Whether Shedeur Sanders will see much playing time in his rookie season remains to be seen. But already, NFL expectations are being set for the former Colorado star.
While Sanders is competing in the Browns’ ongoing quarterback battle, including Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland’s fifth-round pick will soon join the rest of his NFL counterparts as a playable option in his first Madden game.
On Wednesday, Sanders’ rating was revealed for Madden 26, the first chance that fans will get to praise, complain about, or debate the quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses for the famed video game.
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Here’s what to know about Sanders’ first Madden rating.
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What is Shedeur Sanders Madden 26 rating?
Sanders will be rated a 67 overall in Madden 26.
On Wednesday, the game revealed its official ratings for the 2025 rookie class, from Sanders to Cam Ward. The Titans passer and recent No. 1 pick earned a 72 overall rating.
Sanders is one of 21 rookies to earn the 67 overall rating, joining names like Nick Nash, Gunnar Helm and Jimmy Horn Jr.Â
Sanders was also slightly higher than his fellow quarterback teammate, Dillon Gabriel, who was a 66 overall for Madden 26.
Madden 26 has Shedeur Sanders rated higher than Dillon Gabriel despite Gabriel being drafted earlier.
67 OVR – Sanders
66 OVR – Gabriel pic.twitter.com/dodcvdZnH4— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 30, 2025
Of course, a Madden rating below 70 is something that can be overcome with standout play on the real gridiron. Another quarterback you may know of, Tom Brady, started his NFL career in 2000 with a 57 overall rating in Madden NFL 2001. By the time Madden NFL 2003 came out, Brady was rated as an 84.
Sanders may not be Brady, but he’ll surely have room to improve on his Madden rating should he get on the field for Cleveland in 2025 and flash his talent.
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When are Madden 26 ratings released?
The official Madden 26 ratings are being released throughout the week of Monday, July 28, to Friday, August 1. On Monday, the members of the “99 Club” were announced, while rookie ratings were announced on Wednesday.
Get Ready! #Madden26 Ratings Week kicks off on Monday 😤
Who’s in your 99 Club? #Madden26Ratings pic.twitter.com/CWt9oNJx8P
— Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 25, 2025
The rest of the week will entail the full offensive and defensive player ratings, respectively, while a “full” reveal and Superstar X-factors will be revealed on Friday.
MORE: Tracking all the leaked Madden 26 ratings
Shedeur Sanders Madden rating vs. College Football 25 rating
The last time Sanders appeared in a video game was 2025’s release of the “College Football” series. Of course, the differences in competition are different in NCAA and the NFL, but when that game was released, Sanders was the highest-rated quarterback at a 93 overall.
Following his jump to the NFL, Sanders is now a 67 overall in Madden 26.
