Sports Names Syracuse Football Best Players For 2026 Season
(© Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
EA Sports is set to release its newest edition of the college football themed video game College Football 27 on Wednesday afternoon. As is customary, the Syracuse football program is included in the game.
History of game and why it is important
The "NCAA Football" game was an extremely popular video game series across multiple systems from its inception in 1995 until 2014.
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From August 2014-June 2023, EA Sports did not produce any college sports themed games. The halt in production was the result of a then pending lawsuit involving former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon. Prior to O'Bannon's lawsuit, EA Sports and other video game distributors had used position names and No's to identify players. Since 2024, EA Sports has been able to use real players, complete with images and likenesses. Players who are featured in the game are now given a portion of the game's sales , which was not the case under the previous iterations.
Who is ranked as the best player on the Syracuse ?
EA Sports ranks defensive back Chris Peal as the best player on the team. Peal is listed as a 92 overall, three points higher than the second highest rated player, Demetres Samuel Jr.
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Entering his fourth season of college football, Peal first appeared as a member of the Syracuse team in 2025. The 6-foot-1 defensive back was a four-star recruit coming of high school in Charlotte, N.C.
Before his time in Central New York, Peal played a total of 10 games over the course of two seasons for the Georgia Bulldogs. Last fall, Peal started all 12 games for the Orange, recording 43 tackles. Syracuse went just 3-9.
Peal's name is already being featured on multiple national websites as a potential first round pick.
Samuel, a sophomore defensive back, was a key contributor to the Orange defense last season. Playing in all 12 games, he registered 31 tackles, one interception and nine pass breakups. Samuel also played on offense, logging 10 yards receiving. He may get more dual threat opportunities this season.
Who is the listed as the fastest player?
Braheem Long Jr is listed at 93 speed, the fastest of any player on the virtual Orange roster. The junior defensive back has appeared in 23 games through two seasons at Syracuse. Darius Johnson , Peal and Samuel are all tied for second with 92 speed. Johnson appeared in four games with one start last season.
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Who is the strongest player?
Sophomore offensive lineman Kam Pringle gained the top strength spot with a 92 overall ranking. Pringle is projected to be a top offensive lineman for the team this season. In 2025, he appeared in every game up front.
Sophomore Bryon Washington and Junior Naquil Betrand tied for second. Washington appeared in nine games with three starts while Betrand appeared in eight games with two starts at offensive tackle.
How do the quarterbacks rank?
Projected Orange starting quarterback Steve Angeli ranks the highest in the quarterback room with an 81 rating. After a season-ending injury last fall, Angeli is scheduled to be under center as the team's starter for game one in September.
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Transfer quarterback Amari Odom is just three points behind Angeli at 78. Syracuse marks the third school in three seasons for Odom. In 2024 he played for Wofford while in 2025 he played for Kennesaw State. Fellow transfersMalachi Nelson and Danny Lauter are tied for third at 71 overall.
How to play College Football 27?
College Football 27 s now available to fans on an early-access trial. College Football 27 is available for purchase to all PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC users on July 9.
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