At this time last year, EA Sports made a highly anticipated return to college football video games with the release of College Football 25, their first entry in the series since NCAA Football 14. For college football fans and gaming enthusiasts alike, the game’s comeback felt like waking up on Christmas morning. It was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and quickly became a major success—something that didn’t come as a surprise given the franchise’s popularity.
Now, attention has shifted toward College Football 26, the next installment in the series, which promises to be even better than its predecessor. Virginia Tech fans, in particular, have a lot to be curious about as they look ahead, especially after an offseason filled with major changes following a disappointing 6-6 season under head coach Brent Pry.
This past year, the Hokies experienced significant roster turnover. Between players departing for the NFL Draft and others transferring out, the team lost a considerable amount of talent. Despite these losses, a few key players are returning, including quarterbacks Kyron Drones and Pop Watson, both of whom are expected to play important roles this season. Yet, the most surprising news for fans of the video game might be who the highest-rated Virginia Tech player is in College Football 26.
In an unexpected twist, that top honor goes not to a returning star but to a newcomer—offensive lineman Tomas Rimac, a transfer from West Virginia. Rimac made a name for himself as one of the top interior linemen in the ACC, according to Pro Football Focus. His decision to follow offensive line coach Matt Moore from Morgantown to Blacksburg turned out to be a big win for Virginia Tech. Now, he’s not only a critical piece of the Hokies’ offensive line but also their most highly rated player in the latest version of the game.
Rimac’s presence will be especially important for Virginia Tech’s offense this year. With a restructured offensive line and a new system led by first-year offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, stability and experience up front will be vital. Whether Drones or Watson takes the starting role at quarterback, having a player like Rimac anchoring the line offers a major advantage.
Given all the turnover Virginia Tech experienced this offseason, it’s not shocking that a transfer player like Rimac ended up with the top rating on the roster in College Football 26.
While the game will include several new features and improvements over last year’s version, the inclusion of key transfers and updates to reflect the rapidly changing nature of college football is one way the game is staying current and realistic.
As fans eagerly await the release of College Football 26, Rimac’s standout rating is a sign of the changing face of the Hokies’ program and a reminder of how impactful the transfer portal has become. With new players, a retooled coaching staff, and a lot to prove, Virginia Tech enters the season—and the virtual field—with a fresh start and a player to watch in Tomas Rimac.
Leave a Reply