Why Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is the new face of college football gaming

College football fans just got a surprise when Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith landed the highest possible rating in the newest football video game. No player had ever debuted with a perfect 99 before, making this rating anything but usual. Even more unusual? Smith didn’t need a national championship or Heisman Trophy to earn it. That raises questions about how ratings are decided these days – and whether talent alone is enough to reach the top. Smith wasn’t an unknown before this big rating drop. In fact, he was already the top player in last year’s game with a 98. His on-field performance backs up the hype. In just two seasons, he’s racked up 163 catches, over 2, 500 yards, and 27 touchdowns. Ohio State won its first 12-team playoff during his freshman year, proving he’s a clutch player. Even when the team missed repeating as champions last season, Smith still led the Big Ten in receiving yards and touchdowns for two straight years.So what moved him from a 98 to a 99? Maybe EA Sports sees something different in his game this time. Or perhaps the newest installment of the series puts more focus on standout receivers. Either way, Smith isn’t just a player in a game anymore – he’s now the standard everyone else will be measured against. Future recruits and gamers will compare their stats to his, whether in real life or on screen. But ratings aren’t just numbers. They shape how people see players before they even step on the field. A 99 isn’t just about skill; it’s a statement. It tells everyone Smith isn’t just good – he’s in a league of his own. In a series where ratings can make or break a player’s reputation, this move doesn’t just highlight talent. It cements a legacy that goes beyond the game itself.