College Football 27 Kickoff - Week 1 Breakdown

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Welcome to College Football Kickoff
• Games of the Week
  • Day One in Dublin
  • Programs Pulling Back-to-Backs
  • September Weekday Matchups
  • The First Big Saturday Slate
  • Lambeau, Music City, Apple Cup
• Play Your Whole Season Now

Welcome to College Football Kickoff

Finally.

Months of recovery from the Indiana undefeated College Football Playoff run. Weeks of deeply researching our favorite team’s schedule for trap games. Hundreds of thousands of Dynasty playthroughs over 58 days. A full summer of endless social media scrolls through the Kick Six, Tavon Austin’s highlight reel, influencers reminiscing on 2000’s Power Five quarterbacks, and Bowl Season greatest games gone by. All these offseason moments led us to today:

College Football Kickoff is here.

EA Sports™ College Football 27 is proud to celebrate the start of football season; both on the field and in the game, we’re ready to break down all the action you can experience in the week ahead in what you can consider a “cheat sheet” of the research we’ve done for you.

If you haven’t picked up College Football 27 yet, now is the time to start the season with a W: the Kickoff Bundle is available now on your platform of choice and includes both the EA SPORTS™ College Football 27 Standard Edition and EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 27 Standard Edition. Gridiron glory awaits - learn more about this bundle and how you can live your entire football journey here.

But whether you plan on playing College Football this weekend, heading to the tailgate with tickets in hand, or kicking back to watch at home, this is everything you need to know about Week 1.

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Games of the Week

Let’s set the standard: we wish we could sit, watch, and break down every last game over the next week. In fact, one of our team members can’t wait to hear the Spirit of Troy on repeat at the Colosseum with two Trojan games in Week 1.

However, based on national interest, we compiled as many of the games to watch - and play, in College Football 27 - as possible for your consideration. Here’s how this breakdown will go down:

For each day of the week, we sectioned out the games to watch by team, with their current College Football 27 overall team ratings listed out (and their in-game “Media” ranking), followed by what to watch for, especially around what’s new in the game. That includes new stadiums, programs, features, and the College Football Ultimate Team™ (CUT) Game of the Week program, featuring new Player Items that will debut ahead of each marquee Week 1 matchup. Essentially, you know how to tune in or get your tickets to the real thing, so we’re focused on the storylines based on the ratings and how you can play them out before we watch them on Saturday.. And Thursday… And Friday… And Saturday again… And Sunday… And then Monday.

By our calculations, there are just shy of 100 games over Weeks 0 and 1 that involve a College Football 27 team. We all have our favorite teams, but we are pulling about a fraction of them to understand the college football landscape at kickoff.

And that all begins at Noon in Chapel Hill, 11 a.m. in Fort Worth, 9 a.m. for fans on the West Coast, and 5 p.m. local time in Dublin:

Day One in Dublin

• UNC TAR HEELS
  • 79 OVR / 78 OFF / 80 DEF
• TCU HORNED FROGS
  • 80 OVR / 81 OFF / 78 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

College Football season officially kicks off on Saturday, August 29 in Dublin.

The Tar Heels have a tough road ahead of them towards their first ACC title in 42 years. But with a strong defense led by Senior Redshirt Melkart About-Jaude, a Platinum Pocket Disruptor and top-10 Edge Rusher in the game, as well as a Demon (June) leading a loaded running back room, they can certainly earn the first win of the College Football season. 

They face a relatively equal matchup based on College Football 27 team ratings: the TCU Horned Frogs have the better offense with Jaden Craig Sr. ready to ace his opening exam in his debut game with five wide receiver threats clocking in at or over 89 Speed. Their defense features Jamel Johnson, the third best strong safety in the game, alongside a slew of great transfers in the secondary. Last year, this team crushed UNC 48-14 and can look to do so again to start the season; those under the spell of the almighty toad can do just that, or better, in College Football 27 on a virtual path to a Big 12 title.

