​With the launch of College Football 27, fans finally get a sense of how the national gaming community views the 2026 New Mexico State roster. From the blazing speed of wide receiver TK King to the defensive impact of linebacker Sone Aupiu and safety Bernock Iya, the virtual Aggies are primed for kickoff. The game release has not been without controversy, however, as microtransactions in single-player modes like Dynasty and Road to Glory drew sharp criticism. Players allege that EA is selling shortcuts for coach and player upgrades through XP, a move they feel shortcuts the standard progression experience and can push the total cost of fully mastering upgrades beyond the game’s original price. A lack of transparency about these changes has fueled widespread discontent among players and content creators alike.
That said, it’s still fun to see which NM State players the gaming community deems the cream of the crop in College Football 27. Bernock Iya holds the top spot for NM State, sitting at an 84 overall rating—the highest among players on either side of the ball. His speed, acceleration, and agility each sit at 88, while his awareness is an 87. He’s also rated highly for toughness at 89, jumping at 90, and stamina at 91. On the defensive side, Iya’s standout stat is a 91 for play recognition, with zone coverage at 87 and man coverage at 81.
New Mexico tight end Cade Keith is highlighted in the game as well, showcasing his matchup against NM State safety Bernock Iya. Iya arrived in Las Cruces last season after transferring from Tyler Junior College in Texas. He appeared in all 12 games and logged 53 total tackles, including four interceptions—two of them against Kennesaw State. Iya also contributed on special teams, returning a fumble 42 yards for a touchdown against New Mexico and forcing another fumble that Stilton McKelvey returned for 71 yards for a score against Western Kentucky.
TK King is rated 80 overall in College Football 27, and his profile reinforces his reputation as an explosive playmaker. His top attributes include a 91 for speed and a 93 for acceleration, with a 92 for jumping, 89 for agility, and 86 for stamina. King’s catch rating sits at 82, and his spectacular catch rating is 84. He also boasts an 89 for change of direction and an 83 for his best route-running ability, specifically intermediate routes. King’s journey to the Aggies began after transferring from Wyoming, with a previous stint at Texas Tech prior to that. He missed the first four games of the 2025 season due to a hamstring injury but stormed back with a standout performance in the finale against Sam Houston, securing 132 receiving yards on six catches. He finished the season with 41 receptions for 588 yards and three touchdowns, capped by a 10-catch, 178-yard, two-touchdown showing in the final game against Middle Tennessee.
As for King’s on-field motion, one highlight shows him contending for a catch as he survives a tackle after reeling in a pass down the field, underscoring his dynamic playmaking and the excitement he brings to NM State’s virtual offense. The overall impression of the NM State roster in College Football 27 centers on a mix of elite speed, playmaking ability, and defensive aptitude that translates into a compelling sim that mirrors the real-world potential of the 2026 team, even as fans debate the balance and economics of the game’s progression systems.