It’s the most wonderful time of the year for college football video game fans.
EA Sports College Football 26 release week has arrived as the second installment of the popular video game franchise will be available to play after its triumphant return last year.
There’s plenty of excitement for the game as EA Sports attempts to create a game that can sustain the success College Football 25 had, with new features, expanded gameplay and tweaks based on community feedback. The game has a release date, but those that bought the deluxe edition or the bundle with Madden 26 will be able to play it earlier, allowing gamers the chance to get a head start on their dynasties or road to glory. Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on the game as soon as possible?
Pre-order EA Sports College Football 26 for PS5
When does EA Sports College Football 26 come out?
People that preordered the deluxe edition of EA Sports College Football 26 or bought the MVP bundle with Madden 26 will be able to play the game on Monday, July 7 at noon ET. For the standard version, the game will be available to play on Thursday, July 10.
Pre-order EA Sports College Football 26 for Xbox
EA Sports College Football 26 versions, how to preorder
If you’re wanting to play the game early but don’t have early access yet, there’s still time.
The deluxe edition and MVP bundle can still be digitally pre-ordered for Xbox’s Microsoft Store and PlayStation’s PlayStation Store up until July 10, allowing early access. If bought during the early period, it will be available to play immediately.
Here are the cost of each version of EA Sports College Football 26:
Standard version: $69.99
Deluxe edition: $99.99
MVP bundle (with Madden 26): $149.99
Shop EA Sports College Football 26 for PS5
What’s new in EA Sports College Football 26?
There are several updates and additions to EA Sports College Football 26. EA Sports production director Christian McLeod previously told USA TODAY Sports the goal for this year’s game was building upon the foundation CFB 25 laid and listening to the feedback – good and bad − from it.
One major component is real-life coaches are in the game, giving it a more realistic feel when going against the biggest names on the sidelines and in recruiting. When playing the game, there are more than 2,800 new plays to choose from and players will notice more gameday traditions and mascots.
In the popular dynasty mode, the transfer portal was overhauled to be more unpredictable. More entries are possible and new are dynamic dealbreakers, which can change how a player feels about a school and can decide they want to play somewhere else, making it a greater challenge to turn smaller programs into national powerhouses. Dynasty mode will also have a trophy room and record book so users can track all of their accomplishments.
Road to glory will now have a high school portion of the mode after it was left out last year. Players will be able to play moments during their high school career as they try to determine which school to attend.
Shop EA Sports College Football 26 for Xbox