EA Sports has officially released College Football 26, and fans are buzzing over the return of one of the most beloved sports gaming franchises. The game will be available to play on July 10, 2025, with an early access window starting on July 9 at 11 p.m. CDT for those who purchase the MVP Bundle.
This bundle features College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26, marking a significant crossover between two powerhouse sports titles.
Pre-Orders Confirmed as College Football 26 Heads to PlayStation With New MVP Bundle
College Football 26 continues EA’s revival of the franchise, which returned last year with College Football 25 following an 11-year absence. The game will be available on PlayStation and Xbox, but fans hoping for a PC release must keep waiting.
The promotional rollout kicked off with the reveal of the game’s cover art, featuring a bold yellow 26 flag waving across a college stadium and a high-gloss helmet that screams next-gen. EA is clearly doubling down on the momentum it built last year with College Football 25, which marked the franchise’s return after more than a decade away from the scene.
NEWS: EA Sports College Football 26 will be available to play on July 10th🚨https://t.co/rv93HEKBcs pic.twitter.com/b3FfiCxlau
— On3 (@On3sports) April 24, 2025
This time, players get more than just their names in the game. Reports indicate that EA has significantly increased NIL payments to college athletes, with those opting to receive $1,500 and a deluxe copy of the game. Some athletes will also take on brand ambassador roles to help promote the title on social platforms and during key events.
For College Football 25, EA offered players who opted in a $600 payment and a copy of the game. But this year, College Football 26 is upping the ante. EA now offers each participating athlete $1,500 plus a Deluxe Edition of the game. On top of that, select players will receive additional compensation for serving as brand ambassadors.
A promotional shoot for the game took place at the Rose Bowl quite recently, featuring star talent such as Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood and Florida quarterback DJ Lagway.
Other names included LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, Alabama wideout Ryan Williams, Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, and South Carolina pass rusher Dylan Stewart.
Coaching maestros such as Penn State’s James Franklin, Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin, Ryan Day from Ohio State, Kirby Smart from Georgia, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham attended the shoot.
The promise of better gameplay modes also boosts the enthusiasm for the new release. The return of Dynasty Mode and Road to Glory is anticipated with more features.
EA has hinted at more in-depth team traditions, reimagined stadium environments, and next-gen graphics that promise a realistic college football experience. The fans are also waiting for fresh rosters and playbooks that capture contemporary college football’s ongoing dynamics.
Though the reaction is expected to be positive, the public expressed some concern after it was announced that the game would not be released for PC.
KEEP READING: EA Sports College Football 26 — ‘Road to Glory’ Officially Returns
College Football 25 set sales records as the top-selling sports video game in dollar sales, and EA is looking to carry that momentum into this year’s edition. Higher player pay automatically means premium graphics, and the ongoing integration of NIL into the world of gaming might make College Football 26 another landmark release.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
