Top 7 highest-rated players for Iowa State vs. Iowa game in EA Sports College Football 25
The Iowa State Cyclones and No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes were both able to win an easy Week 1 tune-up against an FCS opponent. Both teams are set to face one another this weekend in a matchup that should be much tougher for both programs.
Here's a closer look at the seven players from both rosters who received the highest ratings in EA Sports College Football 25.
Top 7 highest-rated players for Iowa State vs. Iowa game in EA Sports College Football 25
#1. Jay Higgins
Jay Higgins joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a three-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. After a breakout season in 2023 in which he led the nation in tackles and earned first-team All-American honors, he recorded seven tackles and one pass defended in their 40-0 victory over the Illinois State Redbirds in Week 1. The linebacker earned a 94 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 25.
#2. Sebastian Castro
Sebastian Castro joined the Hawkeyes as a three-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. The safety earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and had three tackles, all of which were solo, and a forced fumble in the season opener. Castro earned a 92 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 25.
#T-3. Nick Jackson
Nick Jackson initially joined the Virginia Cavaliers as a three-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. He later joined the Hawkeyes via the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 season and has earned all-conference honors in each of the past two seasons. The linebacker had five tackles and one pass defended in the season opener. Jackson is rated a 90 overall in EA Sports College Football 25.
#T-3. Xavier Nwankpa
Xavier Nwankpa joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a five-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. The safety had a breakout season in 2023, his first year as a starter. He recorded two solo tackles in the season opener. Nwankpa received a 90 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 25.
#5. Quinn Schulte
Quinn Schulte joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as an unranked prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. The safety recorded three tackles in the season opener. He is rated an 89 overall in EA Sports College Football 25.
#T-6. Luke Lachey
Luke Lachey joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a four-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. The tight end recorded six receptions for 63 yards in Week 1. He received an 88 overall in EA Sports College Football 25.
#T-6. Connor Colby
Connor Colby joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. The offensive lineman is entering his fourth season as a starter. He is rated an 88 overall in EA Sports College Football 25.
#T-6. Jayden Higgins
Jayden Higgins initially joined the Eastern Kentucky Colonels as a two-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, later joining the Iowa State Cyclones via the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 season. The wide receiver recorded five receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown in the 21-3 victory over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. He earned an 88 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 25.