EA Sports College Football 26 is on the way, and excitement is percolating among fans. The revival of the cherished football video game is a long time coming, but fans are still speculating on the features EA will include. One of the biggest question marks is whether the game will include FCS teams.
This means a lot to people who root for schools such as North Dakota State, Montana, and HBCUs. Here’s what you should know about FCS teams and what EA Sports has in store.
Will FCS Teams be in EA Sports College Football 26?
When EA initially announced College Football 25, the developers indicated that the game would initially only have FBS teams. This was a major decision, particularly for FCS fans who wanted to see their smaller schools included.
EA stated that it would be difficult to include all the FCS teams in the game upon release, particularly noting the game’s primary concentration was on the 134 FBS teams. The decision to leave out FCS teams wasn’t due to disinterest in these programs but due to a necessity to concentrate on what they felt was the essence of college football.
Notable sports Youtuber Bordeaux was involved in an online discussion with fans, where they discussed whether some of the smaller schools would be included in the next installment.
there’s no reason for EA to worry about adding FCS schools or any of the other divisions if teambuilder is a finalized product for College Football 26
it’s detailed, but they still need to give us generic or customizable stadiums, a way to change player names on the website,… https://t.co/TSyPWMAhPx
— Bordeaux (@bordeauxyoutube) January 17, 2025
He noted that while fully worked-on and official FCS teams might not be available at launch, he suggested that EA might work on the popular Teambuilder website, a companion site that allows the creation of new teams—from nicknames and uniforms to endzone design and play style—which would let players create the teams they request.
It’s worth mentioning that even though FCS teams will not be available at launch, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will never be part of the game. But for now, the first priority is on FBS teams, which are more visible in the modern-day college football environment.
Community Demand for FCS Teams in EA College Football 26
Despite leaving FCS teams out at launch, the call to include them has been loud and clear from the fans. The fans of smaller schools have cried out for these programs to be included in the game, and it’s understandable why.
Including FCS teams in College Football 26 would provide an added level of excitement to the game, allowing players to manage these lesser-known programs and guide them to the national stage.
FCS teams would bring new storylines, such as a Cinderella story with an underdog team or recruiting and rebuilding from the ground up. The allure of playing as an FCS team is more than mere novelty—it’s about introducing new, different experiences to the game that provide something other than the usual FBS powerhouse.
Teambuilder’s Role in EA College Football 26
This is where things get really interesting. While FCS teams aren’t technically part of the game, EA’s Teambuilder might provide a creative solution.
The team builder would enable players to create their own schools, such as designing logos, team names, and rosters. For schools that are not officially in the game, this would be a means for fans to recreate their favorite FCS schools and play as them.
The feature would also enable players to customize everything from stadiums to the grade point average of their schools. This level of personalization may be a game-changer, particularly for FCS fans who’d like to see their favorite team play against FBS teams without having to wait for EA to add them officially.
If the website allows sufficient customization, the necessity of EA featuring FCS teams officially may become moot. The players would be able to craft any team, unleashing unlimited potential.
Why EA College Football 26 May Not Add FCS Teams
So, then, why the holdup on featuring FCS teams?
There are various reasons they have been kept out. For one, adding each FCS school would be a lot of work. This encompasses making rosters and teams and properly reflecting all elements of each program.
With 134 FBS teams already being programmed for the game, adding that many more could thin resources to the point of slowing down development. EA could have chosen to concentrate on having the FBS teams as realistic and refined as possible before including smaller programs.
Secondly, there are the potential problems with licensing. FCS schools tend to be set apart with various needs and oversight than FBS programs, and it might be harder to secure permission to utilize their logos and images.
EA could have considered taking its time getting the FCS schools on board because perhaps EA can figure out a way to make them an integral part without damaging the timing of releasing the game.
FCS teams are not currently part of the roster in College Football 25, but there is a likelihood that they could be added through updates or a new installment. Supporters of the smaller schools can be comforted by the fact that EA Sports understands there is demand and is considering options for incorporating the teams into the game.
With the team builder option, the players can get imaginative and create their own FCS teams, in effect rendering the decision to leave them out less meaningful.
As the game continues to grow and as supporters continue to say they want FCS teams, EA will likely decide to officially include them in later updates or sequels. Until that time, the priority will be to create an exemplary experience with the FBS teams, but the future looks promising for FCS inclusion.
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In the meantime, College Football 26 promises to deliver plenty of excitement and nostalgia, with or without FCS teams at launch. Whether you’re controlling a powerhouse FBS program or creating your own FCS squad, the possibilities are endless.
With new customization options and an expansive world to explore, the game is shaping up to be the college football experience fans have been waiting for.
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