Regardless of who you have winning in a relative standoff on paper, expect to see new UNC and TCU CUT Player Items as part of the Game of the Week Program.

• NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK
  • 79 OVR / 81 OFF / 77 DEF
• VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
  • 83 OVR / 82 OFF / 83 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

Later that day, the Wolfpack and Cavaliers will clash in a non-conference bout that we’re also labeling as a CUT Game of the Week.

At 37-21-1 and undefeated in conference games, NC State has the historical advantage; their most recent 35-31 victory came off the back of Quarterback CJ Bailey. Labelled as a Pocket Passer archetype, he threw for 200 yards that day, but also racked up two rushing touchdowns, including a 30 yard rush that accounted for most of his 44 yards. Among the top-500 athletes in College Football 27 with an 84 OVR, he looks to repeat this performance with a serious slot threat in WR Victor Snow, rated as an 88 OVR Elusive Route Runner with six abilities including Gold Cutter. Translation? For those new WR / DB Battles, he can be a problem on Short or Medium Routes with 90+ in those attributes as well as in Change of Direction.

The Cavaliers, however, now have home field advantage: although Scott Stadium, the oldest college stadium at this level in Virginia, isn’t in the Top-25 Toughest Places to Play, the Wahoos might just have NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium’s #23 placement as bulletin board material. Their rushing attack is led by two transfers: projected positional award-winner Peyton Lewis from Tennessee shows blistering speed while Middle Tennessee State transfer Jekail Middlebrook can get loose with a Gold 360 Ability, and are both rated at 85 OVR. Throw in three lineman at or above 85 OVR, including Redshirt Senior Noah Josey whose 90 OVR puts him firmly among the game’s top-10 Left Guards, and you have the makings of a serious ground-and-pound offense. 

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Programs Pulling Back-to-Backs

Eleven teams start the season early with two games in Week 1.

In addition to Group of Five programs New Mexico State, Memphis, Jacksonville State, Eastern Michigan, UNLV, and Hawaii, the five we’re highlighting include the latest additions to the College Football family:

• SACRAMENTO STATE HORNETS -  NORTH DAKOTA STATE BISON
  • 72 OVR / 72 OFF / 72 DEF - 75 OVR / 75 OFF / 75 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK (vs. Jacksonville State, at Eastern Michigan)

A special shoutout to both North Dakota State and Sacramento State, the two newest programs to this level of the game and in College Football 27. The former has their debut game against the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State, while the latter is jumping straight into the MACtion, stepping onto the grey turf of The Factory at Eastern Michigan. 

Both of these teams are what our community already made into National Champions in Dynasty and Road To Glory many times over. We highly recommend trying it out for yourself to celebrate their debut.

Otherwise, expect new Player Items in CUT from these programs and their opponents as part of the new Game of the Week Program.

• #15 (CFB 27 Media Poll) USC TROJANS
  • 86 OVR / 87 OFF / 85 DEF
• SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS - FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS
  • 72 OVR / 73 OFF / 70 DEF - 76 OVR / 76 OFF / 77 DEF

Following the UNC-TCU Clash, the Trojans will play the second game of the College Football 27 season against San Jose State in a noon-time kickoff at the Coliseum. Less than a week later, they’ll light the torch after sundown when they face Fresno State in an old-school vs. new-school “PAC-12 After Dark” matchup (a day before what fans recognize as a true “PAC-12 After Dark” tribute match of UCLA vs. Cal).

Although high-OVR athletes like Jayden Maiava, Jontez Wiliams, and a one-two backfield punch Waymond Jordan and King Miller can set the tempo early for a professional resume-building season, perhaps these matchups give second half opportunities to the Trojan’s depth. In Dynasty mode, this should be confidence booster territory for those stepping into the USC coaching room… And absolute upset territory for those looking to lead the Spartans and Bulldogs to glory.

• FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (#21 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 82 OVR / 83 OFF / 81 DEF
• NEW MEXICO STATE - SMU MUSTANGS
  • 73 OVR / 71 OFF / 76  DEF - 83 OVR / 87 OFF / 80 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK (vs. New Mexico State)

The scenes at Doak over the next week could be a movie. Whether that film is a masterpiece or a dramedy is up to the Seminoles cruising past New Mexico State in their first Week 1 game, then outlasting an equally explosive offense from SMU as their second game in the week.

Duce Robinson made an impact last season after transferring from USC to earn his 92 OVR rating (and a serious Supercharged Player Item on CUT). He’s an ace in a loaded deck of receiving options, while on the other side of the ball, their athletic defensive line filled with Pure Power and Power Rusher archetypes is paired with a stable Linebacker core. Welcoming back Strong Safety Ashlynd Barker, a Box Specialist with serious Athleticism in the high 80’s, the Seminole Secondary could complete a defense that overperforms its current rating.

If they can go back-to-back to start the year, then the party is on in Tally before they look to rally on their trip to Bryant-Denny a few weeks later. Whether you’re ready to lead the Seminoles in Dynasty or Road to Glory, or bring some of their Game of the Week Player Items onto your CUT roster, Week 1 is your time - and theirs - to build up some momentum.

• STANFORD CARDINAL
  • 76 OVR / 75 OFF / 78 DEF
• HAWAI’I GOLDEN WARRIORS - #6 MIAMI HURRICANES
  • 76 OVR / 77 OFF / 76 DEF - 88 OVR / 90 OFF / 86 DEF

Fear the Tree!

In the final seasons of next-level candidates Matt Rose (MIKE, 88 OVR) and Niki Prongos (LT, 82 OVR, the Cardinal will prepare to put on a show in Palo Alto with an early Hawaii Week 1 matchup, then return for a massive game against The U of Miami in the latter half of this long week. 

If the Game Ain’t Based on Sympathy, then this team needs to be ready to punch above their 4-8 record from last season with an experienced roster… And you can be the catalyst to help them do it. Those who appreciate a program with A+ academics should consider choosing Stanford in Road to Glory or Dynasty, as these two games are only the start of a fun, but challenging, ACC schedule.

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September Weekday Matchups

Alongside a few FCS matchups for Missouri, Orlando’s finest at UCF, and Utah, this is a tough pick of what to watch - and play - first, but we narrowed it down to these three games:

• COLORADO BUFFALOES
  • 81 OVR / 81 OFF / 82 DEF
• GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
  • 78 OVR / 78 OFF / 78 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

Reloading with transfers on both sides of the ball, including First-Team All-Name Team Linebacker Gideon “ESPN” Lampron (fitting for this first game, too), the Buffaloes brought together star power that translates well in the game. Julian Lewis, a Star Development Trait Pocket Passer QB, showed flashes of potential during his Redshirt Season; he’ll not only be fun to watch early in the season, he can also be a household name for your College Football 27 Dynasty.

The Buffaloes’ first test is down at Bobby Dodd against those who rally around the Ramblin’ Wreck: Georgia Tech. Kicker Aiden Birr may lead in Overall as a reliable leg this past year, but looking deeper into depth charts, Yellow Jacket fans can enjoy an experienced and strong offensive line, promising underclassmen like speedy Wide Receiver Jordan Allen, and an impactful linebacker group led by Kyle Efford and E.J. Lightsey. Their ACC is theirs to win after going 6-2 in conference games last season, so you can help Coach Key lead them past an early out of conference gauntlet towards a title run (or give him a break and do it yourself).

• UMASS MINUTEMEN
  • 71 OVR / 71 OFF / 71 DEF
• RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS
  • 78 OVR / 77 OFF / 71 DEF

Looking for opportunities in Dynasty or Road to Glory? Then pencil in this matchup and make either New England or New Jersey proud.

