Previews for College Football 26

EA Sports College Football 26 was officially released on July 10, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with early access available to some players beginning July 7. Developed by EA Orlando, this new entry builds on the successful return of the series and continues to expand its features and authenticity. The game introduces improved Dynasty Mode, which is centered on building your coach, building your program, and delivering a comprehensive world of college football. This year’s Dynasty offers deeper decision-making, more advanced roster management, and expanded program-building through more realistic recruiting and an active transfer portal. Gameplay improvements include a new physics-based tackling system, which makes on-field action more authentic and dynamic, factoring in player attributes, impact angles, and timing. College Football 26 now features 136 FBS schools, with Delaware and Missouri State making their debut as new playable teams. Other new features include expanded playbooks, legacy tracking tools, and a College Football History mode that allows players to relive decades of program highlights and awards. The cover athletes for this year’s release are wide receivers Ryan Williams from Alabama and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State, two of the top young talents in college football. The game also supports cross-play between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, enhanced presentation, and the inclusion of real coaches. Turning to real-world college football, the 2025 NCAA season is set to begin with Ohio State as the defending national champion and a favorite to return to the College Football Playoff. Penn State is also expected to contend for the national title, and the Week 1 matchup between Ohio State and Texas is one of the season’s most anticipated games. Texas, led by sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, enters the season with high expectations and significant attention on its offense and redzone performance. In the SEC, Alabama remains a key contender. Some analysts believe Alabama is being underrated despite solid improvements at quarterback and a strong defensive core under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Other SEC teams projected to compete for a playoff spot include Georgia, LSU, and Texas, which joins the SEC this year. Elsewhere, the Mountain West Conference will implement mandatory player availability reports for the 2025 season, and several programs like Boise State and San Diego State are undergoing transitions in coaching and roster makeup. Kentucky begins fall camp with questions at quarterback and a new offensive staff. Running back Yasin Willis at Syracuse is among the rising stars to watch as he enters his second season under coach Fran Brown. Teams across all conferences are adjusting to new dynamics brought by the transfer portal and modern recruiting. This season, Ohio State is widely considered the favorite, but Texas, Penn State, and several SEC programs are expected to be in the playoff conversation. Major storylines include the development of Arch Manning at Texas, the roster rebuild at Alabama, and the unpredictable landscape of mid-major conferences. Injuries, new coaching hires, and conference realignment will all factor into how the 2025 season unfolds. Sources: EA Sports, NCAA.com, ESPN, Reuters, New York Post, TalkSport, and official team news. Direct links and further citations are available on request. College Football 26 Official Reveal Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMGIfmAcNwA College Football 26 Official Gameplay Deep Dive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsKxOhw9J6g