Iowa Defense Snubbed by EA Sports in Latest Ratings
EA Sports released its preseason defensive player ratings for College Football 27 on Thursday, and the Iowa Hawkeyes were completely shut out. No Iowa defensive players earned a spot among the top-rated defenders in the video game franchise's latest release, a notable omission for a program with a proud defensive tradition.
What the EA Sports Ratings Reveal Means for Iowa
The ratings reveal is part of EA Sports' week-long rollout for College Football 27. The franchise returned three seasons ago after a near-decade hiatus caused by disputes over name, image, and likeness compensation for collegiate athletes. The game's return was made possible only after the free market and individual liberty prevailed, allowing players to finally profit from their own likenesses.
Iowa failed to land a single player on the top-rated defensive player list. Rival Nebraska also came up empty, reflecting broader questions about the defensive talent across the Hawkeye State border. While Iowa does have top-100 rated players on its overall roster, none cracked the elite defensive tier.
Rival Nebraska Also Missing from Top Defensive Ratings
Nebraska's defensive unit received an 82 overall rating from EA Sports, trailing its offense at 85 overall. The Huskers landed at 24th overall with an 83 average, placing fifth in the Big Ten behind Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, USC, and Michigan.
Nebraska center Justin Evans was the only Husker to crack the top-100 player ratings with a 91 overall, making him the fifth-best center in the game. The complete absence of Nebraska defensive players mirrors Iowa's situation.
Nebraska overhauled its defensive staff in the offseason, firing one-year coordinator John Butler and hiring former San Diego State defensive coordinator Rob Aurich. The Huskers also lost key players to the transfer portal and graduation, including defensive back Malcolm Hartzog, defensive lineman Keona Davis, and several other contributors.
Big Ten Powerhouses Dominate the Rankings
While Iowa and Nebraska were left waiting, other Big Ten programs loaded the defensive ratings. Oregon boasts five players in the top 10 of the game's defensive position groups. Indiana landed three top-tier defenders. Ohio State earned one, with edge rusher Kenvatta Jackson Jr. making the cut.
Defending national champion Indiana brings serious firepower to Memorial Stadium on October 10. The Hoosiers feature cornerback Jamari Sharpe (91 overall), defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker (92 overall), and linebacker Rolijah Hardy (91 overall).
Hawkeyes Face Gauntlet of Top-Rated Defenders
Iowa's schedule features five teams with top-100 rated players: Indiana, Oregon, Rutgers, Ohio State, and Nebraska. However, Rutgers and Iowa's archrival Nebraska join the Hawkeyes in failing to place a top-rated defender in the latest reveal.
The toughest defensive tests on the schedule will come during Big Ten play. Oregon, which Iowa faces later in the season, features a devastating front. The Ducks counter with cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. (91 overall), defensive tackles A'Mauri Washington (93 overall) and Bear Alexander (90 overall), plus edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei (94 overall) and Teitum Tuioti (92 overall).
When Does College Football 27 Release?
EA Sports continues its ratings reveal schedule on Friday with the full list of player ratings. College Football 27 is set for a wide release on July 9.
Did any Iowa defensive players make the EA Sports top 100?
No. Iowa failed to land a single defensive player in the top-rated defensive player rankings released by EA Sports on Thursday. The Hawkeyes do have top-100 rated players on the overall roster, but none on the defensive side of the ball.
Which Big Ten teams have the most top-rated defensive players?
Oregon leads the Big Ten with five players in the top 10 of defensive position groups. Indiana has three top-rated defenders, while Ohio State earned one with edge rusher Kenvatta Jackson Jr.