The results spoke for themselves: College Football 25 became the best-selling sports video game in U.S. history by dollar sales, according to Circana. For College Football 26, EA is doubling down—literally—by offering significantly higher payouts to College Football 26 Coins participating athletes. According to reports from The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, compensation for player likenesses will more than double in this year’s game, highlighting EA’s commitment to fair player representation.

Texas Duo Opts Out of Cover Appearance

Notably absent from this year’s marketing campaign are Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and star quarterback Arch Manning. The pair opted out of a photoshoot at the Rose Bowl, which was reportedly intended for promotional material for College Football 26. Last year, Texas QB Quinn Ewers featured prominently on the cover alongside Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Donovan Edwards.

Despite their absence, a leaked image of the Deluxe Edition cover showed several confirmed athletes and coaches, including Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, Alabama’s Ryan Williams, Penn State’s Nick Singleton, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Prominent coaches such as Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Oregon’s Dan Lanning also appear, alongside football legends like Tim Tebow and Reggie Bush.

Multiple cover versions are rumored to be in the works, with editions highlighting coaches, legends, and various star players. While the absence of Manning—a highly marketable figure and presumed breakout starter—may surprise some fans, his and Sarkisian’s decision to remain in Austin underscores their focus on the upcoming college season.

Looking Ahead

With College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26, EA is offering more than just a pNCAA 26 Coinsair of annual releases. These games represent a broader narrative of progress: improved gameplay, fair athlete compensation, and immersive career modes that take players from the earliest stages of competition all the way to  professional glory.