Iowa Beats Notre Dame in EA Sports College Football 27 Rankings
The upcoming EA Sports College Football 2027 video game doesn't hit shelves until Thursday, but the team and player ratings are already out. For Iowa fans, there's a notable win worth talking about: Kinnick Stadium ranks above Notre Dame Stadium in the game's toughest places to play list.
Where Does Iowa Rank Among Toughest Places to Play?
EA Sports ranked Iowa ahead of Notre Dame when it comes to the toughest environments in college football. Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Iowa all landed above the Fighting Irish in the home-field advantage ratings. Notre Dame Stadium came in at No. 20, a spot that surprised many college football observers who expected a top-15 finish for the historic venue.
While the exact ranking for Iowa isn't specified in the release, the Hawkeyes' inclusion ahead of Notre Dame underscores what fans in Iowa City already know. Kinnick Stadium remains one of the most hostile environments for visiting teams in the country.
Who Are the Top-Rated Teams in the Game?
Notre Dame landed at No. 4 overall in the team ratings, but the top spot went to the Oregon Ducks. Ohio State took the No. 2 spot, followed by reigning champion Indiana at No. 3. Texas rounded out the top five at No. 5.
The Oregon ranking has sparked debate among fans. Many expected Ohio State to claim the top spot, given the Buckeyes' consistent roster talent. Notre Dame at No. 4 makes sense, considering the Fighting Irish return significant firepower and could make a real run at a National Championship this season.
Who Is the Highest-Rated Notre Dame Player?
Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore earned a 97 overall rating, tied for the second-best in the game. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith claimed the top spot with a 99 overall, while Indiana left tackle Carter Smith also tied Moore at 97.
Moore's rating is well deserved. He is widely regarded as the best defensive back in college football, and his 97 rating reflects that status. Smith's 99 overall is hard to argue against, as he is considered the best overall player in the sport right now.
What Was the Biggest Surprise in the Ratings?
Spencer Porath's rating stands out as the most head-scratching number in the release. The Purdue transfer connected on 15 of 17 field goal attempts last season and has never missed an extra point in his entire college career. He also boasts a career-long field goal of 53 yards.
Despite that track record, Porath landed an 82 overall rating, tied with seven other kickers. That number feels low for a kicker with his accuracy and leg strength. Expect Porath's rating to climb closer to 84 or 85 as the season progresses and he proves himself as one of the top five kickers in college football.
Why Does the Iowa Ranking Matter?
For Iowa fans, the EA Sports ranking is more than just a video game number. It's a recognition of the atmosphere that Hawkeye fans create every Saturday in the fall. Kinnick Stadium has long been a fortress for the Hawkeyes, and the ranking puts that home-field advantage on a national stage.
EA Sports may have undervalued Notre Dame's home-field advantage, but they got Iowa right. The Hawkeyes continue to earn respect where it counts.
How Accurate Are EA Sports College Football Rankings?
EA Sports College Football ratings are based on a combination of player performance data, team statistics, and subjective evaluations by the development team. While the ratings often generate debate, they provide a reasonable snapshot of where programs and players stand heading into the season.
Will Iowa's Ranking Change During the Season?
EA Sports typically updates its rankings throughout the college football season based on real-world performance. If Iowa continues to defend its home turf and the crowd noise stays at its usual peak, the Hawkeyes could climb even higher in the toughest places to play rankings by season's end.