EA Sports has officially announced that its highly anticipated College Football 26 will hit the shelves on July 10, 2025. This release comes on the heels of the successful College Football 25, which marked the series' return after an 11-year hiatus. The new installment is generating buzz not just for its gameplay, but also for the exciting features and player inclusions that fans can expect.
The announcement was made on April 24, 2025, coinciding with the NFL Draft, a strategic move by EA Sports to capture the attention of football fans. College Football 26 will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Unfortunately for PC gamers, the title will not be making its way to personal computers, continuing the trend set by its predecessor.
For those eager to dive into the game a bit earlier, the Deluxe Edition offers a three-day early access period starting on July 7, 2025. This edition not only allows players to get a head start but also includes various bonuses. Pre-orders have already begun, and EA Sports is also offering an MVP Bundle that combines both College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26 at a discounted rate for EA Play members.
The MVP Bundle, priced at $150 or $135 for EA Play members, includes Ultimate Team goodies and an array of in-game bonuses. This package allows fans to experience both games while enjoying additional perks such as Road to Glory Skill Points and Dynasty Coach Points. This year, players who pre-order before April 29, 2025, will receive a 99 OVR Travis Hunter card for both College Football Ultimate Team and Madden Ultimate Team.
One of the most exciting features announced for College Football 26 is the return of high school football gameplay, a beloved aspect that fans have been clamoring for. This addition allows players to start their journey from high school recruits, a nostalgic nod to earlier titles in the series. EA has hinted at more features to be revealed in May, which has players eagerly awaiting further details.
The cover athletes for College Football 26 have also been revealed, showcasing a star-studded lineup. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Alabama's Ryan Williams, and Florida's DJ Lagway will grace the cover alongside notable coaches like Ryan Day and James Franklin. This year’s cover will also feature Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, and South Carolina pass rusher Dylan Stewart.
The previous installment, College Football 25, made waves by becoming the best-selling sports video game in U.S. history, surpassing even the iconic NBA 2K series. The return of the franchise was made possible by the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation, allowing current college athletes to profit from their participation in the game. Players who opted in for College Football 25 received $600 and a copy of the game, but with College Football 26, EA Sports has upped the ante. According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic, players will now be compensated $1,500 for their inclusion in the game, along with a Deluxe Edition copy.
“Players will be paid a lot more money for appearing in this year’s edition of EA Sports’ college football video game,” Vannini reported. This increase in compensation reflects the growing importance of NIL in college athletics and highlights EA's commitment to supporting the athletes involved.
The gameplay improvements from College Football 25 have set the stage for high expectations for the next title. The previous game was praised for its smoother gameplay and user-friendly interface, with enhancements that eliminated unrealistic player movements, such as linebackers jumping excessively for interceptions. Fans are hopeful that these improvements will carry over into College Football 26, making for a more authentic gaming experience.
As the release date approaches, excitement is building within the gaming community. The combination of new features, enhanced gameplay, and the inclusion of real college athletes has fans eagerly anticipating what EA Sports has in store. With a full reveal planned for May, players are encouraged to stay tuned for more information and gameplay previews.
In summary, EA Sports College Football 26 is shaping up to be another groundbreaking entry in the beloved franchise. With its release set for July 10, 2025, and pre-orders already available, fans can prepare for an exhilarating experience that promises to capture the essence of college football. As the countdown begins, the anticipation for what EA Sports has planned continues to grow, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in college football gaming.
