The College Football 27 Cover Proves the Next Generation Is Ready for Close-Ups

Athletes have long been considered celebrities in their own right. However, the sartorial stakes are higher than ever before. Like basketball and Formula 1, tunnel walks often rival the catwalks. Among the best-dressed players in recent years alone are Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end (and Taylor Swift’s fiancé) Travis Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and New York Jets quarterback and Diallo cofounder Tyrod Taylor. It’s not uncommon to see athletes at major fashion events. New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earned a spot in the coveted front rows of fashion week, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley walked the runway for Hermès, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson attended the Met Gala, just to name a few. And, fashion isn’t the only avenue for self-expression. Take Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who’s known for uprooting gender norms in the sport by painting his nails before every game. He donned a colorful manicure on the Madden NFL 27 cover.

While the pros are equipped with an army of stylists and glam squads—including the NFL’s first-ever fashion editor, Kyle Smith—the incoming class of rookies is just getting started. At the covers’ official reveal event in Chicago, Moore, 21, stands tall in a beige loungewear set, his hair worn in a ‘fro for the occasion. Toney, 18, dons a white tee with his gold “75” chain—symbolizing his viral 75-yard touchdown against North Carolina State University in 2022—falling at the center of his chest. Lacy, 19, is dressed in a white Supreme zip-up jacket and khakis, with his grillz on display.

For Moore and Lacy, their foray into fashion is minimal at most. “Usually, I wear whatever unless there’s an event. That’s when I have to dress up,” Lacy says. “I feel like there’s no pressure to dress up. I’m not trying to impress anybody. I wear whatever catches my eye. I try to get pieces I like, and over time, they just come together for me.” Location plays a huge part; on most days, Moore opts for relaxed outfits in the quiet college town of Eugene, Oregon. “In my everyday life, I’m wearing pajamas or something along those lines. You’ll most likely find people wearing Nike or Dr. Martens. Nothing too crazy. We don’t really dress up as much [in Oregon].”