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Even EA thinks Kentucky is better than Louisville

The debate over football supremacy in the Bluegrass just found a new battleground: your PlayStation.
ByDrew Holbrook
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Nov 25, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back Gilbert Frierson (13) and defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) celebrated with the Governor s Cup following the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisville 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Nov 25, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back Gilbert Frierson (13) and defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) celebrated with the Governor s Cup following the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisville 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

With the release of College Football 26, a new battle for supremacy in the Bluegrass is happening and it's on your console

EA Sports College Football 2026 dropped yesterday (or 3 days ago for those who purchased the Deluxe Verison), and while fans are diving into Dynasty Mode, one subtle detail is stirring up real-life bragging rights. Every team in the game gets a star rating for program prestige, and Kentucky just edged out Louisville—again.

Both programs landed with identical 82 overall ratings, but how they got there tells the story. Kentucky’s 84-rated offense and 81-rated defense reflect a balanced, explosive roster that will look to outscore opponents, a scary proposition for a team who struggled to score over 20 points last year. Louisville flips that script: an 81 on offense, 84 on defense. Even so, it’s Kentucky who EA believes carries more weight.

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Why? Prestige. Kentucky comes in at 3.5 stars, while Louisville sits at 3 stars flat. In EA’s virtual college football world, that half-star bump matters. It’s a sign that the Cats are seen as the more desirable program to take over and build with. Dynasty Mode players can recruit better players, have better opportunities and have a higher launching pad over the in-state Cardinals. While that doesn't translate directly to the football field this year, it means the Cats still are seen as a bigger brand. That is a big deal.

Louisville fans have been talking a big game about flipping the rivalry. And yes, the Cardinals are riding recent momentum. But the past, the brand, and the buzz still lean Big Blue—even inside a video game.

Oh and real life NIL money is donated the more you play dynasty with Kentucky, that is as good a reason as any to spend all weekend on the couch,. Your loved ones will understand, it's for the Cats.

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