In a surprising twist of fate, the two most talented wide receivers in college football, Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, have shared glimpses of a potential partnership that never came to be. During their recruiting journeys, the star players met at a Georgia event where Williams proposed an exciting idea: why not join forces on the same team?
Williams recounts his attempts, saying, “I tried to get him. I was like, c’mon, let’s team up. He was like, hmm. We thought about it.”
Smith, contemplating the idea, echoed, “It would’ve been crazy. I don’t know how you stop that.”
To the disappointment of fans eager for the duo’s collaboration, the two chose different paths, but they will still share the spotlight in an exciting way—both are set to grace the cover of EA Sports College Football 26.
The game developer revealed the news on Tuesday, featuring Smith and Williams on the standard edition cover, while the Deluxe Edition will showcase over 20 current and former players, including notable coaches. College Football 26 is scheduled for release on July 10, with full details expected to drop soon.
In a buzz surrounding the game, Smith and Williams find themselves wondering about their player ratings. Each expects to achieve at least a 95 overall rating—both saw increases from their initial evaluations during their freshman seasons.
Smith, initially rated at 84, was elevated to a 90, while Williams, starting at 82, climbed to a 90 overall as well, boasting impressive figures like 96 speed, 99 agility, and 98 acceleration.
When asked about the on-field skills they’d want to inherit from each other, there was immediate admiration. Smith expressed his desire for Williams’ remarkable speed: “His speed is different. I’ve got a little speed, but I’d take his speed for sure. I need that.”
On the other hand, Williams admired Smith’s catch ability, stating, “He’s a big dog. I wish my hands were bigger. If I had his hands, oh my goodness, it’d be crazy.”
Despite their competitive nature, Williams and Smith have developed an unlikely friendship rooted in mutual respect and admiration. This bond has transcended their lack of direct competition, as they rarely faced each other at camps and certainly don’t compete in the same conference. Their shared cover shoot experience has opened a new avenue for camaraderie.
The two players often communicate after pivotal games. Smith reached out to Williams following his breathtaking game-winning touchdown against Georgia last September. In return, Williams shared his admiration for Smith’s spectacular one-handed touchdown catch against Iowa, highlighting a genuine respect for each other’s talents.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Williams said, capturing the essence of their relationship. “We’re at two very prestigious programs and want each other to succeed. We met during recruiting and worked out together. Seeing another guy like myself that’s just about the work and wants to win — and he did win — all I can do is pay my respects and be excited for him.”
Both players find themselves in an exceptional situation, having emerged among the best in their positions as true freshmen. They remain committed to fulfilling their college football obligations, with NFL eligibility still at least two years down the line due to existing rules that were previously challenged by players like Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic highlighted Smith’s potential, stating that he would’ve been in fierce competition with standout Travis Hunter for the top non-quarterback spot in the 2025 NFL Draft if he were draft-eligible this coming season. Hunter was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The topic of college athletes contemplating sitting out seasons for fear of injuries has been a long-running discussion. Coach Steve Spurrier once suggested that Jadeveon Clowney consider such a strategy in 2013, although Clowney chose to play his third college season before achieving the number one overall draft pick. Similarly, LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase opted out of the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leading him to be selected fifth overall.
Amid these discussions, Williams and Smith emphasized their desire to stick to the traditional collegiate path. Both players expressed enjoyment of their college experiences; Smith noted, “I’m in no rush to go to the NFL.”
If they continue on their current trajectories, fans may soon be looking at them not just as college stars but also as repeat cover athletes in forthcoming editions of EA Sports College Football.
image source from：https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6384153/2025/05/27/college-football-26-video-game-cover-jeremiah-smith-ryan-williams/
