For those unfamiliar, EA’s college football franchise dates back to College Football 26 Coins 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 mascots against each other in full football matches.

Whether it’s Big Al from Alabama, Notre Dame’s spirited leprechaun, or the always-entertaining Stanford tree, Mascot Mode has always been a beloved novelty—and seeing these characters in the promo shoot is stirring hope for its return.

While EA has yet to confirm any gameplay modes officially, the inclusion of mascots in marketing material certainly makes it more than just a nostalgic tease.

What to Expect From College Football 26

With the groundwork laid by College Football 25’s success and the legitimacy brought by NIL deals, College Football 26 looks poised to build on this momentum. Expectations are sky-high for the upcoming release. Players are hopeful for deeper dynasty modes, robust customization options, and improvements to gameplay realism. Enhanced AI, upgraded graphics for next-gen consoles, and better physics are likely on CFB 26 Coins the way too.