Madden NFL 26 continues to disrespect Titans' Cam Ward
Madden Snubs Rookie QB, Fans Predict Breakout Season
Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans' first-round draft pick, is generating more buzz off the field than on it. Despite being selected No. 1 overall, Ward seems to be facing an uphill battle for recognition, even from video game ratings.
Madden Lowers Bar for Rookie QB
The recent release of Madden NFL 26 revealed a shocking truth: Cam Ward received the lowest grade of any first-round pick in the last 24 years. He's not only the second-lowest graded player in his draft class but also trails his own teammates in the rankings.
Femi Oladejo, an EDGE rusher for the Titans, boasts a 74 rating, making him the highest-graded rookie on the team. This stark contrast highlights the perceived lack of faith in Ward's potential by the game developers.
Full #Madden26Ratings for #Titans rookie class:
QB Cam Ward 72
EDGE Femi Oladejo 74
S Kevin Winston Jr 71
WR Elic Ayomanor 71
WR Chimere Dike 70
LG Jackson Slater 68
TE Gunnar Helm 67
RB Kalel Mullings 70
CB Marcus Harris 69
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) July 30, 2025
No. 1 Pick's Performance Ignored
This Madden snub comes on the heels of widespread media attention focused on other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Even seasoned analysts seem to be overlooking Ward's talent.
Looking at previous No. 1 overall picks, Kyler Murray (73), Trevor Lawrence (78), Bryce Young (74), and Caleb Williams (75) all received higher ratings than Ward. However, some argue that Ward possesses comparable or even superior skills coming out of college.
Fueling the Fire
Despite the negativity surrounding his early career, Cam Ward seems determined to prove doubters wrong. This Madden snub is likely to fuel his desire to excel on the field.
History shows that video game ratings don't always accurately predict real-life performance. Jayden Daniels, for example, was graded a 74 as a rookie last year and exceeded expectations with the Washington Commanders.
Ward’s journey in the NFL is just beginning. With his chip on his shoulder and undeniable talent, his potential for a breakout season remains high.