Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley shared a comedic response to quarterback Cam Ward’s unexpectedly low rookie rating in the upcoming Madden NFL 26 video game. Ward received a 72 overall rating, placing him behind many other rookies from the 2025 NFL draft class, despite being the Titans’ top pick this year.
The Madden NFL 26 creators ranked several rookies from the 2025 draft with diverse scores: Travis Hunter led with an 84 overall, followed by Ashton Jeanty at 81, Mykel Williams at 78, Tetairoa McMillan at 77, Cam Skattebo at 73, and Cam Ward at 71. Ridley’s simple reaction to the ratings was a single laughing emoji, highlighting his amusement over Ward’s placement.
How Madden NFL 26 Rated This Year’s Top NFL Rookies
Madden NFL 26’s rookie rankings sparked conversation due to the notable differences in ratings among the highly touted draft class. Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy last season and was picked second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, achieved the highest rookie rating at 84. Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman runner-up and sixth pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, received an 81. Mykel Williams and Tetairoa McMillan followed with solid scores in the high 70s, while Cam Skattebo earned a 73. Cam Ward’s lower rating of 71 surprised many, given his draft position as the first overall pick and his strong college career at Miami, where he finished fourth in Heisman voting.
Titans Quarterback Cam Ward Praises Calvin Ridley
Earlier in July, Cam Ward dedicated a segment of his YouTube channel to praising Ridley’s ability as a wide receiver. Describing Ridley’s unique qualities, Ward emphasized how the veteran receiver’s movements and skills are helping the team’s offensive chemistry develop.
“That boy there (Ridley), different,” Ward said. “How he moves, everything. Now that I, like, see what a receiver’s supposed to be like? That’s why I’m glad (Titans wideouts) Elic (Ayomanor), Chim (Chimere Dike), Strep (Xavier Restrepo), Bryce (Oliver), all the guys in our room, I’m glad they got him.”
—Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Ridley, who joined the Titans on a four-year, $92 million contract in 2024, previously played for the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season, he posted 1,017 receiving yards and four touchdowns from 64 receptions, although the Titans did not make the playoffs.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Madden NFL 26 Release and NFL Season
Madden NFL 26 is set to launch on August 14, with an early access period available to those who pre-order the game. Fans and analysts alike are curious to see how the ratings align with the real-world potential of rookies like Cam Ward as the NFL 2025 season unfolds. Ward’s transition from college standout to pro quarterback, combined with Ridley’s veteran presence, provides hope for the Titans as they aim for a playoff berth. With Ward’s development under close watch, his on-field success could shift public perceptions well beyond Madden’s initial ratings.