Early Access to College Football 26: How to Play Before the Official Release
College Football 26, the newest entry in EA's sports franchise, brings a variety of updates returning fans should appreciate. While EA Sports' College Football 26 may not formally launch until July 10, 2025, those eager to get their hands on the game can gain early access through specific pre-order options or an EA Play subscription. This article details how to access the game early and what to expect from this year's edition.
Early Access Options
Deluxe Edition and MVP Bundle
Users who pre-ordered the Deluxe edition or the MVP Bundle, which includes College Football 26 and Madden 26, can begin playing the game on July 7. EA Sports granted three days early access to those who pre-ordered. If you don't want to wait a few extra days to get your hands on the ball, College Football 26's Deluxe Edition will run you $100, while the MVP Bundle--which also comes with Madden 26--comes in at $150.
EA Play Subscription
Meanwhile, EA Play subscribers can also gain early access to College Football 26, but you'll be limited to a 10-hour trial of the game.
Early Access Unlock Times
Early access launch varies based on region to ensure everyone can start playing at the same time, so check below for when the game unlocks in your timezone.
College Football 26 early access unlock times:
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- Monday, July 7
- 9 AM PT
- 10 AM MT
- 11 AM CT
- 12 PM ET
- 5 PM BST
- 6 PM CEST
- Tuesday, July 8
- 1 AM CST
- 1 AM JST
- 4 AM NZST
Purchasing Options
You will be able to pre-order the Standard, Deluxe Edition, or the MVP Bundle of College Football digitally on your platform’s online store, or at any local or online retailers that sell College Football 26. The Standard Edition of Madden 26 will cost $69.99. The Deluxe Edition costs $99.99, and the MVP Bundle, which includes the Deluxe Edition of both College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26, is $149.99.
Loyalty Offers
Players in College Football 25 can purchase the College Football 26 Deluxe Loyalty Edition on PlayStation and Xbox platforms by selecting the pre-order option on the in-game menu to receive 10% off‡ their purchase, and receive all Deluxe Edition pre-order bonuses, and a 99 OVR Player Pack, which grants a choice of 1 player item to use in College Football 25 Ultimate Team (College Football 25, internet connection, and all game updates required). EA account required.
Yes! You will be able to receive the same 10%‡ offer on the MVP Bundle & receive a 99 OVR Player Item for use in College Football 25 and Madden NFL 25 on Xbox Series S/X , PlayStation® 5††.
Game Availability
College Football 26 will be available on the current generation Xbox and PlayStation. That means that only the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and the PlayStation 5. The Xbox One nor the PlayStation 4 will have access to the game. The game also will not be available on Nintendo Switch or PC.
Key Features and Updates
College Football 26 is the next iteration in EA Sports' college football video game franchise. The latest edition is the second offering since the title was revived in 2024. This year's main features showcase improvements to Road to the College Football Playoff, an expanded Road to Glory mode and new presentation details.
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Road to Glory Enhancements
Essentially, the changes in College Football 26 Road To Glory address three concerns that players had regarding the last version, according to game producer Chad Walker and Principal Game Designer Ben Haumiller (via EA.com)."But in listening to our players, a few clear themes emerged. First, players wanted a more meaningful recruiting experience-more agency in deciding where they go to school, and more control over the moments that lead there. Second, while Coach Trust was a strong foundation for getting on the field, players wanted more tension, more rewards, and more to chase once they earned the starting job. And third, players wanted a better way to track their achievements and celebrate everything they’d earned across their career."
Road to Glory offers a chance to take a college football player from the beginning of his career to the potential pinnacle of a Heisman Trophy and/or a national championship by the end. Players initially pick their starting point, ranging from an elite, 5-star prospect (a la Travis Hunter) or a 2-star underdog with very little adulation who needs to work his way to stardom.
From there, players choose their position (e.g. quarterback) and archetype (e.g. scrambler). They can then customize their appearance and then pick their starting mental ability, which is based on a few different core tenets.
Players then select what's important to them as they go along their journey (e.g. competing for a national title, starting early, etc.) before they choose their school. Fans can view various pieces of information (a school's interest level, their schemes, depth chart, etc.) before choosing where to play.
During the week, players have to choose where to focus their time on weekly activities (academics, health, training, etc.) while also trying to excel in practice and improving their abilities via mini games.
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During the overall journey, players could be tasked with scenarios, such as attending a night class (to boost academics) or going to a party (to boost a social presence and brand). There will also be NIL offers, position battles, opportunities to improve off the field, etc.
Gamers, of course, will control their players on game day in hopes achieving their goals. The presentation of the game will be different, with fans closer to the field to better feel immersed in their player's journey. There will be various challenges along the way, including the need to manage players' health on a week-to-week basis.
At the end of the journey, players have the option to export their player to Madden for their version of Road to Glory (Superstar mode).
Team and Player Ratings
Much of the information regarding the game has been released. The top five ratings for each position were also dropped with Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier tied at the top for quarterbacks with a 92 rating.
The team ratings have also been released with Alabama leading the FBS with a 89 overall team rating.
Highest-Rated Teams:
- Alabama Crimson Tide - 89
- Texas Longhorns - 88
- Ohio State Buckeyes - 88
- Penn State Nittany Lions - 88
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish - 88
- Georgia Bulldogs - 88
- Clemson Tigers - 88
- Texas A&M Aggies - 88
Top Offensive Player Ratings:
- Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State - 98 OVR
- Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama - 95 OVR
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - 95 OVR
- Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - 94 OVR
- Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama - 94 OVR
- Spencer Fano, RT, Utah - 94 OVR
- Ar'maj Reed-Adams, RG, Texas A&M - 93 OVR
- Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt - 93 OVR
- Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami - 93 OVR
- Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State - 93 OVR
Top Defensive Player Ratings:
- Caleb Downs, FS, Ohio State - 96 OVR
- Anthony Hill Jr, MIKE, Texas - 95 OVR
Cover Stars
Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith are the cover athletes for the standard edition of EA Sports College Football 26, while the deluxe also includes notable former players such as Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow.
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