Top 10 rookie rankings on Madden 26 revealed

The top 10 rookie rankings for Madden 26 were revealed, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and there are some noteworthy names on the list. All of these rookies should make an instant impact on their respective franchises.

No rookie got a rating in the 90s, just to put that out there off the bat. But going by the video game’s ratings, these guys could be worthy players to use in the game.

Without further ado, let’s drop into Madden 26’s rookie ratings. We start with a Heisman Trophy winner at the top!

1. Travis Hunter, WR/DB – Jacksonville Jaguars (84)

Hunter is the top rated rookie in Madden 26 with his two-way abilities coming off a Heisman campaign. The two-way play will continue with the Jaguars as he should be a reliable weapon for Trevor Lawrence and be able to lock down opposing receivers.

There will surely be a learning curve, but Hunter’s proven he is a special player. Having the highest rating in the game among his rookie class is another small honor as well.

2. Ashton Jeanty, RB – Las Vegas Raiders (83)

Jeanty was college football’s best running back last year and should make an instant impact with the Raiders as a rookie. Expect his usage rate to be high in Madden 26 and in real life.

Jeanty ran for 4,769 yards in three years at Boise State but went off last year. He had 2,601 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven yards per carry. Yeah, pretty good!

3. Abdul Carter, EDGE – New York Giants (81)

Carter was a wrecking ball for Penn State and the Giants expect him to be the same as a rookie this year. Sure, he tried getting the number of same franchise legends, but he’ll carve out his own legacy.

He’s in the mold of Micah Parsons, so the Giants should be thrilled this fall. He logged 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks during his final collegiate season.

4. Mason Graham, DT – Cleveland Browns (80)

Graham paired with someone like Myles Garrett on the Browns’ defensive line should consider himself lucky. Still, Cleveland took him high in the first round for a reason.

One of the anchors of Michigan’s defensive line over the last couple of years, Graham should be good right away. Expect him to have a solid rookie campaign.

5. Will Campbell, OT – New England Patriots (79)

Campbell is the first, and only, offensive lineman on this list. He has big expectations for a rookie tackle that’ll protect Drake Maye.

Still, New England believes in him and he’s already proven how good he is. How that translates to the NFL is anyone’s guess, but there’s probably a better chance he’s solid on the line.

6. Jalon Walker, LB – Atlanta Falcons (79)

Walker saved his best collegiate season for his last in 2024. The Georgia product will be a key cog to the Falcons’ defense as a rookie as they finally look to get back to the playoffs.

Last season, Walker had 60 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss. He totaled 19 TFL and 12.5 sacks in his college career.

7. Kenneth Grant, DT – Miami Dolphins (78)

Grant, like Graham, was a dominant force up front for the Michigan Wolverines. He should bode well down in Miami as a rookie.

Grant was a stout run defender and could get after the quarterback in college. He had seven tackles for loss and three sacks in 2024 for the Wolverines.

8. Jahdae Barron, DB – Denver Broncos (78)

Perhaps Barron went a bit under the radar among these rookies. The Broncos defensive back should be a solid piece for a rising team in 2025.

Barron spent five seasons with the Texas Longhorns and saved his best for last. He logged five interceptions last season and had eight in his career. Barron also had 226 total tackles with Texas.

9. Mykel Williams, EDGE – San Francisco 49ers (78)

The 49ers needed some fresh blood on defense and the rookie Williams might just be what the doctor ordered. He was rated one of the top 10 rookies in Madden 26 for good reason.

The former Georgia star totaled 67 tackles in his college career and 23 tackles for loss. He also had 14 sacks in his career and he’ll look to keep those productive numbers going in the pros.

10. Maxwell Hairston, CB – Buffalo Bills (78)

Hairston might’ve been one of the steals of the first round of the NFL Draft. The Bills rookie should contribute to the secondary right away.

Hairston had five interceptions in 2023 and just one last season, but was limited to just seven games as a junior. If he’s fully healthy, expect him to be quite productive.