Colorado’s two-way football star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is on the cusp of becoming one of the most anticipated rookies in the NFL’s 2025 draft class. While fans are eager to see him in action, another question looms: What will his rookie rating be in the Madden NFL video game series?
In a recent appearance on EA Madden Cast, Hunter discussed his expectations with former NFL wide receiver and Madden ratings adjuster Chad Ochocinco. The conversation revealed Hunter’s confidence in his abilities, though he kept his expectations surprisingly grounded.
“If I ain’t an 85 or above, we’re going to have to one vs. one for the [Heisman] Trophy back there,” Hunter told Ochocinco, humorously raising the stakes. “When I beat him, I get the 99.”
A Realistic Expectation for a Rare Talent
For a player of Hunter’s caliber, expecting a rookie Madden rating of 85 or higher is hardly unreasonable. Known for his versatility and dominance on both sides of the ball, Hunter’s unique skill set makes him a standout prospect. However, Madden rookies rarely start with such high ratings.
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, the highest-rated rookies were Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Joe Alt and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., both earning ratings of 79. The bar for rookies in Madden is high, and the game’s developers are typically conservative when assigning initial ratings.
Historical Comparisons
The highest-rated rookie in Madden history was Detroit Lions Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who debuted with a rating of 87. Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2007, was a generational talent coming out of Georgia Tech.
Comparing anyone to Johnson is a tall order, but Hunter’s extraordinary college career puts him in the conversation for an elite rookie rating.
Like Johnson, Hunter claimed the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver. However, his accolades didn’t stop there.
Hunter also won the Heisman Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player), Walter Camp Award (Player of the Year), and AP College Football Player of the Year. His rare ability to dominate as both a wide receiver and a cornerback makes him one of the most versatile and accomplished players in recent memory.
A Dual-Threat in the NFL
Hunter has announced his intention to continue playing on both sides of the ball in the NFL, a rarity in today’s game. His versatility and athleticism make him an asset in any scheme, and his college success suggests he could transition seamlessly to the professional level.
Currently, Hunter holds a perfect 99 rating in EA Sports College Football 25, making him the only player in the nation to achieve that honor. His dominance in the college game has set high expectations for his NFL career and his virtual Madden debut.
What’s Next for Hunter?
Hunter’s rookie Madden rating will likely reflect a blend of his potential and his immediate impact on the field. Whether or not he hits the 85 mark he’s aiming for, his performance as a rookie will ultimately determine how quickly he rises in the Madden rankings.
As Hunter prepares for the next chapter of his football journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can live up to his lofty college legacy and, perhaps, set a new standard for rookies in Madden history.
For now, the playful challenge he issued to Ochocinco adds a layer of fun to the anticipation surrounding his NFL debut.