As a team with Bowl Game expectations, Rutgers lead with two phenomenal Juniors on offense: tied for third in OVR among all Wide Receivers, 92 OVR Contested Specialist KJ Duff is Gold Workhorse ready to go up top with Gold 50/50 and 90+s in Speed, Jumping, Catching, Catch in Traffic, and Spectacular Catch. Is the run game your speed? Then East/West Playmaker Antwan Raymond, tied for fourth in OVR among all Running Backs, has a nasty Gold 360 Ability and pure athleticism. Alongside other upperclassmen, this can be their year to break the tough Big Ten, both in the game and on Saturdays, all with a team with a ton of talent who remained from their freshman year until today.

UMASS, now in their second MAC season, can be a perfect team for master College Football 27 players who can work with the lowest NIL program budget in Dynasty (tied with Kent State, and just below UL Monroe). But let’s be clear: Amherst is home to great athletes, including Redshirt Senior Wide Receiver Duo Joseph Griffin Jr. and T.Y. Harding, a true Thumper in Redshirt Senior Tyler Martin, and a good Redshirt Sophomore Running Back core with Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Tim Baldwin Jr. 

A win against Rutgers would snap a 16-game losing streak - we know the Minutemen have the firepower to do it, but it’s on you, the College Football 27 masses, to make it happen virtually (and lead them to a National Championship, while you’re at it).

• UAB BLAZERS
  • 73 OVR / 76 OFF / 71 DEF
• ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
  • 79 OVR / 81 OFF / 77 DEF

For Thursday’s final matchup, it’s burn or be burninated.

As a team that saw plenty of transfers in and out, the UAB Blazers enter their 2026 season with a pre-conference game against a solid Big Ten team in Illinois. Sending off Seniors like Braylon McReynolds, Adam Lepkowski, and Tiaquelin Mims in style will involve breaking open their Pro Style Playbook. We can only call the plays virtually, but using formation shifts, new to College Football 27, could be a great way for the Blazers to throw off the Illini.

However, Illinois is expected to pop off the top of their offense in Champaign against UAB. Dynasty coaches will have fun with East / West Playmakers Aidan Laughery and Ca’Lil Valentine, mixing them up with the breadth of the Spread Offense from five wideouts around 80 OVR. Another opportunity in the game is to join their defensive line in Road to Glory at the new Edge Rusher position; the transfer portal upperclassmen here are going to fight in the trenches this season, but you can add to the mix to drive Illinois past a reasonable, yet challenging, schedule.

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The First Big Saturday Slate

Lock in: Sixty-eight games happen on this day. 

#4 Georgia, #20 Tennessee, and all three service academies - among other teams - kick off with FCS matchups here. The rest? We’ll give ten quick hits to watch and play:

• BAYLOR BEARS
  • 79 OVR / 78 OFF / 80 DEF
• AUBURN TIGERS (#14 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 83 OVR / 86 OFF / 80 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

Ready to play the Aflac Kickoff game? It and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are waiting for you in College Football 27, whether you’re ready to bear down with Baylor or are currently screaming “War Eagle” at this write-up for Auburn.

As the highest-rated recruit to play for Baylor, former five-star Florida transfer DJ Lagway is ready to prove he maintains that Star potential with a Platinum Extender ability and maxed out Throw Power. He’ll be ready to sling it - and pitch it- often to options like Dawson Pendergrass, who can close the door on tacklers as a Contact Seeker with 89 Trucking and the Bronze Downhill ability.

For Auburn, this game is about establishing a winning mindset in Georgia, home to Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry to take place in Athens, 70 miles east of the Benz, later in October. Byrum Brown, Jeremiah Cobb, Keshaun Singleton, and Bryson Washington are responsible for tipping Auburn’s top offense rating with their OVRs at 87 and above. Meanwhile, their 3-3-5 Tite Defense features an 85 OVR Bump and Run Cornerback in Redshirt Senior Rayshawn Pleasant, as well as a consistent Defensive Tackle presence in Dallas Walker IV, Cody Sigler, and Malik Autry all within the 80’s. 

If you’re considering the Tigers for your Dynasty, then it’s worth mentioning that this is the Redshirt Senior season for Kicker Alex McPherson, brother of current pro Evan. Aim true, and you’ll show that there’s another “Money Mac” in the family with his 96 Kick Power and a Platinum Deep Range ability.

