In 2024, EA Sports' college football video game franchise had one of the biggest comebacks in gaming history. One year later, the latest iteration of the game is a reminder that it is here to stay.
On the heels of last year's ripping success, the anticipation for EA Sports' College Football 26 has been through the roof. Fans of college football will be treated to new features and have expressed excitement for even better gameplay after last year's game set a high bar.
As is tradition, the college football video game will be available weeks before the new football season officially begins. Fans will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the biggest stars in the game before watching their real-life counterparts take the field on Saturdays.
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Here is everything to know about the release of College Football 26.
College Football 26 release date
- Date: July 10
College Football 26 will officially release on Thursday, July 10. Those who pre-order an edition of the game that comes with early access will be able to play three days earlier on Monday, July 7.
MORE: How to play College Football 26 before its release date
College Football 26 trailer
Here is the official trailer for College Football 26.
In addition to the official trailer, EA Sports released a series of trailers to build anticipation and provide information on the game's new features. Among them is a 17-minute first look at gameplay featuring Alabama standout receiver Ryan Williams.
College Football 26 price and Madden 26 'MVP Bundle'
- MVP Bundle (College Football 26 & Madden 26 deluxe edition): $149.99
- College Football 26 deluxe edition price: $99.99
- College Football 26 26 standard edition: $69.99
EA Sports will release two versions of College Football 26 as a standalone game — the deluxe edition and standard edition. To streamline progress from college to the pros, EA Sports also offers an MVP bundle, which includes the deluxe edition of both College Football 26 and Madden 26.
MORE: Why Colege Football 26 features multiple cover athletes
College Football 26 pre-order bonuses
Here are the pre-order bonuses for College Football 26.
Fans receive early access by pre-ordering the deluxe edition or the MVP Bundle. Doing so comes with a series of bonuses to enhance the gameplay experience:
- Bundle Exclusive CUT Elite Player Item (MVP Bundle only)
- Top Prospect Pack (MVP Bundle only)
- Fresh Faces Ultimate Team Pack
- Three days early access
- 4,500 college football points
- Early access solo challenges
MORE: Madden 26 teases new franchise mode features
College Football 26 player ratings
To build anticipation for the game, EA Sports has revealed the ratings of top players, two of whom play for the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Here is a list of the top 10 overall ratings in the game.
| Player | School | Position | Overall |
| Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State | WR | 98 |
| Caleb Downs | Ohio State | FS | 96 |
| Anthony Hill Jr. | Texas | MLB | 95 |
| Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | HB | 95 |
| Ryan Williams | Alabama | WR | 95 |
| T.J. Parker | Clemson | LE | 95 |
| Dylan Stewart | South Carolina | RE | 94 |
| Jermod McCoy | Tennessee | CB | 94 |
| Jordyn Tyson | Arizona State | WR | 94 |
| Kadyn Proctor | Alabama | LT | 94 |
| Peter Woods | Clemson | DT | 94 |
| Spencer Fano | Utah | RT | 94 |
College Football 26 new features
With last year's game as a building block, College Football 26 has a host of new features that range from gameplay to presentation.
- Enhanced gameplay featuring 2,700 new play
- Over 300 real-world coaches, including some offensive and defensive coordinators
- New recruiting components in Dynasty mode
- Added high school element to the Road to Glory career mode
- Upgraded game-day atmospheres with stadium-specific music, more fight songs and dynamic commentary
- Specific turnover celebrations and traditions are added for a host of schools
- New ways to play College Football Ultimate team, the mode featuring stars from the past
MORE: Arch Manning, Nico Iamaleava among surprise QB ratings in College Football 26
What consoles is College Football 26 on?
College Football 26 will only be available on two next-gen consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
College Football 26 cover
Similar to last year, there are multiple covers for College Football 26.
The standard edition cover features Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The deluxe edition cover features the aforementioned stars alongside a host of important college football figures, including Heimsna winners Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow, coaches Marcus Freeman and James Franklin, among other mascots, fans and school insignia.
MORE: Why Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith named cover athletes
How to play College Football 26 early
Early access to play College Football 26 comes with a pre-order of the deluxe edition or the MVP Bundle, which also includes the deluxe edition of Madden 26.
The standard release falls on Thuesday, July 10, but early access allows users to begin playing on Monday, July 7.