For players who thrive on building elite rosters in Franchise, dominating online with their favorite teams, or keeping up with Ultimate Team, knowing the top-rated athletes is essential. This guide will cover the new Madden 26 99 Club, the top 50 overall players, and how these ratings impact your gameplay experience.

What is the Madden 99 Club?

The 99 Club is the highest honor a player can earn in Madden, signifying a perfect overall rating. Only a handful of players reach this level each year, and the list often sparks debate among fans and analysts alike.

Being part of the 99 Club means:

Maximum OVR rating (99) at launch.

The most dominant stats in their positions.

A guaranteed role as one of the most feared players in the game.

In Madden 25, stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, and Trent Williams carried the 99 OVR badge. But in Madden 26, all of them have been replaced.

Madden 26 99 Club Players

The Madden 26 99 Club features seven new members at launch, showcasing the NFL’s changing hierarchy. Here are the elite names:

Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals) – One of the most explosive wide receivers in football, Chase earns his first 99 OVR rating. His combination of route running, speed, and contested catch ability makes him nearly unstoppable.

Josh Allen (QB, Buffalo Bills) – After years of being on the cusp, Allen finally breaks into the 99 Club. His mix of rocket arm strength and dual-threat running ability makes him a must-use quarterback.

Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings) – Jefferson continues to rewrite records, and his Madden 26 rating reflects his dominance. Expect elite catching stats and the ability to torch defenses deep.

Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens) – The 2019 MVP is back in the elite tier. With unmatched rushing ability and improved passing stats, Jackson is one of the most dangerous Madden players ever.

Lane Johnson (RT, Philadelphia Eagles) – Offensive linemen rarely get spotlighted, but Johnson’s consistency and power earn him a 99 OVR. He’ll be the anchor of any offensive line in Madden 26.

Myles Garrett (RE, Cleveland Browns) – A dominant force off the edge, Garrett’s power moves, finesse rush, and speed make him the best defensive end in the game.

Saquon Barkley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles, Cover Star) – The face of Madden 26, Barkley gets the perfect OVR rating at launch. His speed, agility, and versatility as both a runner and receiver make him the most dangerous back in the game.

Notable Absences

The biggest shock is who’s not in the 99 Club this year.

Patrick Mahomes – Once a perennial 99, he slips slightly after a less dominant year.

Travis Kelce – The legendary tight end’s reign as a 99 ends, marking a changing of the guard.

Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, and Trent Williams – All drop from the elite tier despite still being among the league’s best.

These players remain highly rated in the 96–98 OVR range, but no longer hold the badge of perfection.

Madden 26 Top 50 Best Players

The 99 Club is only the tip of the iceberg. Madden 26’s top 50 best players showcase the stars you’ll want to prioritize in Franchise drafts, MUT lineups, or online matchups. While the full list includes names across every position, here’s a breakdown of the top tiers:

Quarterbacks – Behind Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, expect Patrick Mahomes (98 OVR), Joe Burrow (97 OVR), and Jalen Hurts (96 OVR) to round out the elite group.

Wide Receivers – With Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson leading the way at 99, Tyreek Hill (98 OVR) and Davante Adams (96 OVR) remain elite.

Running Backs – Saquon Barkley is the top option at 99, but Christian McCaffrey (97 OVR) and Derrick Henry (95 OVR) still dominate the ground game.

Defenders – Myles Garrett headlines at 99, while Micah Parsons (98 OVR), Aaron Donald (97 OVR), and T.J. Watt (96 OVR) make up the rest of the defensive elite.

Offensive Line – Lane Johnson (99 OVR) leads the way, with Trent Williams and Zack Martin still sitting comfortably in the high 90s.

How These Ratings Impact Gameplay

Play Now & Online Head-to-Head

The best players dominate matchups. Facing a team with multiple 99s means you’ll need to adjust strategy—double-covering receivers like Jefferson or Chase, or planning around Barkley’s all-purpose threat.

Franchise Mode

When drafting or trading in Franchise, the top 50 players are game-changers. Building around a 99 Club member gives you a cornerstone player who can carry your team.

Ultimate Team (MUT)

Launch ratings set the tone for MUT cards. Expect 99 Club players to receive early elite MUT versions or promos. These athletes will be cornerstones of competitive squads.

Tips for Using 99 Club Players

Ja’Marr Chase & Justin Jefferson – Use deep routes, crossing patterns, and contested catch situations to maximize their elite ratings.

Josh Allen & Lamar Jackson – Mix passing with designed QB runs. Both QBs thrive in dual-threat systems.

Saquon Barkley – Run inside zone, toss plays, and passing routes out of the backfield. Barkley is unstoppable in space.

Myles Garrett – Use pass-rush moves and blitz schemes to maximize his impact. He can single-handedly collapse a pocket.

Lane Johnson – Anchor your offensive line. His blocking ensures clean pockets and strong run support.

Final Thoughts

The Madden 26 Best Players List and 99 Club highlight a changing of the guard in the NFL. Icons like Mahomes and Kelce no longer sit at the top, while stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, and Saquon Barkley now define the game’s elite tier.

Whether you’re diving into Franchise, building a MUT team, or just playing with your favorite squad, knowing who the top-rated players are—and how to use them—gives you an advantage. With seven players in the 99 Club and a completely reworked top 50, Madden 26 ensures that every matchup feels as dynamic and buy Madden 26 coins unpredictable as the real NFL.