EA Sports has officially announced that College Football 26 will hit the shelves on July 10, 2025. This exciting release follows the success of College Football 25, which marked the return of this beloved game series after an 11-year break.
The earlier version, College Football 25, was the first game since NCAA Football 14 came out in 2013. The series took a hiatus after a legal battle involving former college players. They claimed that their names, images, and likenesses were used without permission. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has allowed EA to bring back college football gaming, enabling players to earn money for their participation. Those who appeared in College Football 25 received $600 plus the game.
This strategy has proven successful for EA. College Football 25 broke records to become the best-selling sports video game of all time based on dollar sales. Recently, Chris Vannini from The Athletic reported that EA Sports is increasing its payments significantly for the new game, offering players $1,500 for their likenesses in College Football 26. This is a major leap from the previous amount.
In addition to financial compensation, players will also receive a Deluxe Edition of the game, just like last year. Some athletes may even earn extra income by promoting the game as brand ambassadors.
Social media is buzzing about the game. A tweet from sports analyst Hayes Fawcett highlighted several confirmed features for College Football 26, including the return of high school gameplay in the Road to Glory mode, real-life coaches, and multiple cover options. Fans are eagerly awaiting the game’s early release on July 7, and these features have them buzzing with excitement.
Notable college football figures, including star players and well-known coaches, will play a role in this installment. Players expected to be featured include Michigan’s Bryce Underwood and Florida’s DJ Lagway. Also attending a promotional photoshoot at the Rose Bowl were various coaches from top programs like Ohio State and Georgia.
This new installment not only showcases the progress of EA Sports in the gaming world but also reflects the ongoing transformation in college sports. With NIL rights now a factor, the game captures the evolving relationship between college athletes and the business of sports. Fans will likely embrace this fresh perspective and look forward to the enhanced experience in July 2025.
For more insights on this topic, you can read about the impact of NIL in college sports and how it has changed the landscape on influential platforms like The New York Times.