• CLEMSON TIGERS
  • 83 OVR / 80 OFF / 86 DEF
• #11 LSU TIGERS (#1 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 88 OVR / 89 OFF / 87 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

Might as well put the rights to the “Death Valley” name on the line between these two Tigers.

LSU is favored on paper with signal-caller Sam Leavitt, a Star Pocket Passer loaded with abilities that make him lethal at all ranges, leading the offense. Defensive Tackle Lamar Brown is one of the game’s top freshmen at 84 OVR, and in a deep defensive line unit, he can get some serious reps in your Dynasty save to become an absolute problem. Expectations are high for LSU, and if you’re up to the task, then it’s time for you to join Lane Kiffin, a Level 66 Program Builder with an A+ Coach Rating, in his debut game and start their road to a National Championship strong.

However, Clemson fans can play out an upset first in College Football 27, especially with elite options on both sides of the ball in Sammy Brown and T.J. Moore. Moore is a speed threat with 93 Speed and 95 Acceleration, while Brown can be a fun “user” option for rattling opponents like LSU. Dabo is ready for his 19th year with an unfathomable amount of players loyal to the program; are you ready to help him (including giving him virtual time off) bring Clemson back to national title-winning glory?

• EAST CAROLINA PIRATES
  • 74 OVR / 75 OFF / 73 DEF
• #13 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (#5 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 86 OVR / 82 OFF / 89 DEF
• The Stars and Impact Players seem to align for the Crimson Tide, who boast one of the best defenses in College Football 27.

With Redshirt Freshman Keelon Russel and Junior Austin Mack in a QB1 battle, why not throw your own name into the mix through Road to Glory? Otherwise in Dynasty, you call the winner and warm them up against East Carolina.

Rather beat ‘Bama? To paraphrase a late great coach, once in a while, a pirate can beat a soldier,  and even, perhaps, a Crimson Tide. East Carolina has a Multiple Offense toolbox fit with three veteran speed threats out wide. Center Brandon Best looks to hold down the line as a solid Pass Protector with multiple Silver Abilities, and the potential of this defense, highlighted by Edge Rusher Jasiyah Robinson at 80 OVR, can help you overcome an SEC juggernaut.

• TEXAS STATE BOBCATS
  • 77 OVR / 78 OFF / 76 DEF
• #7 TEXAS LONGHORNS (#13 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 89 OVR / 90 OFF / 88 DEF

The first in a trio of intrastate matchups, Bevo will be staring down some Bobcats to start the season in Austin.

They don’t call it the “Fun Belt” for nothing; if you love to air it out, then Sun Belt contender Texas State has a Veer & Shoot playbook that Redshirt Sophomore Brad Jackson can open up for the dual Elusive Route Runners of Chris Dawn Jr. and Beau Sparks, the latter boasting a rare Platinum Trait for the Group of Five with Cutter.

However, the numbers point to plenty of “Hook ‘Em” comments early. With two top-15 overall athletes (Colin Simmons as the game’s best Edge Rusher and Trevor Goosby as a top-three tackle), a top-ten quarterback and Heisman Hopeful Arch Manning, and ridiculous depth at all positions, the Longhorns are hard to enter in Road to Glory and rated Medium difficulty in Dynasty for a reason. 

Might we suggest this as the time to truly introduce two Redshirt Freshmen James Simon and Kaliq Lockett, who rank among the best in their class? Otherwise, Texas transferred in great talent ready to break out like Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers from NC State (and Oklahoma), who sits at 89 OVR (good for top-20 among all RBs) with five Bronze Abilities and a quick 94 Acceleration attribute. Another one to watch for is Cam Coleman, the former #5 rated recruit from Clemson tied for the third-best Wide Receiver in the game at 93 OVR. As a Contested Specialist, Coleman could be a deep threat with a Platinum 50/50 ability and 98 Jumping, all built on a 6’ 3” frame that can reach for those high passes.

• WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS
  • 75 OVR / 77 OFF / 73 DEF
• #14 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (#12 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 85 OVR / 85 OFF / 85 DEF

The Wolverine State football season begins with a battle between stops off I-94.

Michigan is heavily favored per the overall ratings; scroll past the top overalls - John Henry David, Jyaire Hill, Jordan Marshall, Jake Guarnera… the list goes on - and you’ll find the 2026 class’ gem known as Savion Hiter. College Football 27 has him at 83 OVR with Speed, Acceleration, and Agility at 93, 94, and 93 respectively… With a Platinum Shifty ability. Yes, as a freshman. And yes, you should probably watch his highlight tape.

What about Western Michigan? While a win here in real life would be the biggest Michigan upset since September 1, 2007 (to be fair Wolverine fans: we just got done singing your praises), their expectation is to lead the MAC after a true Week 1 test. In Dynasty, you can help them go back-to-back with Redshirt Senior Jalen Buckley helping you pound the rock as a true Contact Seeker.

• FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS
  • 76 OVR / 78 OFF / 75 DEF
• #25 FLORIDA GATORS (#7 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 84 OVR / 83 OFF / 84 DEF

Rounding out the in-state games on our watch list, Florida Atlantic could be a fun team with Redshirt Senior Wide Receiver Easton Messer captaining the squad alongside other upperclassmen. He’s a seriously Elusive Route Runner with Platinum Cutter and awesome athleticism, great for both offensive drives and as a return man, where he went all the way against a ranked opponent last season in South Florida.

But, of course, the Gators won’t back down, especially to a parliament of owls. 

This is your time to remember Dallas Wilson set the program record for freshman in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in a first career game. Coming back from injury, this Redshirt option is one to watch - or play as - in Gainesville, but he’s not the only top-rated underclassman wide receiver with great expectations: Vernell Brown III fits in at 87 OVR as a sophomore, not bad for the son of the “Face of Florida Football.”

• BALL STATE CARDINALS
  • 72 OVR / 72 OFF / 73 DEF
• (#1) “THE” OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES (#2 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 90 OVR / 92 OFF / 88 DEF

Yep, it’s “The” Ohio State, because they boast the #1 ranking in the in-game poll and the game’s #1 offensive unit.

Jeremiah Smith, College Football 27’s lone 99 OVR at launch, is a four Platinum-ability stud that has spent over eight weeks catching dimes from Star Pocket Passer Julian Sayin and winning WR/DB battles time and time again for the community. This is his first opportunity to start building the award-winning resume, although you may create some playing time for the virtual Buckeyes underclassmen.

As for Ball State, winning this Week 1 matchup in Dynasty only to follow with an undefeated MAC season is a national-rank virtual dream. But can it also be reality? One Impact underclassman transfer from Purdue, Donovan Hamilton, could be your own future star athlete on a Group of Five program looking to improve from a 4-8 record.

• BOISE STATE BRONCOS
  • 75 OVR / 77 OFF / 73 DEF
• #2 OREGON DUCKS (#6 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 91 OVR / 91 OFF / 91 DEF

Being the top-rated team in College Football 27 totally didn’t set the bar high for the Ducks nor cause any massive national debates, right?

Well, we’ve seen many community highlights of cover athlete Dante Moore already, and he can put up true video game numbers en-route to a Heisman with a fully-loaded roster of great teammates. Don’t think taking them over in Dynasty mode is easy street, however. After this Boise State game, expectations are often set on crushing the Big 10 gauntlet and winning it all.

It’s not all blue for Boise State, however. If you want to ruin a virtual Ducks fan’s season, go ahead and aim for the upset in Autzen Stadium. Just remember it’s the #6 Toughest Place to Play at Launch, which can rattle your offense. Luckily, you have Quarterback Maddux Madsen under center with two Platinum Abilities (Step Up and Slight of Hand) to help break through #1 rated Oregon Defense. And in terms of ground game, Junior Dylan Riley and Redshirt Sophomore Sire Gaines have the ratings to follow in the footsteps of this program’s great running backs.

• MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD
  • 75 OVR / 78 OFF / 72 DEF
• #17 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (#3 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 83 OVR / 86 OFF / 81 DEF

If you’re looking for a fun Air Raid playbook and ready to lead a storied franchise, then look no further than the Thundering Herd. Get a little Bunch TE Wk action going with Physical Route Runner Toby Payne as your main target, and rely on Jalen Slappy and the rest of this offensive line crew to swat off defensive lineman.

However, the Stripe Out alert is on in Happy Valley. Losing nearly half of last year’s roster meant opportunities for transfers and underclassmen to step up. That includes a Quarterback room that followed their coach from Iowa State: Rocco Becht will be the field general under center with the ability to zip it on 90 Throw Power and Gold Slight of Hand, among other Abilities.

In terms of this program’s young rising stars, Offensive Tackle Malachi Goodman can develop into a great talent both in the game and in real life. Look for him to get to the Second Level (with a Bronze Ability of the same name) often, especially in this Week 1 match-up, as he gets quality time to become a potential force for the Nittany Lions.

• MISSOURI STATE BEARS
  • 72 OVR / 73 OFF / 72 DEF
• #8 TEXAS A&M AGGIES (#10 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 86 OVR / 86 OFF / 86 DEF

To the 12th Man: this game should be yours to win… Right after you get done prepping for Midnight Yell practice, of course.

All eyes will be on the freshman with the best College Football 27 overall Quinten Joyner. Developing under his Junior teammates Cameron Dickey and J’koby Williams on the depth chart, this may be the early game in your Dynasty save to get him loose on a Conference-USA opponent.

If you’re pulling for the Bears, however, prepare to walk into the 10th Toughest Place to Play, Kyle Field, with everything you got. Winning or putting up a great effort here makes the rest of their schedule a march towards the conference title, which can be done with Senior skill position outliers Jmariyae Robinson and Breezy Dubar. Sprinting circles around the Aggies may be the gameplan here, given the Bears’ pure athleticism that runs all the way down the depth chart.

• NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN
  • 77 OVR / 78 OFF / 77 DEF
• #5 INDIANA HOOSIERS (#17 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 90 OVR / 90 OFF / 90 DEF

Last but certainly not least… the undefeated streak defense begins again for Coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers.

It would be bold to replace him in Dynasty given his Program Builder status that made him an immediate legend. Stepping into his shoes or taking him out of them, this Indiana team is prepared to run it back as a top-three program. Specifically, running to the left side if you were to strictly go by video game logic, since position-leading Offensive Tackle Carter Smith and 91 OVR Offensive Guard Drew Evans are guardians on the left side. Don’t be afraid to pull them right with some Power, Counter, Trap and Screen calls, or mix up the Pass Protection before the snap with those pre-snap adjustments.

North Texas, on the other hand, has a community-beloved Air Raid playbook and the tools to execute it well. Remember that an Air Raid offense is not 100% pass plays. Establishing a run game when the box empties out is key to running up the score, and with East/West Playmaker Running Back Jaheim White and his Platinum Shifty and 360 Abilities, all it takes is you being a bit cruel with the Mean Green to break the streak in Dynasty.

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Lambeau, Music City, Apple Cup

Yes, we have College Football on Sunday too, including one early rivalry game and a leap over to Lambeau.

• #3 NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
  • 89 OVR / 88 OFF / 90 DEF
• WISCONSIN BADGERS
  • 79 OVR / 80 OFF / 78 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

The Shamrock Series is now in the game as of the August 6 Title Update, meaning you can play it out for the Fighting Irish or the Badgers at Lambeau Field in Dynasty and Road to Glory modes.

