EA Sports announced the seven athletes who will be included in the 99 Club for the launch of Madden NFL 26, set to release in two weeks. Leading this elite group is Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, joined by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, marking a significant milestone in the game’s latest edition.
Elite Players Featuring in Madden NFL 26 99 Club
The 99 Club roster for Madden NFL 26 features a lineup of top-tier talent from the NFL. Along with Barkley, Jackson, and Jefferson, the group includes Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, and Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson. This group represents the highest-rated competitors in the game at launch.
Barkley was the first player revealed as part of this distinguished group, also being announced as the Madden NFL 26 cover athlete earlier this month. The inclusion of Johnson alongside teammates Barkley helps continue a notable trend where pairs of teammates appear in the 99 Club simultaneously at the game’s launch, a pattern seen previously with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, as well as the San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams.
Historic Milestones and Notable Player Achievements
This year’s seven-member 99 Club is the largest at launch since Madden NFL 19 was released in 2018, indicating the depth of elite talent represented. Johnson’s addition places him among a very exclusive list of offensive tackles in the club, following legendary players such as Jonathan Ogden, Walter Jones, Willie Roaf, and current member Trent Williams.
Ja’Marr Chase makes history as the first player from the Cincinnati Bengals to achieve a 99 overall rating, marking a first for a franchise previously without representation in the elite club. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen join the ranks as only the sixth and seventh quarterbacks to ever receive this honor, a group previously limited to iconic players like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Mahomes.
Veteran players like Justin Jefferson and Myles Garrett add to their impressive resumes by making the 99 Club again, with this marking their third overall inclusion and second time at launch. Garrett first earned the rating through an in-season update for Madden NFL 22, while Jefferson was recognized at launch in Madden NFL 24.
Game Release Details and Early Access Information
Madden NFL 26 is scheduled to release on August 14 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Windows platforms. Fans who pre-order the deluxe edition or MVP bundle, which includes NCAA Football 26, will gain early access starting August 11, allowing them to experience the game and its elite players ahead of the official release.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a millionaire?
A. Saquon Barkley’s net worth in 2025 includes his salary, career earnings, and investments. His financial success reflects his NFL accomplishments, with an estimated net worth of $32 million.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a humble guy?
A. Eagles standout Saquon Barkley acknowledges he may not be the sharpest thinker around. This admission was initially shared on Athlon Sports. Barkley has consistently impressed fans and teammates since joining the Eagles last season.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley the highest paid running back?
A. Saquon Barkley, a running back for Penn State Football, can lift 405 pounds in a power clean.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley humble?
A. Saquon Barkley is often recognized for his modesty, which gets positive attention. A person’s attitude reveals a lot about their character and background. It also shows their upbringing, social standing, and leadership qualities.