EA Sports College Football 26: Cover Athletes, Release, and What to Expect
After a decade-long absence, "EA Sports College Football" made a triumphant return in 2025, garnering excellent reviews and impressive sales. Now, the highly anticipated "EA Sports College Football 26" is set to launch, promising to build upon its predecessor's success with enhanced features, deeper gameplay, and a fresh set of cover athletes.
Cover Stars Revealed: Williams and Smith
EA Sports revealed that Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith will grace the cover of the standard edition of "College Football 26." Both players will also be featured on the deluxe edition cover, surrounded by other prominent figures in college football.
Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State's Standout Receiver
After lighting up the college football world as a true freshman, Jeremiah Smith was arguably the best player on Ohio State's national championship-winning team in 2024. The first-team All-American set Big Ten freshman records for most receiving yards (1,315) and receiving touchdowns (15) last season. Smith said in a statement, "Being on the cover of EA SPORTS 'College Football 26' is a tremendous privilege, and I’m proud to represent Ohio State alongside Coach [Ryan] Day while carrying the Buckeye legacy forward, celebrating the passion of our fans and the tradition of this incredible program." Smith will become the first Ohio State player to appear on the standard cover of the game.
Ryan Williams: Alabama's Dynamic Playmaker
Ryan Williams, a dynamic playmaker, set freshman records at Alabama, dazzling fans with his speed and highlight-reel catches. Williams, meanwhile, had 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, being named a freshman All-American as he was 17-years-old for the entirety of the 2024 season. "As a lifelong fan of EA SPORTS games, being on the cover of College Football 26 is a dream come true," Williams said in a statement. "It was incredible to see myself in 'College Football 25' last year, and now to represent Alabama and share this moment with fans who’ve played EA SPORTS games for years is unreal." Williams is the third Alabama player to appear on the standard cover of the game, joining former Crimson Tide running backs Shaun Alexander and Mark Ingram.
Deluxe Edition: A Celebration of College Football
While Smith and Williams will be featured on the cover of the standard version of "College Football 26," the deluxe version will include more players. Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback Garrett Nusmeier and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik are among the group of players who'll join Smith and Williams on the cover of the deluxe edition.
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The cover of the deluxe version of "College Football 26" will also include coaches, college football legends, mascots and fans: Ohio State's Ryan Day, Penn State's James Franklin, Georgia's Kirby Smart, Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin and Oregon's Dan Lanning.
Past Heisman winners Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow, along with former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, are the three college football legends who are included on the deluxe version cover of "College Football 26." All three players were also previously cover athletes on "NCAA Football."
As for the mascots, the Oregon Duck, Hairy Dawg (Georgia), Smokey (Tennessee) and the Tiger (Clemson) will appear on the deluxe cover of "College Football 26."
Release Date and Access
"EA Sports College Football 26" is set to release on July 10. Fans can technically access the game three days earlier if they buy a bundle that includes College Football 26 and Madden 26.
Platforms and Pre-Order Information
In addition to sharing the cover athletes for "College Football 26," EA Sports also announced that the video game will be available for purchase on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game can also be preordered now through the EA Sports MVP bundle, which includes the deluxe versions of "College Football 26" and "Madden 26," granting three-day early access to both games.
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"EA Sports College Football 26" is available for preorder now. The standard edition costs $69.99, while the deluxe edition costs $99.99.
What to Expect in "College Football 26"
EA Sports College Football 26 is a video game based on college football, developed by EA Orlando and published by EA Sports.
Authentic Gameplay and Immersion
Fans can dive into authentic gameplay across 136 FBS schools and experience the unrivaled passion of college football when EA SPORTS College Football 26 launches worldwide on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S.
“Last year, when we brought back the pride, pageantry, atmospheres and traditions of College Football, the response from fans was overwhelming,” said Evan Dexter, VP, Franchise Strategy & Marketing, EA SPORTS College Football. “With College Football 26, we’re celebrating our sophomore season with two generational sophomore wide receivers on the cover and we can’t wait for the world to experience even more heart and authenticity across athletes, stadiums, coaches and fans. Tune in this Thursday to see what makes it so special.”
More Like Saturday
Immerse yourself in ultimate game day atmospheres with more electrifying sights, sounds, and traditions. Feel the energy of new situation and stadium-specific music, fight songs, and dynamic commentary. Experience new presentation that reflects the importance of each game in the context of your season. Saddle up in Stillwater, hoist The Golden Egg, and raise the sword as the King of Turnovers at Coastal Carolina. Whatever path to greatness you choose, from high school recruit to the Heisman, or as a coach, you can forge your legacy.
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With over 2,800 new plays, 10,000 players, and over 300 real-world coaches with true-to-life schemes, this is the most authentic college football experience yet. Experience new stunts and twists, then make dynamic substitutions when it counts. The playbook is in your hands. Take your career from high school recruit to Heisman or coach your team to the top. With thousands of new plays, players and upgraded abilities, there are more ways than ever to Bring Glory Home.
Dynasty Mode
Cement your legacy as one of the best coaches. Assemble an elite staff, upgrade your abilities and then lay it all out on the field. Navigate the now expanded and more unpredictable transfer portal featuring thousands of players each year. Personnel management has never been more important, with new location-based visits having the potential to give your program an advantage in recruiting. Land critical talent for your team by managing new Dynamic Deal Breakers and Traits while trying to retain your favorite playmakers and cement your program’s legacy.
Road to Glory Mode
The ultimate student-athlete journey starts here. Rise from high school recruit to Heisman glory, with every decision shaping your career. Build your highlight tape to earn an offer from your dream school. Rise in class rankings and secure scholarships before other recruits. Earn Coach Trust, build team chemistry, and navigate the competitive recruiting process. Commit early if you've found the perfect fit or enter the portal if a better opportunity arises. Your path to the NFL Draft is yours to define.
Compensation for Players
Players will reportedly receive $1,500 each for appearing in CFB26.
Historical Context
There was an 11-year span of no college football game due to complications related to EA Sports’ inability to use college athletes’ names, images, and likenesses.
Previous Cover Athletes
| Cover Athlete | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Walsh | Stanford | 1994 |
| Bill Walsh | Stanford | 1995 |
| Tommy the Trojan | USC | 1996 |
| Tommie Frazer | Nebraska | 1997 |
| Danny Wuerffel | Florida | 1998 |
| Charles Woodson | Michigan | 1999 |
| Ricky Williams | Texas | 2000 |
| Shaun Alexander | Alabama | 2001 |
| Chris Weinke | Florida St. | 2002 |
| Joey Harrington | Oregon | 2003 |
| Carson Palmer | USC | 2004 |
| Larry Fitzgerald | Pitt | 2005 |
| Desmond Howard | Michigan | 2006 |
| Reggie Bush | USC | 2007 |
| Jared Zabransky | Boise St. | 2008 |
| DeSean Jackson, Matt Ryan, Owen Schmitt & Darren McFadden | Cal, Boston College, W. |
EA Sports: A Leader in Gaming
The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. In fiscal year 2025, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Dragon Age, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc.
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