College football and video game enthusiasts have something big to College Football 26 Coins celebrate—EA Sports College Football 26 is officially on the horizon. Thanks to a series of leaks, including a behind-the-scenes photo shoot, it’s now confirmed that the long-awaited sequel to EA’s beloved college football series is coming soon to Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5. After years of anticipation and speculation, the latest entry in the franchise is finally within reach, and fans are already buzzing about what's to come.

A Leaked Photoshoot Confirms What Fans Have Hoped For

The confirmation comes from a surprising but reliable source: leaked images from a recent EA Sports promotional shoot. These photos, which have made rounds online, reportedly reveal the Deluxe Edition cover for College Football 26. Featured on the front are prominent college stars including Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, and Ohio State standout Jeremiah Smith. The shoot also included appearances by college coaches and a few beloved mascots, further fueling fan speculation about returning game modes and features.

Sports Illustrated’s Anthony Miller broke the story in mid-March, detailing the photo shoot and showcasing tweets from well-known insiders like Hayes Fawcett, who posted about the cover reveal. This isn't just rumor mill chatter—this is real, tangible evidence that the franchise is coming back in a big way.

A Storied Legacy Continues

For those unfamiliar, EA’s college football franchise dates back to 1998 when it debuted as Bill Walsh College Football, named after the legendary San Francisco 49ers coach. Over the years, the game evolved into a staple of sports gaming, offering deep dynasty modes, faithful team recreations, and an atmosphere that captured the spirit of Saturdays in the fall.

However, the series went on an extended hiatus after NCAA Football 14 due to legal battles surrounding player likenesses. As college athletes challenged the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), EA put the series on ice until the legal landscape could support a fair return.

That time has finally come.

NIL Deals Pave the Way for EA’s Return to Campus

Thanks to sweeping changes in NCAA rules and the adoption of NIL policies, the door has been reopened for college football in video games. According to a January announcement from Fox Sports, over 10,000 players signed NIL agreements to appear in the 2025 version of the game. This historic deal not only legitimizes player appearances in-game but ensures that athletes are fairly compensated—a monumental step forward for both the game and the sport.

Financially, the relaunch has been a massive success. A recent On3 report notes that EA Sports College Football 25 had already raked in over $500 million in sales. Circana’s data also revealed that the game had become the best-selling sports title ever in the U.S. by November—before the 2026 version was even officially announced.

Mascot Mode Could Make a Comeback

Among the more interesting elements revealed in the photoshoot are the appearances of multiple college mascots. For longtime fans, this hints at the possible return of a fan-favorite feature: Mascot Mode. Originally included in earlier titles, this fun, arcade-style game mode let players pit entire teams of Buy Coins CUT NCAA 26 mascots against each other in full football matches.