College football fans across the country rejoiced as EA’s beloved college football franchise returned for its second season in the reboot. With the return of the game comes the latest rosters for the upcoming 2025 season. As we look forward to the newest roster, we can also look back at past rosters to see how the current Huskers rank compared to their past virtual counterparts.
For College Football 25, I’m using the initial rosters to compare most closely to the College Football 26 roster. Games include all versions since NCAA Football 2003. The years in this article are based on the game title (i.e., The 2025 season is College Football 26). Average unit ratings are based on the top X players in each position group, as defined below.
Quarterbacks
The most important position in the sport proves to be a strong suit for the Huskers in this game. Dylan Raiola ranks as an 87 overall player in this version of the game – a sizable jump from his 80 rating this time last year. Only Taylor Martinez (91), Sam Keller (91), and Zac Lee (88) have been higher-rated quarterbacks for the Huskers.
Running Backs
The Huskers lead back Emmett Johnson ties his quarterback with an 87 overall rating. He joins four other Huskers who are tied for the 10th-best virtual Husker running back in game history. Kwinten Ives is the Huskers’ second-ranked back, coming in at just 77 overall. Both players saw an eight-point jump from their 2025 game rating.
As a duo, this is one of the Huskers’ worst rushing attacks in game history. The duo averages just 83 overall, which ranks 12th out of 14 games. Only the top duo on the 2014 game (Ameer Abdullah and Terrell Newby) and the 2025 game (Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson) were ranked lower.
Wide Receivers
Kentucky transfer Dane Key is one of the highest-rated receivers the Huskers have ever had in a game. Coming in at an 88 overall, he trails just Niles Paul (90) and Menelik Holt (89) to be the third-best receiver ever. Nyziah Hunter comes in at an 84 overall, and Jacory Barney Jr. at 83. What is especially impressive about Jacory Barney’s 12-point jump is that he is now tied with the highest-rated receiver from last year’s game – Jahmal Banks…