Summary
Sources confirmed that a photo shoot forEA Sports College Football 26that had made the rounds on social media was legitimate, and seemingly teased the return of Mascot Mode as one of the game’s main features. The photos were taken several weeks after the developers confirmed the nextEA Sports College Footballentry would be arriving this summer.
After a decade-long hiatus, EA Sports revived its college football simulator with the launch ofCollege Football 25. The game featured the likenesses, images, and names of several NCAA Division I FBS athletes, including cover stars Quinn Ewers, Travis Hunter, and Donovan Edwards. The return of EA Sports' gridiron franchise was well-received by fans old and new. ThoughCollege Football 25lacked some long-standing features, that did not slow down the game’s sales. Driven by fan demand,College Football 25was the second-best-selling title of 2024across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, only bested byCall of Duty: Black Ops 6.
WithCollege Football 26confirmed to be in active development, the cover stars of the new title have been corroborated by social media sources. First reported by Chris Vannini of The Athletic,a picture ofEA Sports College Football 26 Deluxe Editionwas leaked onlinefollowing a photo shoot that took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on March 12. The cover featured players like Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith, Penn State RB Nick Singleton, and former Florida QB and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. Additionally, head coaches were involved in the photo shoot, including Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Penn State’s James Franklin, and Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin.
EA Sports College Football 26 Cover Leak May Tease Mascot Mode’s Return
Given that the shoot also included some costumed mascots like Georgia’s Hairy Dawg and Tennessee’s Smokey, the potential return of the fan-favorite Mascot Mode may be among the main selling points of EA Sports' upcoming simulator. Vannini stated thatthe Deluxe Edition cover was likely not the final version, and added that multiple covers would likely be made ahead of the game’s summer launch.
The leaked cover pictures came just a few weeks afterEA Sports executive Daryl Holt commented aboutCollege Football 26. While Holt could not give away many details, he stated thatCollege Football 26would face an “uphill battle” followingCFB 25’s success, and said that fan feedback would be considered.
In the meantime, players who have not triedEA Sports College Football 25can buy it on the PlayStation Store for $14until March 26. Knowing whatCollege Football 26has to follow, it remains to be seen which features will arrive in the next entry.
EA Sports College Football 25
WHERE TO PLAY
In EA SPORTS™ College Football 25 experience explosive gameplay variety across 134 FBS schools and immerse yourself in the iconic atmospheres of college football as you chase college greatness. CampusIQ™ Immerse yourself in authentic, fast-paced, college football gameplay with CampusIQ™. Test your strategic decision-making with an all-new composure system, player Wear & Tear, screen-shaking homefield advantages and dozens of diverse play styles across 134 FBS teams. Iconic Atmospheres From The Big House to The Swamp. From Tuscaloosa to College Station. Experience the decibel-shaking soundscape of college football putting you inside the stadium, alongside all the iconic rituals and traditions that make you feel right at home. Bring Glory Home Set a new standard for college football greatness in classic modes like Dynasty and Road To Glory. Recruit a winning roster, develop a coaching staff, and lead your program to the Championship as a created coach, or balance student-athlete life and take home the Heisman as a player.
