Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward does not rank anywhere near the top 10 rookies in the Madden 26 initial player ratings released by EA Sports on July 30. Ward's initial rating is a 72 overall, tops among the rookie quarterbacks but well off of Travis Hunter's 84 overall rating to lead all rookies.

Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter is the game's highest-rated rookie, earning an 84 overall rating. Pearce's rating is still a mystery since the former Volunteers standout was not among the game's 10 highest-rated rookies.