Saqoun Barkley Is the Madden 26 Cover Athlete: His History In the Game

Saquon Barkley’s journey to becoming the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26 reflects his rise from hyped-up rookie to future HOFer. In his 2018 rookie season, Barkley earned a Madden NFL 19 rating of 82 overall. The highest among all rookie running backs and second-highest grade in that class. Now he is gracing the cover.

EA Scouts Praised His Combination Of speed, Power, and Agility

Specifically, ratings like his 95 Speed, 97 Agility, and 96 Jumping with his Pass Protection (rated 63) and Route Running (rated 71) were seen as areas for growth. A baseline rating was earned because of Barkley’s immense talent he showed at Penn State and therefore the potential he showed.

Barkley’s Madden Ratings Tracked His On-Field Performance and Injury Setbacks

After missing most of 2019 due to a high ankle sprain, his Madden 20 rating dipped to 77, reflecting uncertainty about his future and durability. However, thanks to a strong 2020 season rushing for 1,000+ yards and improved pass protection his Madden 21 rating improved to 85. He increased his Power to 90, Carrying to 91, and Ball Carrier Vision to 90, signaling EA’s recognition of Barkley’s evolving all-around skill set, while still tempering expectations due to prior injuries.

2022’s Rating

Barkley’s rating rose again to 87, with improvements in Carrying (94), Elusiveness (95), and Break Tackle (93). Analysts pointed to Barkley’s growing ability to break tackles and catch passes out of the backfield, which earned him a “Versatile Back” archetype that saw all of his receiving stats earn a big boost. Although he remained graded in the mid-80s, his trajectory was clear as was his potential to break into the 90s with consistent health and continued increase in production.

Then His ACL Troubles Began!

Entering Madden 23, Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the Giants’ season opener, which limited him to just four games. Consequently, EA set his rating at 88, maintaining high Carrying and Agility marks (both mid-90s), but slightly reducing his Awareness to 85. Despite the injury, EA’s evaluations suggested they still viewed him as a top back once fully healthy.

Barkley Improved Again In 2024

His Break Tackle and Spectacular Catch ratings ticked upward, reflecting his ever-increasing versatility. The 2024 NFL season proved to be his greatest ever and one of the greatest ever by any back in NFL history. Barkley amassed a record-setting 2,504 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, breaking the single-season mark.

Now He Is On the Cover

His all-purpose dominance earned him a 98 overall rating in Madden 25, slotting him among the game’s elite. EA’s rating page listed Barkley’s Carrying (97), Acceleration (97), and Awareness (98) as among the highest in the league. He joined the exclusive “Madden 99 Club” upon his Madden 26 rating announcement an achievement reserved for only the game’s very best and only some of the greatest NFL players ever.

On June 2, 2025, EA Sports officially unveiled Barkley as the Madden 26 cover athlete. The cover image immortalizes Barkley’s now-iconic reverse hurdle over a Jacksonville Jaguars defender in Week 9 of the 2024 season a play that epitomized his combination of instinct, athleticism, and creativity.

This Is How He Looks On the Cover!

The standard edition depicts him mid-backward hurdle in the Eagles’ Kelly green throwback, while the deluxe edition shows a dramatic close-up in his Super Bowl LIX home uniform. EA commented that Barkley’s “record-breaking season” and “highlight-reel moments”   made him the clear choice to represent the game’s renewed emphasis on the running back position. His 98 overall rating in Madden 26 further cements his status as one of the top few elite backs in the NFL.

How Barkley’s Madden Ratings Reflect His Career!

In summary, Barkley’s Madden ratings timeline mirrors his rise. From 82 as a celebrated rookie, through injury-tempered mid-80s grades, to an 89 after proving his resilience, then a 98 in Madden 25, and finally earning Madden 26 cover and a 98/99 rating. This progression underscores his trajectory from promising talent to transcendent superstar, culminating in his 2025 cover appearance that celebrates both his accomplishments and historic impact on the game.