EA Sports College Football 26: Release Date, Features, and Everything You Need to Know

EA Sports College Football 26 is officially set to launch on July 10, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it’s shaping up to be a massive leap forward for college football gaming fans. Building upon the success of last year’s return to the genre, College Football 26 introduces real coaches, high school football gameplay, cross-play Online Dynasty, and new schools joining the FBS ranks—just to name a few major upgrades.

Here’s everything you need to know about EA Sports College Football 26, including new features, gameplay changes, and what makes this year's release special.

When Is College Football 26 Coming Out?

EA Sports College Football 26 will launch on July 10, 2025. Fans who pre-order the Deluxe Edition or the EA SPORTS MVP Bundle will get three-day early access, allowing them to start playing on July 7, 2025.

As per EA Sports, the game is being created by EA Tiburon studios in Orlando, Florida, and Madrid, Spain.

What's New in College Football 26?

EA Sports is doubling down on authenticity and player customization with this year’s release. Here are some of the most exciting new features:

✅ Over 300 Real Coaches

For the first time, College Football 26 features more than 300 real-world coaches. You’ll be able to play as or against coaches like Kirby Smart, Dan Lanning, and James Franklin, each with their distinctive playbooks and strategies.

✅ High School Football Returns

The beloved Road to Glory mode now includes high school football, letting you rise from a high school prospect to a Heisman Trophy winner. You'll compete for scholarships and participate in the classic Hat Ceremony before committing to your dream school.

✅ Crossplay in Online Dynasty Mode

For the first time ever, Online Dynasty supports cross-platform play between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. You can now run a 32-user dynasty league regardless of console—a major leap for online competition.

✅ Wear & Tear System

A fully customizable fatigue system brings added realism. Manage substitutions on the fly without pause screens, and keep your best players fresh for crunch-time moments.

✅ Stadium Pulse 2.0

Experience intense crowd effects, including camera shake, HUD distortion, and pressure-filled environments in rivalry games or College Football Playoff matchups. Your Confidence and Composure stats will play a big role on the road.

Trophy Room and Presentation Upgrades

The Trophy Room returns! Track your titles and achievements across modes like:

• Dynasty

• Road to Glory

• Road to the College Football Playoff

• Play Now Rivalry Games

Presentation also gets a big boost with:

• Commentary from Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer, Desmond Howard, and more

• Over 160 new school chants

• Band music and marching band covers of popular songs

• Unique stadium traditions and mascots

Dynasty Mode Enhancements

Dynasty mode is deeper than ever. Highlights include:

• Dynamic Deal Breakers and Traits for recruiting

• Transfer Portal Overhaul with thousands of players each year

• Location-based visits for regional recruiting advantages

• Formation Subs and Protected Opponents options

Road to Glory Mode: Now With a Path to Madden NFL 26

Your Road to Glory player can now transition into Madden NFL 26's Superstar mode, taking their college legacy to the NFL. This year’s version adds:

• 10 new archetypes

• Coach Trust and Team Chemistry systems

• A new tier of player abilities

• A competitive recruitment process, including the option to recommit

College Football Ultimate Team & Road to the Playoff

Build your dream team with past legends and current college stars in Ultimate Team, or go head-to-head in Road to the College Football Playoff, a new online mode with a full progression system and trophy rewards.

New Teams, Players, and Covers

For the first time, Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and Missouri State Bears are joining the FBS ranks in College Football 26. 

The Standard Edition cover features sophomore sensations Ryan Williams (Alabama) and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), while the Deluxe Edition includes legends like Tim Tebow, Reggie Bush, and Denard Robinson, alongside prominent coaches and mascots.

Pre-Order Info

You can pre-order:

• Standard Edition - $69.99

• Deluxe Edition (includes 3-day early access and bonuses) - $99.99

• EA SPORTS MVP Bundle (includes both College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Editions with early access) - $149.99

Players who previously played Madden NFL 23, 24, 25, or College Football 25 can get a 10% loyalty discount on the Deluxe Edition or MVP Bundle by pre-ordering through the in-game menu on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. This also includes a 99 OVR Player Pack for College Football 25 Ultimate Team.

Digital pre-orders are available through the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or EA’s website. Meanwhile, physical pre-orders are available at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.

Watch College Football 26 Official Reveal Trailer below: