A New Class of Stars: Madden 26 Rookie Ratings Guide

The NFL Draft is a moment of pure possibility, a chance for every team to find the next generation of superstars. With the release of Madden 26, that potential is now a reality for gamers, as EA has unveiled the official rookie ratings. This is not just a list of numbers; it’s a guide to the future of the league, a roadmap for which players you should be targeting in franchise mode and which ones are ready to dominate from day one. This year’s rookie class is one of the most exciting in recent memory, with top-tier talent at every position, from a two-way phenom to a generational pass rusher. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best young players in Madden 26, their key stats, and what makes them such valuable additions to any virtual team.

The Top 5 Rookies in Madden 26

There is a clear tier break at the top of this year’s rookie class. These are the players who will have an immediate and measurable impact on your team, offering a blend of high overall ratings and elite individual stats that make them dangerous in a variety of situations. If you are looking to build a dynasty in franchise mode, these are the players to build your team around.

• 1. Travis Hunter, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (84 OVR): A player with this kind of rating is a rare sight in any rookie class. The two-way phenom from the Jaguars is the highest-rated newcomer with a monstrous 84 OVR. His raw stats are even more impressive, with a 93 Speed, 96 Change of Direction, and an 85 Spectacular Catch. While he is officially a CB, you can use him at WR and even in the new GAD position, making him a true cheat code in the game.
• 2. Ashton Jeanty, HB, Las Vegas Raiders (83 OVR): The Las Vegas Raiders found an instant star in Ashton Jeanty, the former Boise State Bronco. With an 83 OVR, Jeanty is the highest-rated rookie running back by a significant margin. His 90 Speed, 91 Agility, and 91 Change of Direction make him a nightmare to tackle in the open field, and with an 87 Break Tackle rating, he will be shedding defenders on a regular basis.
• 3. Abdul Carter, LEDG, New York Giants (81 OVR): The Giants landed a generational talent in Abdul Carter, and his 81 OVR rating proves it. With an 83 Finesse Moves and an 86 Agility, Carter is a beast off the edge, capable of disrupting any passing play. He has the physical tools to be a dominant player from day one and is a must-have for any team looking to boost their pass rush.
• 4. Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns (80 OVR): Defensive tackles don’t often get a lot of love, but Mason Graham’s 80 OVR is a testament to his sheer dominance on the interior. With a 90 Strength rating, Graham is a brick wall against the run and a perfect complement to Myles Garrett on the defensive line.
• 5. Jalon Walker, LEDG, Atlanta Falcons (79 OVR): The Atlanta Falcons’ Jalon Walker is a speedy edge rusher with an 86 Speed and an 85 Agility. He has the physical tools to be a dominant player for years to come and is a great option for a team looking to build for the future.

The Best of the Rest: Notable Rookie Ratings

While the top 5 get all the headlines, there is a wealth of talent in the rest of the rookie class. These players may not have an 80+ OVR, but they have key stats and a high ceiling that make them extremely valuable additions to your franchise.

• Quarterbacks: The 2025 QB class is not as highly rated as some in the past, with only one rookie, Cam Ward (72 OVR), starting the season with an OVR above 70. Jaxson Dart (68 OVR) and Tyler Slough (68 OVR) are the next closest. This means that if you’re looking for a star QB, you will have to develop one over several seasons in franchise mode.
• Running Backs: After Ashton Jeanty, there are several other notable rookie running backs. Omarion Hampton (77 OVR) and TreVeyon Henderson (76 OVR) are the best of the bunch, with a variety of high ratings that make them dangerous in their own right.
• Wide Receivers: While Travis Hunter is the highest-rated wide receiver, the highest-rated conventional receiver is Tetairoa McMillan (77 OVR), a talented player with the size and speed to be a true threat on the outside. Other notable players include Luther Burden III (76 OVR) and Emeka Egbuka (75 OVR).

The Madden 26 rookie ratings are not just a list of numbers; they are a snapshot of the future of the NFL. For gamers, this is the perfect guide to building a winning team, as you can now identify the players who are ready to make an immediate impact and those who have the potential to become future superstars. So whether you’re building a franchise from the ground up or just looking for a new weapon to add to your arsenal, this guide has everything you need to know to dominate the competition.