EA Sports Unveils Release Date for College Football 26: Game-Changing Features Inside!

Ever wonder what it would be like to step onto the field in one of college football’s most ominous arenas, where fans roar, lights are blinding and the stakes feel sky-high? I’ve felt that thrill, albeit through the screen of a video game console. Speaking of, gamers, it’s time to gear up because EA Sports is rebooting the adrenaline-pumping experience with College Football 26.

After an 11-year wait that seemed like an eternity to us gaming die-hards, EA Sports brought back the beloved franchise last year with College Football 25, which zoomed past Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to become the second-highest selling game. Now, EA is banking on that excitement to carry into College Football 26, and let me tell you, they’ve got a marketing playbook that could rival any SEC team’s strategy.

The game drops on July 10, but for those of you with an extra $60 burning a hole in your pocket, the Deluxe Edition offers early access from July 7. EA Sports has even teased us with a draft-themed trailer and promises that pre-ordering the MVP Bundle by April 29 nets you not only College Football 26 but also the yet-to-be-released Madden 26, with extras like an On The Clock Pack featuring 99-rated Travis Hunter.

With the game cycle heating up like Georgia’s defense on a cold Saturday night, this is more than just news—it’s a call to action for all you football fanatics out there, who’ve been waiting to recreate those intimidating stadium experiences. So, what are you gonna do when the lights go down and the crowd starts to chant? Will you be ready? LEARN MORE.

Gamers can mark their calendars for the return of College Football 26.

After an 11-year hiatus, EA Sports revived the popular video game last year. College Football 25 was last year’s second-highest selling game behind Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the best-selling sports game ever.

EA Sports will hope that momentum carries over into the next installment. Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the company revealed when fans can get the game.

College Football 26 will be released on Thursday, July 10. The Deluxe Edition offers gamers three days of early access starting on July 7. It’s only available for purchase on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.

On Thursday, EA Sports shared a draft-themed trailer promoting an MVP Bundle. If pre-ordered by April 29, consumers receive the Deluxe Editions of College Football 26 and Madden 26, along with bonus content including an On The Clock Pack featuring a 99-rated Travis Hunter.

Although EA Sports hasn’t confirmed the release date for Madden, reports claimed it will be Aug. 14.

According to The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, EA Sports is raising payments from $600 to $1,500 for players to lend their name, image, and likeness for inclusion in College Football 26. They’ll spend more than $16.5 million on NIL rights before accounting for the Deluxe Edition copy of the game each player receives.

Despite much consternation, over 14,000 players opted into last year’s game. The most notable holdout, Arch Manning, signed on and starred in a commercial for the game with Eli Manning shortly before its release.

EA Sports has yet to reveal its cover athletes. However, a photoshoot for the supposed Deluxe Edition leaked last month. Numerous players (past and present), coaches, and mascots posed on stadium bleachers.

With the release of College Football 26 fast approaching, fans should soon learn more details about the highly anticipated game’s covers and features.

Related: Look: Cover For EA Sports College Football 26 Has Leaked