EA Sports has officially unveiled the ratings for the top rookie players in Madden NFL 26. Following the reveal of the prestigious `99 Club,` this year`s rookie class is generating significant excitement, featuring exceptional prospects across all positions. Notably, one player even excels in two roles, adding an intriguing dimension to both the virtual NFL landscape and real-world gameplay.
Below, we present the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 26, ranked by their overall rating, along with key individual statistics.
Travis Hunter – 84 OVR
Unsurprisingly, Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars stands as the highest-rated rookie in Madden NFL 26. As the second overall pick, Hunter is expected to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL, with the potential to become a star in both roles.
- 93 Speed
- 96 Change of Direction
- 85 Spectacular Catch
Ashton Jeanty – 83 OVR
Immediately following Travis Hunter is Ashton Jeanty, the new running back for the Las Vegas Raiders. The former Boise State Bronco, drafted fourth overall, was a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2024-25. Jeanty is widely considered a leading candidate for the NFL`s Rookie Offensive Player of the Year and is anticipated to be a key player for the Raiders throughout the season.
- 92 Acceleration
- 91 Agility
- 87 Break Tackle
Abdul Carter – 81 OVR
With the second and fourth overall picks already detailed, we now turn to the third overall selection, Abdul Carter. Regarded as a generational edge rusher prospect, Carter begins his career with an 81 overall rating. Should he perform as the New York Giants anticipate, his rating is expected to significantly increase.
- 83 Finesse Moves
- 86 Agility
- 91 Acceleration
Mason Graham – 80 OVR
Mason Graham, the fifth overall pick, finds himself in an ideal situation, likely playing on the edge opposite `99 Club` member Myles Garrett. Graham is the final rookie on this list to receive an 80 or higher overall rating.
- 80 Strength
- 78 Speed
- 74 Agility
Will Campbell – 79 OVR
Will Campbell is the sole offensive lineman featured in the top 10 rookie ratings, a well-deserved inclusion. He was the undisputed top prospect at his position during the draft, and the New England Patriots are counting on him to fill their long-standing need at left tackle.
- 87 Strength
- 73 Speed
- 71 Agility
Jalon Walker – 79 OVR
The Atlanta Falcons chose local talent Jalon Walker from Georgia as the 15th overall pick. EA Sports has given Walker a relatively high initial rookie rating, placing him above several other defensive players and many highly-regarded offensive prospects.
- 86 Speed
- 80 Strength
- 85 Agility
Kenneth Grant – 78 OVR
Continuing with defensive talent, Kenneth Grant is the next rookie on the list. Grant is the second defensive tackle from Michigan in the top 10, alongside Mason Graham. Given the Miami Dolphins` defensive needs, Grant is poised to make an immediate impact in Madden NFL 26.
- 92 Strength
- 77 Awareness
- 68 Speed
Jahdae Barron – 78 OVR
Jahdae Barron was a surprise in the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming the first cornerback selected at 20th overall by the Denver Broncos. Although less known at the beginning of his rookie season, Barron could quickly rise to prominence if he forms an elite cornerback duo with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II.
- 93 Speed
- 88 Agility
- 91 Change of Direction
Mykel Williams – 78 OVR
Mykel Williams is the third defensive lineman among the top 10 rookies, and the seventh overall defensive player (or eighth, counting Travis Hunter). The San Francisco 49ers selected Williams with the 11th overall pick, expecting him to become a dominant force on the defensive line alongside Nick Bosa.
- 86 Strength
- 82 Agility
- 81 Speed
Maxwell Hairston – 78 OVR
Completing the list of top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 26 is cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Opinions vary on whether the Buffalo Bills made a steal or a reach by drafting Hairston at the end of the first round. However, EA Sports` talent evaluators appear to favor the former, suggesting Hairston will likely begin the season as a starting cornerback for the Bills.
- 96 Speed
- 94 Agility
- 95 Change of Direction
This concludes our overview of the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 26. For a complete list of ratings and stats for all 365 rookies, refer to the official rookie ratings page. This page will also be updated with full player ratings as they are revealed this week.