EA Sports’ highly anticipated “College Football 26” video game is set to launch this summer, marking its return for the 2025 season.
Following its successful reintroduction in 2024, the series, once known as “NCAA Football,” has captured the hearts of gamers and college football fans alike. This revival came after a lengthy hiatus, which began in 2013 due to a lawsuit concerning the use of players’ names, images, and likenesses without consent.
In February 2021, EA Sports announced plans to bring back the series after changes in regulations regarding NIL for college athletes. This led to the release of “College Football 25” in July 2024, a title that quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Upon its debut, “College Football 25” shattered records, selling 2.8 million copies within the first few days. By November, it was recognized as the highest-selling video game in the United States. The game featured beloved modes like Dynasty Mode and Road to Glory, along with updates reflecting the modern college football landscape, including the College Football Playoff and conference realignments.
For the first time, nearly every player in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) was included, with over 10,000 athletes participating through NIL agreements.
Fans eagerly engaged with the game’s features, generating viral content across social media platforms. Notably, FOX Sports simulated the 2024 season multiple times, showcasing the game’s predictive capabilities, including accurate forecasts for the College Football Playoff semifinals.
As excitement builds for “College Football 26,” speculation around the cover athlete has begun. Last year’s cover featured stars like Travis Hunter from Colorado, Quinn Ewers from Texas, and Donovan Edwards from Michigan. Potential candidates for this year’s cover include Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Texas’ Arch Manning, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, highlighting the game’s connection to current college football talent.
