I gave up a lot for Travis Hunter. I mean, like a stupid amount.
On paper, it was one of the more lopsided trades the NFL has seen since Bears general manager Ryan Poles gave the Steelers what was basically a first-round pick for underwhelming wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Poles did that in real life. My deal for Hunter, the Jaguars’ rookie receiver/cornerback and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, was in Franchise mode for EA Sports’ Madden 26, the latest release in the series.
Pat Freiermuth? Love ya, Patsy, but the Steelers have plenty at tight end with Jonnu Smith and man mountain Darnell Washington.
I gave up an OG, corner Jalen Ramsey, for the up-and-coming Hunter.
And the one that really hurt? The Jaguars’ front office wouldn’t do the deal without star linebacker T.J. Watt included.
There were some draft picks traded as well, but at last Hunter was a Steeler.
His debut in New York for Week 1 went as expected: eight receptions, 128 yards, two touchdowns.
Then, a gut punch. EA seemingly wasn’t prepared for Hunter to be a two-way starter for Colorado in last year’s College Football 25. That curse continues. At least for now, Hunter’s offensive numbers in Franchise mode appear in the box score after the game but aren’t available in the regular-season stats. In College Football 25, it was the opposite — his receiving numbers tracked, but his defensive numbers did not.
It wasn’t as though EA didn’t know Hunter was coming to the NFL as a two-way player. It gave him a rating of 84 overall, which just beats Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (83) for the top rookie. EA also gave Hunter an ability to play both ways, called Iron Man.
Yet, any hopes of Hunter winning Rookie of the Year or league MVP are dashed without adding in what he does statistically on offense.
Nitpicky? Absolutely. And that’s where we are with the latest Madden release: nitpicking a game that otherwise continues to get better almost every season.
First, it’s important to note that EA did a great job this year of marrying the college version of its football game with the NFL version. The two feel like family: a little-brother college game with read options and gadget plays next to a sophisticated pro game with more speed and an upgraded presentation.
In Madden 26, that starts with an improved look and feel for the once-popular Franchise mode. Long before the sports gaming world evolved to include opening packs, upgrading players and spending real-life money on Ultimate Team (or different versions of it), picking an NFL team, managing the day-to-day operations and pushing it toward multiple Super Bowl victories was the mode of choice — until it wasn’t.
But the days of Franchise being ignored are over in 26, largely because of the presentation. The halftime highlights are terrific, as well as the weekly highlights from the main games, to go along with improved player upgrades. Where it gets real, however, is when assistant coaches bring different playsheets to the weekly team film sessions based on opponent, giving the head coach an opportunity to expose weaknesses.
That leaves a simple question once games begin: Do you trust the assistant coach and his scouting abilities, or do you stick to the bread and butter of your own playbook? It makes every game feel individual.
When the actual gameplay is factored in, Madden 26 has the potential to be very special. It starts with the QB traits — real-life animations and characteristics for each quarterback. Aaron Rodgers spins the quick release like Aaron Rodgers does. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are escape artists. Patrick Mahomes does Patrick Mahomes things.
It’s not just the quarterbacks who have added traits (although they’re the most noticeable). Hunter dances after almost every play because, well . . . Hunter likes to dance.
Now, if only his offensive numbers actually counted.
OVERALL GRADE: A-