Today, July 7 at noon EST, marks the early release of College Football 26. Its predessecor, the College Football 25 video game, made over $1.5 billion and became the hottest game of 2025. This success allowed for a larger pot for player payments (An $1000 increase for each player), and a pay-per-play model to compensate schools for their usage in the upcoming game. Some schools have begun to release player ratings; Syracuse has chosen to keep fans guessing until the game comes out. While my list will not predict overall, it will predict “Pop” which makes sports video games unlike any other. Here are the top five most exciting Orange players to use in the new game:
- WR/DB Demetres Samuel Jr, Freshman
Samuel was a two-way standout at Heritage High School, playing both wide receiver and defensive back, and is currently listed with both positions on Syracuse’s official roster. This rare feat alone makes him intriguing; Heisman winner Travis Hunter excelled in a similar path. Samuel will have the athletic traits to be a gamebreaker: Speed, vertical, and contested catch stats will all be high for a true freshman. Similar to the Madden NFL series, College Football’s rating system boots certain players based off of fans’ hype. Samuel will quickly make himself a household name if he becomes a stallworth on both ends of the field, with an immediate platform in a nationally televised game against Tennessee. He will be an asset in College Football 26 at whatever position he plays.
- WR Johntay Cook II, Redshirt Sophomore
Before he debuts on field, Syracuse fans can test out Cook and his fit with the offense. Cook was a high-profile transfer, choosing Syracuse over other top 25 programs such as Arizona State. His speed makes him a great option for run-after-catch situations; Cook will be dangerous in the video game on short routes. After two solid years at Texas, Cook comes together with Darrell Gill Jr. Their skill set’s complement each other’s, leading to a lot of optimism about filling the shoes of now-NFL pass catchers Oronde Gadsden and Jaxson Meeks. Football video games have always been about speed: Just think about swerving through the field with Cook’s electric burst.
- RB Yasin Willis, Sophomore
Willis is tasked with filling the shoes of NFL draft pick (Jaguars) Lequint Allen. Through his touches during the 2024 season, Willis looks ready to establish himself as a top running back in the ACC. Most sophomore backs have either a downhill power game or a nice selection of cuts and jukes for a finesse game; Willis possesses both power and finesse styles, and correctly assesses when to use either. He is a three-down, workhouse running back that can contribute in any situation. Willis will be the “Go-to guy” that will force opposing defenses to stack the box. Look for something similar in College Football 26, the reliable ground game will keep a defense guessing. Willis already is a multi-faceted back coming into his sophomore year; He will be a blue chip piece of the offense.
- TE Dan Villari, Redshirt Senior
Villari, a fan favorite since his transfer from Michigan, can play any position or role that the Orange need on that particular day. He has played tight end and receiver in a pass catching role, and has both thrown the ball and gone into a wildcat role at quarterback during different games. If that doesn’t scream video game excitement, I don’t know what does. Villari will be a reliable option for Syracuse in 2025; Once he gets the ball, he is tough to bring down. This unique blend with multiple positions makes him extremely shifty with his tight end frame. He creates mismatches as opposing coaches are forced to either cover Villari with smaller defensive backs or risk getting burned upfield by using a linebacker. His quarterback background makes him a premium choice for any fleaflicker plays in College Football 26. Villari regains his spot as the Orange’s top tight end after Oronde Gadsden’s move to the NFL (Chargers), and will go out with a bang in his senior season.
- DB Duce Chestnut, Redshirt Senior
Chestnut will be a veteran leader for the Orange in 2025, as well as a key player to watch in the NFL Draft. He opted to return because of “Unfinished business”, and will look to guide this younger Syracuse team through an arduous schedule. Chestnut will be depended on by Head Coach Fran Brown to lock down and take away opposing teams’ top wide receivers. He will be one of the highest rated Syracuse players to begin College Football 26. His strong tackling ability will make him a fun “User” option for fans. Syracuse’s multiple ranked opponents will give him opportunities to boost both his draft stock and video game rating.
The 2025 Syracuse football team doesn’t have the household names such as Kyle McCord or Oronde Gadsden. However, they have a motivated group that has shown their worth in appearances last year. The new video game, College Football 26, offers fans the chance to experiment with this retooled Orange roster and get a small glimpse of how the team fits together on the field. Happy gaming from all of us at Orange Fizz!
