As college football fans count down the days until the release of College Football 26 video game, EA Sports officially dropped its Top 25 team ratings, and South Carolina made the cut. The Gamecocks are coming in at No. 24 overall with an 82 team ranking.
The ranking is a national sign of respect for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks as the buzz around Columbia grows. While other SEC teams have also landed in the rankings, and South Carolina's inclusion among some of the top programs is a win for the program's momentum. Of course, that is on the actual field and the virtual one.
The updated game, aimed to be released on July 10, brings a new home-field advantage system, and Williams-Brice Stadium is exactly the kind of electric yet hostile environment it was created for. Whether you are a gamer who is leading QB1 LaNorris Sellers on a Heisman run in Dynasty Mode or pushing for a Playoff run, it's clear that South Carolina deserves more than a No. 24 ranking.
The Gamecock roster is reloaded with firepower, the foundation in Columbia has been laid brick by brick, and anyone who has been to Columbia on a Saturday night knows just how deafening and intimidating things get under those lights. So, when the game officially drops on July 10, you better believe Gamecock Nation will be ready.
Here's the full Top 25 list of overall schools from EA Sports:
1. Alabama
2. Texas
3. Ohio State
4. Penn State
5. Notre Dame
6. Georgia
7. Clemson
8. Texas A&M
9. Oregon
10. LSU
11. Miami
12. Florida
13. Texas Tech
14. Arizona State
15. Michigan
16. Ole Miss
17. Oklahoma
18. Indiana
19. SMU
20. Tennessee
21. Missouri
22. Auburn
23. Duke
24. South Carolina
25. Illinois