The Irish are tied for 4th overall and have the second best defense in College Football 27. Irish fans - Notre Dame graduates and Subway Alumni alike - may still think this rating is low, and they could be right. For example, CJ Carr is a Heisman frontrunner, but is “only” the 4th ranked Quarterback in the game. As one of over 35 athletes on this team at or over 80 OVR, Carr and the rest of the Irish could get a boost after a strong start in Green Bay…

But that’s all the more reason for the Badgers to play spoiler and crush this Independent's CFP hopes in Week 1. 

Senior Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III looks to establish a presence in the Big Ten with a versatile East-West Playmaker skillset: speed and acceleration in the 90s, plus strong trucking, change of direction, and all sorts of ballcarrying moves, especially with Gold 360 and Silver Side Step Abilities. Paired with his transfer duo Colton Joseph from Old Dominion, who arrives with multiple Pocket Passer abilities and serious Athleticism stats in the 80’s, Sama III may be the key to making this Shamrock Series a shootout, which may be Wisconsin’s path to upset the heavily-favorited Irish.

• #24 LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
  • 84 OVR / 85 OFF / 82 DEF
• #9 OLE MISS REBELS
  • 88 OVR / 88 OFF / 87 DEF

This special kickoff game can be played at Nissan Stadium through Dynasty; whether you choose the Cardinals or the Rebels, ground-and-pound can be the name of your game with elite Running Backs on both teams.

As one of the top teams in the ACC, Louisville can set expectations high off the Platinum Shifty back of Junior Halfback Isaac Brown. Mixing it up with Junior Impact player Keyjuan Brown and Freshman Star athlete Marquise Davis can make for a fun evening in music city, all while Senior Edge Rusher Clev Lubin could give Trinindad Chambliss the blues as a Platinum Pocket Disruptor.

The Rebels, of course, have cover athlete Kewan Lacy. Three platinum abilities - Shifty, Side Step, and 360 - and high marks across all Athleticism and Ballcarrier ratings turned him into the pre-season menace in the right hands of College Football 27 players. On option plays, Chambliss can be a great choice to keep it for himself or air it out as a Backfield Creator with Platinum Mobile Deadeye and Pull Down abilities at his disposal.

• WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS
  • 76 OVR / 78 OFF / 73 DEF
• #23 WASHINGTON HUSKIES (#15 TOUGHEST PLACE TO PLAY)
  • 83 OVR / 85 OFF / 81 DEF
• CUT GAME OF THE WEEK

You love to see a rivalry week at season kickoff.

In Dynasty, you can easily get in your Athletic Director’s good graces early by winning this matchup (if it’s a goal, which it’s likely to be). Or, if you prefer Road to Glory, have fun putting them both on your shortlist and playing around on Signing Day… It’ll make this rivalry all the more fun in Week 1.

Who do you choose? Fans would rather spend a week walking from campus to campus than play as the other team, but for those of us who enjoy watching these two bases from the sidelines, the Huskies are favored here. The Demond Williams Jr. to Dezmen Roebuck connection can be unlocked in your hands with slippery Backfield Creator abilities paired with crisp elusive route running attributes.

However, Coug Nation is always looking for more folks to fly their flag proudly. JUCO product Tony Freeman and Oregon State transfer Darrius Clemmons can send off their Senior seasons as a phenomenal Elusive Route Runner and Contested Specialist duo. It’s only right with the rich legacy of this Air Raid program; win those WR/DB battles that College Football 27 enhanced, and you - or you as Kirby Moore - will go down in history after leading them through the new-look PAC-12.

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Play Your Whole Season Now

That is just a small sampling of the action coming up in Week 1, but you don’t have to wait until Saturday to play the entire season out in College Football 27.

A reminder that Season 2 is live now and features new Season Pass Rewards, including Upgrade Players in Daryus Dixon, Jaylen Sneed, Luke Montgomery, and Daniel Hill, Packs, Coins, Trophies, and more to build out your College Ultimate Team.

If you’re not in the game already, pick up the Kickoff Bundle, which includes both the EA SPORTS™ College Football 27 Standard Edition and EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 27 Standard Edition, on your platform of choice, and we’ll see you on the gridiron.

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