A Deep Dive into the Badgers' EA Sports College Football Ratings

The full player ratings for the new EA College Football game have finally been released! Let's take a look at which ratings are surprising, too high, too low, and more.

Surprises

Nyzier Fourqurean - 77 Overall

The projected starter across the way from star cornerback Ricardo Hallman Jr. was only given a 77 overall rating. The rumor out of spring practices was that he was much improved, so I think it'll only be a matter of time before he's rated higher than 80.

Tawee Walker - 82 Overall

With Chez Mellusi rated at an 84 overall (we'll get to him later), it was a bit surprising to see projected backup Tawee Walker as an 82. The Oklahoma transfer has plenty of hype heading into this season, but with limited action in 2023, I'm surprised EA gave him an actual well-deserved grade. Walker will surprise a lot of people this year.

John Pius - 84 Overall

Pius is another player I am happy to see get a solid rating. He's a transfer from William and Mary where he wrecked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, posting 9.5 sacks in 2022 and 9 in 2023. How his production will change playing in the Big Ten will be interesting to watch.

Too Low

James Thompson Jr. - 78 Overall

The best defensive lineman on the Badgers last year, Thompson Jr. should be at least an 80 in my opinion. He led all Badger defensive lineman last year in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.

Chez Mellusi - 84 Overall

A running back who averaged 6.0 yards per carry in a Power Conference should be rated a bit higher I think. The injury in 2023 could possibly be holding the rating back, but Mellusi is another player who could see a rise in his ranking very quickly.

Too High

Offensive Line

I never want to be too negative about the team on here, but if I had to pick some ratings that seem like they could drop it might be the Badgers' offensive line group. All of the starters earned ratings over 83, but I think the line needs to show me a little more than they did in 2023 to justify those.

Random Ratings

A few interesting tidbits:

Fastest Badger: WR Quincy Burroughs - 96 Speed

Strongest Badger: Three Tied (Mahlman, Renfro, Durand) - 95 Strength

Sharpest Badger: OT Jack Nelson - 94 Awareness