Op/Ed: Is Madden 26 Worth It?

(picture via VICE)

As a new Madden game arrives on August 14th, fans see new improvements but also setbacks. As fans anticipate the release of Madden ‘26, the VIRIDIAN Sports Team gives their input on the new elements of the game, like faster-gameplay and arcade-like animation.
​by Justin Andrio, Jaxson Folds, and Jack Peterson

Superstar Mode
The first of which is the in-game cinematics, as the Superstar mode is loaded with action packed, cinematic cut scenes. The new superstar mode has changed since last year. With the new mode, you can now get a major upgrade to your starting ratings by doing well in the combine. This was in Madden ‘25, but it was nowhere near as detailed and in depth as it is this year. Another fun addition to the game is the salary in Superstar, which is based on how hard you work. You can get a better contract and more in-game currency, or “credits” to deck out your player for online modes like "Showdown" or the new game mode "Jump ball." Jump ball is basically a "one-on-one" where there is one receiver and one cornerback. It is based on how long of a reception the receiver gets which equals how many points the player gets that round

Rookie Ratings: (Ratings from ESPN)
With every new Madden, new rookies enter the game. Just like previous years, rookie ratings have sparked controversy. Here are the top ten highest rated rookies in Madden 26:

1. Travis Hunter: (CB/WR) - Jacksonville Jaguars - 84 Overall 
2. Ashton Jeanty: (RB) - Las Vegas Raiders - 83 Overall 
3. Abdul Carter: (EDGE) - New York Giants - 81 Overall 
4. Mason Graham: (DT) - Cleveland Browns - 80 Overall 
5. Will Campbell: (OT) - New England Patriots - 79 Overall 
6. Jalon Walker: (LB) - Atlanta Falcons - 79 Overall 
7. Kenneth Grant: (DT) - Miami Dolphins - 78 Overall 
8. Jahdae Barron: (DB) - Denver Broncos - 78 Overall 
9. Mykel Williams: (EDGE) - San Francisco 49ers - 78 Overall
10.  Maxwell Hairston: (CB) - Buffalo Bills - 78 Overall

The biggest surprise is number one overall draft pick Cam Ward not being in the top ten. In fact, Cam Ward is only a 71 overall. This has sparked lots of discussion, as many believe Cam Ward should be rated much higher. 

Staff Sports writer, Jack Peterson (12) says, “I believe that Cam Ward should be rated significantly higher, as he is the number one pick. However, I do agree Travis Hunter should be the highest rated rookie, as he is one of the greatest draft prospects to enter the NFL in many years.”

Madden or CFB? Pie chart made by Sports staff
Over the past couple of years, the talk of the football gaming world has always been Madden, until EA announced the release of College Football '25 in 2024. All the hype was now surrounding the first college football game in 10 years. Coming back up to date, EA released CFB '26 on July 10th and will be releasing Madden '26 on August 14th. 

A fifteen-person survey group of students at Walnut Grove think that CFB '26 is better than Madden 26.  

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The Madden franchise’s popularity has been decreasing throughout the years; however, people are still willing to buy the new yearly Madden to see what it has to offer.