EA Sports' Madden video games have captivated many football fans since they were children. They get to play with their preferred teams and do incredible things with their favorite players.
However, as time has passed and these kids have grown up, the game has gained even more attention. The ratings of individual players being publicly released for everyone to see have almost taken center stage more than the game itself.
One player whose initial rating Tennessee Titans fans are interested to see is rookie quarterback Cam Ward. The former University of Miami quarterback has captivated many Titans fans with his confidence, ability and incredible study habits since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward (1).
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward (1).
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
It was unknown, however, if his impressive offseason with the team would transfer into a strong Madden 26 rating.
According to Justin Graver, Ward has been rated as a 71 overall in Madden 26. This relatively low score even surprised his fellow rookie teammate, offensive lineman Jackson Slater, who is reportedly rated a 75 overall.
This rating may be shocking to some Titans fans, but it is important take a look at where rookie quarterbacks, especially those who were drafted first overall, have been rated in the past.
Caleb Williams was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and his rating was a 76 overall in Madden 25. For a player who was considered by some to be a generational quarterback, this was a surprisingly low rating.
Bryce Young, who was taken first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, was given an initial 74 rating. He was the highest-rated quarterback in that year's rookie class, but Young had an up-and-down rookie season.
When Trevor Lawrence was drafted number one overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft, his rating started off at 78 overall.
Ward is the lowest-rated of the four most recent number one overall quarterbacks. This may be understandable considering the hype that the other three garnered ahead of their first seasons, but there is something special about Ward as well.
This rating may be puzzling considering the things Ward did on the field and the way he carried his offense at the University of Miami and the other stops along his journey. But, just like he always has, Ward will get the opportunity to prove he deserves better on the field. Madden is fictional, but what Ward can do on the field is real, and maybe EA Sports has to see him prove that at the professional level.