College Football 26: The Gridiron Game's PC Absence
EA Sports College Football 26 is eagerly anticipated by fans, marking the revival of college football video games after a long hiatus. Scheduled for release on July 7 for those with early access via pre-orders, and July 10 for the general public, the game promises to deliver an immersive college football experience. However, a significant portion of the gaming community is left wanting: PC gamers. Like its predecessor, College Football 26 does not have a planned release for PC, or for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The Console Exclusivity
Fans were thrilled to see EA Sports revive the college football video game with College Football 25, the first such game since NCAA Football 14 in 2013. But only the ones with the latest versions of the PlayStation and Xbox were able to dig in. Sorry, PS4 and Xbox One players. And same for you, PC gamers. For the second year in a row, it looks like it will have to be a gaming console. College Football 26 will be available only on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The Size of the PC Gaming Market
PC gamers make up a significant portion of video game players. A story by VGChartz states a study by NewZoo shows there were 907.5 million PC gamers in 2024, up from 873.5 million in 2023. That's significantly more than the estimated 653.1 million console gamers the study found that year. A Statista study from 2024 had that number even higher, at 1.86 billion around the world.
The Question on Everyone's Mind: Why No PC Version?
Madden 26 will have a PC version. So why wouldn't Orlando-based EA Sports do the same for College Football 26? First, the basics: No, College Football 26 does not have a planned PC release. This could change down the road, but EA Sports has not given any indication it would give CFB 26 a PC release.
EA Sports has not given a definitive reason for keeping the college football games off PC. There's plenty of speculation, including the incredible success the first edition saw on just two platforms and previous plans to wait 3-4 years before making a PC release. But that's all rumors and speculation. Bottom line: PC gamers are out of luck for now.
Read also: Early Access Details for College Football 25
PC vs. Console Gaming: A Matter of Preference
This largely depends on what you're looking for in your video game experience. While a PS5 and Xbox Series X cost between $400 and $700, the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle can get you the barebones modern gaming experience for $380. A good gaming PC will run you north of $1,000, and setting one up to your specific wants and needs takes a lot more time and technological knowhow than simply unpackaging a gaming console, plugging it in and turning it on.
However, the extra effort pays dividends. The framerate is much better on PC, meaning games run faster and more cleanly. There's also a much wider swath of games available, including emulators to play some of the most popular current and modern console-exclusive games (but you should still buy the originals or else it's pirating!). The customization opportunities are just about limitless, from personalizing your keyboard and other controllers to modifying the games themselves (NCAA Football 14 kept its popularity because players kept inputting current rosters and making the mods available for others to download).
Basically, if you just want to sit back and play games with your friends without too much fuss, a console will work best, but if you're into customizing and optimizing your gaming experience, the PC is the way to go.
Looking Back: College Football 25 on PC?
It seems unlikely that EA Sports would make a PC version of last year's college football game. When they finally brought the Madden NFL franchise back to PC in 2018 after 11 years of being console-exclusive, it took a couple months after the initial release for the PC version to be available. At this point, all hands are likely on deck to tackle the new versions of the fall gaming lineup.
The NIL Era and College Football Games
Following the release of the series' previous entry in 2013, Electronic Arts (EA) settled a lawsuit brought by former college football players who argued their name, image and, likeness (NIL) were used without permission or compensation. Initially, player names and likenesses were not to be included in the game.[10][11] Because of this, several schools, including Notre Dame, Tulane and Northwestern refused to join the game until NIL rules were finalized.[12][13] EA Sports responded by stating "player name, image and likeness is not currently planned for the game. However, we are watching the developments in this area closely and are prepared to take steps to include players should that opportunity arise."[14] At the time, the NCAA had delayed and not voted on new NIL rules, but over two dozen states had either passed or proposed laws so that institutions couldn't enforce the NCAA's NIL rules.[15] The 2021 United States Supreme Court case NCAA. v.
Read also: Release Date for College Football 25
On November 22, 2022, in an interview with ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein, EA Sports vice president and general manager Daryl Holt stated that Electronic Arts would release the game sometime in summer 2024. "That's the best date for us to bring the game that we think is going to meet or exceed our player expectations…and cover the breadth and scale of what we want in the game. On February 22, 2024, EA Sports announced that all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs would be featured in EA Sports College Football 25 but the 128 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs would not be included at launch.[25][26] That same day, ESPN's lead college football commentary team of Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit announced that they would be featured as commentators.[27][28] Herbstreit was a commentator in EA's original NCAA Football series until its hiatus after NCAA Football 14.
Gameplay and Initial Impressions
A 21-minute gameplay trailer was premiered on July 8, 2024, featuring YouTuber Bordeaux and cover athlete Donovan Edwards. They played two games, with Edwards winning both with raw gameplay being revealed soon after.[42] As well as the trailer, the day after, an Ultimate Team Deep Dive was posted. On July 12, 2024, YouTubers and Twitch Streamers who are in EA's Creator Network program got access to a nearly final edition of the game, in which rebuilds, player careers, and raw gameplay were shortly uploaded and streamed on YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. Other licensed music appearing in College Football 25 includes "Sandstorm", "Mo Bamba", "Kernkraft 400", "Welcome to the Jungle", "Wave on Wave", and an instrumental of "Talkin' Out the Side of Your Neck".
Game Modes and Features
The real-world college football season might be over, but there's always more to play for in Ultimate Team during Season 6. Don't miss new events and returning favorites like Stars of the Season, Signing Day, Ultimate Alumni, and more. Experience new stunts and twists, then make dynamic substitutions when it counts. 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.
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.
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.
Read also: NCAA Tournament History: Duke
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. We’re surrounding you with authentic, unrivaled school spirit so you always feel right at home.
Build your dream roster with Legends from the past and current college stars.
tags: #NCAA #football #video #game #PC
