Revising NCAA Football: The Stars Who Could Have Graced the Covers During the 11-Year Hiatus

Explore the hypothetical stars who could have graced the covers of NCAA Football during its 11-year hiatus, revisiting the legends and moments that defined college football.

The Return of NCAA Football

EA Sports has officially brought back the beloved NCAA College Football game with the release of CFB 26. This marks the second installment since NCAA Football 2014, reigniting the passion of college football fans worldwide. While the game's return is a cause for celebration, it also brings to mind the players and moments we missed during its 11-year hiatus.

The Hypothetical Covers

NCAA Football 15 (2014)

Contenders: Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Melvin Gordon Cover Pick: Rashad Greene Greene, Florida State's career leader in receptions, was a standout player who led his team to a national championship.

NCAA Football 16 (2015)

Contenders: Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott Cover Pick: Joey Bosa Bosa's dominance on the defensive line made him a clear choice for the cover.

NCAA Football 17 (2016)

Contenders: Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, Christian McCaffrey Cover Pick: Christian McCaffrey McCaffrey's record-breaking all-purpose yards made him a standout choice.

NCAA Football 18 (2017)

Contenders: Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson Cover Pick: Lamar Jackson Jackson's Heisman-winning season and dynamic playstyle made him an obvious choice.

NCAA Football 19 (2018)

Contenders: Bryce Love, Tua Tagovailoa, Jonathan Taylor Cover Pick: Tua Tagovailoa Tagovailoa's heroic performance in the national championship game made him a fan favorite.

NCAA Football 20 (2019)

Contenders: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Chase Young Cover Pick: Trevor Lawrence Lawrence's undefeated record and national title run made him a standout choice.

NCAA Football 21 (2020)

Contenders: Derek Stingley, JaMarr Chase, DeVonta Smith Cover Pick: Derek Stingley Stingley's freshman year performance and national title win made him a deserving choice.

NCAA Football 22 (2021)

Contenders: DJ Uiagalelei, Bryce Young, Sauce Gardner Cover Pick: DJ Uiagalelei Uiagalelei's promising start and big personality made him a front-runner.

NCAA Football 23 (2022)

Contenders: Brock Bowers, Will Anderson, Caleb Williams Cover Pick: Brock Bowers Bowers' dynamic play and national championships made him a standout choice.

NCAA Football 24 (2023)

Contenders: Caleb Williams, Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders Cover Pick: Caleb Williams Williams' Heisman-winning season and record-breaking performance made him the clear choice.

Conclusion

The return of NCAA Football is a moment of nostalgia and excitement for fans. While we can't change the past, revisiting the hypothetical covers of the game's hiatus years allows us to celebrate the players and moments that defined college football during that time.

What to Read Next

2025 NCAA Football Week 1: Top Matchups, Full Schedule, and Where to Watch
NCAAF

2025 NCAA Football Week 1: Top Matchups, Full Schedule, and Where to Watch

The 2025 NCAA Football season kicks off with thrilling Week 1 matchups, including Alabama vs FSU and Ohio State vs Texas. Check out the full schedule and where to watch.

Ryan Day's Resilience: Leading Ohio State to Glory Amidst Unprecedented Pressure
NCAAF

Ryan Day's Resilience: Leading Ohio State to Glory Amidst Unprecedented Pressure

Explore how Ryan Day overcame immense pressure to lead Ohio State to a national championship, proving his mettle as one of college football's top coaches.

2025 NCAAF Playoff Predictions: Top Teams and Expert Picks
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Playoff Predictions: Top Teams and Expert Picks

Get the latest 2025 NCAAF Playoff predictions from ESPN experts. Discover which teams are favored to make the cut this season.

DJ Lagway: The Rising Star Poised to Lead Florida Gators to Glory
NCAAF

DJ Lagway: The Rising Star Poised to Lead Florida Gators to Glory

DJ Lagway, Florida's promising quarterback, aims to lead the Gators to their first College Football Playoff appearance, carrying the legacy of Heisman winners.

The Resurgence of Indiana's Bison Mascot: A 50-Year Journey Back to the Sidelines
NCAAF

The Resurgence of Indiana's Bison Mascot: A 50-Year Journey Back to the Sidelines

Discover the inspiring story of how Indiana University's bison mascot made a triumphant return after 50 years, driven by passionate students, faculty, and alumni.

Texas and Penn State Dominate 2025 AP Preseason All-America Team
NCAAF

Texas and Penn State Dominate 2025 AP Preseason All-America Team

Texas and Penn State lead the 2025 AP Preseason All-America Team with three players each, highlighting the top talent in NCAAF.

Predicting the 2025 NCAAF Season: Insights from EA Sports College Football 26 Simulations
NCAAF

Predicting the 2025 NCAAF Season: Insights from EA Sports College Football 26 Simulations

Explore the 2025 NCAAF season predictions through 25 EA Sports College Football 26 simulations, covering playoff teams, Heisman winners, and coaching changes.

2025 NCAAF Postseason Breakdown: From Celebration Bowl to National Championship
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Postseason Breakdown: From Celebration Bowl to National Championship

Get an in-depth look at the 2025 NCAAF postseason, including predictions for the College Football Playoff and all major bowl games.

Air Force Falcons Unveil 'Air Power Legacy Series' Uniforms Honoring F-16 Fighter Jet
NCAAF

Air Force Falcons Unveil 'Air Power Legacy Series' Uniforms Honoring F-16 Fighter Jet

The Air Force Falcons reveal their 2025 'Air Power Legacy Series' uniforms, paying tribute to the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet.

From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George's Bold New Chapter at Bowling Green
NCAAF

From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George's Bold New Chapter at Bowling Green

Eddie George, the Heisman Trophy winner, takes on the challenge of coaching at Bowling Green, bringing his unique journey and vision to the NCAAF.

Top 10 NCAAF Players to Watch in 2025: Who Will Rise in the 2026 NFL Draft?
NCAAF

Top 10 NCAAF Players to Watch in 2025: Who Will Rise in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Discover the top 10 NCAAF players whose performance in the 2025 season could significantly impact their 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

ACC 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games - Can Miami, Louisville, or SMU Challenge Clemson?
NCAAF

ACC 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games - Can Miami, Louisville, or SMU Challenge Clemson?

Get the latest on the ACC 2025 season with power rankings, key players, must-see games, and insights on whether Miami, Louisville, or SMU can challenge Clemson for the title.

2025 College Football Playoff: Key Questions for 14 Contenders to Win the National Championship
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Key Questions for 14 Contenders to Win the National Championship

Explore the critical questions and challenges facing the top 14 teams vying for the 2025 College Football Playoff crown. Insights on key players, strategies, and what it takes to win.

Top SEC Media Day Quotes: Arch Manning, Lane Kiffin, and More Spark Excitement for NCAAF Season
NCAAF

Top SEC Media Day Quotes: Arch Manning, Lane Kiffin, and More Spark Excitement for NCAAF Season

Relive the most memorable quotes from the 2025 SEC Media Day, featuring Arch Manning, Lane Kiffin, and other key figures as they set the stage for an exciting NCAAF season.

Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers: Can They Dominate the 2025 NCAAF Season?
NCAAF

Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers: Can They Dominate the 2025 NCAAF Season?

Explore how Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are gearing up for a potential championship run in the 2025 NCAAF season, focusing on their strategies and key players.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.