The sophomore effort for Electronic Arts' college football revival is on its way, as EA Sports College Football 26 had its cover stars revealed today. While it still features the star athletes on the field, the Deluxe Edition widens the lens to incorporate the traditions, fans, and even mascots behind the players.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are front-and-center on the Standard Edition cover, in front of a massive banner featuring team logos from across the college football landscape.
The Deluxe Edition cover, meanwhile, still has Williams and Smith centered, but also incorporates numerous college football legends, mascots, and traditions. Yes, that is the Oregon duck in the back. Don't stare at it too long, it will stare back.
The cover star picks make sense, as both players are sophomore wideouts with some promising careers ahead of them. But the legacy in the Deluxe Edition is nice to see, too. It includes coaches, like Georgia's Kirby Smart, Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, and Ohio State's Ryan Day; Clemson QB Cade Klubnik; Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love; Penn State RB Nick Singleton; and former EA cover stars, including Reggie Bush, Time Tebow, and Denard Robinson.
EA's revival of its College Football franchise certainly had big shoes to fill, but it seems like the series has already found its footing. The re-debut of EA Sports College Football 25 was one of the best-selling games of last year, so all eyes are on the sophomore effort to keep up the momentum.
EA College Football 26 is due to arrive on July 10 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. More details on the upcoming game will be shared this Thursday, and throughout the summer leading up to launch.
Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
