Sometime this week we would’ve been buying a copy of NCAA Football 2022 if the series was able to continue. Since its last installment, NCAA 14, we have missed out on 8 College Football Legends gracing the cover. If you’ve ever wondered who would’ve been the face of “NCAA Football” each year during its hiatus, look no further.
NCAA 15: Jadeveon Clowney
There was no other defensive player in the 2013 season that was more popular than Jadeveon Clowney. The future number one pick in the 2014 draft, was coming off an impressive year and was still seeing clips of his massive hit in the Outback Bowl on Michigan’s Vincent Smith. He would have been the best choice for the cover during the 2015 edition.
NCAA 16: Marcus Mariota
Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota were two of the biggest names in the 2014 season. No question Mariota gets the edge for the cover. Mariota was the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, and his Ducks knocked off Jameis Winston and the Seminoles in the 2015 Rose Bowl. Not too mention, EA would probably not want Winston on the cover after his theft charges, not to mention almost doubling his turnovers from 2013 when he won the Heisman Trophy.
NCAA 17: Ezekiel Elliot
Derrick Henry may have won the Heisman but there was no doubt “Zeke” was the running back everyone was talking about going into the NFL draft. With his ability to beat defenders to the corner, and personality on the field, Zeke would’ve been perfect for the cover of NCAA Football 17
NCAA 18: Christian McCaffrey
The guy a lot of people believed should have won the Heisman over Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey had two great seasons at Stanford rushing for almost 4,000 yards. After being the Heisman runner up in 2015, he came back in 2016 with more of a home run presence. Every time he touched the ball he had a chance to break “the big one”. Even though his rushing numbers took a bit of a dip in 2016, he was still an awesome back to watch.
NCAA 19: Lamar Jackson
There isn’t another player that meant more to their football program in the last ten years than Lamar Jackson. That was evident when he declared for the NFL draft, and Louisville turned into an absolute dumpster fire. Jackson was the youngest Heisman Trophy winner, and turned Louisville into a respectable program in the ACC during his tenure. He was absolutely electric, and is a no brainer for the cover of NCAA Football.
NCAA 20: Kyler Murray
Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray was an absolute wizard on the field. He only made his mark for a year, due to sitting behind Baker Mayfield, but what a mark he left. Led the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff, losing in a shootout to Alabama in the Orange Bowl.
NCAA 21: Joe Burrow
There is no doubt Joe Burrow would’ve ended up on the cover of “NCAA Football”. Burrow took the College Football world by storm and won the Heisman trophy. More importantly he led the Tigers to a National Championship, defeating Alabama, Oklahoma, and Clemson in the process. LSU was at the top of the College Football mountain again and Joe Burrow was the face of their ascent.
NCAA 22: Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence was one of the greatest College Football players of all time. All three years he was amongst the very best and never faltered. Threw for over 10,000 yards, and never lost a regular season game as a starter. Trevor Lawrence was born to grace this cover.
