Why a College Football Video Game Rated Oregon’s Star Cornerback So Low

Elite Coverage in a Sea of Skepticism

Brandon Finney Jr. didn’t just step onto the field last season—he shut it down. The Oregon Ducks’ true freshman faced some of college football’s most lethal receivers at Indiana, USC, Washington, and Penn State. 50 passes. 20 catches allowed. One touchdown conceded. These aren’t just numbers; they’re a statement. Yet in EA Sports College Football 27, Finney’s rating sits at a 91—a mark that has one former standout furious.

A 94? The Debate Over a Breakout Star

Su’a Cravens, a former All-American at USC, didn’t mince words. "Sleeping on Finney," he tweeted, arguing the freshman deserves at least a 94. The game’s creators, Cravens implied, have overlooked a cornerback who could be the first off the board in two years.

Finney isn’t the only one undervalued. Five Big Ten cornerbacks share his 91, including Michigan’s Jontez Williams and Indiana’s Jamari Sharpe (a national champion). Texas Tech’s Brice Pollock sits at 93, while Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore leads with a 97. Alabama’s Zabien Brown? A 92.

Why does this matter? Because video games shape perception. A 91 might fuel Finney’s fire—or it could overshadow a potential 2025 breakout season.

The 2025 Season: A Stage for Greatness

The Ducks’ opener against Boise State isn’t just a game—it’s a statement. Star receiver Cameron Bates, a dual-threat on deep balls and jet sweeps, will test Finney’s lockdown ability. If the freshman shuts him down, he’ll prove his 91 is just the beginning.

Then comes Oklahoma State’s new-look offense, led by QB Drew Mestermaker, who threw for 4,000+ yards in 2025. Dominating him would silence doubts about Finney’s ability to handle elite competition.

But the real gauntlet? A September 26 road trip to USC.

Last year, Finney blanketed the Trojans’ top receiver. This time, he’ll face Tanook Hines, who torched Oregon in 2024. A repeat performance from Finney could cement his legacy—or expose him to fresh scrutiny.

The Ultimate Test: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith

The season’s crescendo arrives on November 7 against Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, a matchup that could redefine Finney’s career.

If he dominates?

• Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
• A 99 rating in next year’s game.
• Proof that his 91 in CFB 27 was a floor, not a ceiling.

Right now, the rating feels like a challenge. Finney’s response? On the field.