This cover features a sprawling, multi-dimensional collage with College Football 26 Coins over 25 players, coaches, mascots, and legends. If you look closely, you’ll notice that these aren’t just random figures—each one has been carefully chosen for a specific reason, weaving together the current, past, and future of college football.
Current stars like Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, and Penn State running back Nick Singleton sit alongside icons such as Tim Tebow and Reggie Bush. These athletes represent the game’s deep connection to college football’s rich history, but they also highlight the game’s nod to where college football is headed.
The Return of Coaches: A Bold Business Decision
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the cover is the inclusion of coaches—something entirely new for the College Football franchise. On the cover, we see Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Penn State’s James Franklin, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham. This is significant, given that coaches were notably absent from College Football 25, the franchise’s first return after an 11-year hiatus.
Why the shift? EA Sports is clearly positioning itself to reflect the changing dynamics of the sport. With the increased focus on coaching influence, strategies, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the inclusion of coaches suggests that their roles will be more integral to College Football 26. They may even play a prominent role in gameplay modes, such as Dynasty or Career Mode, where decisions made off the field are just as important as those on the field.
By including coaches, EA also acknowledges that the storylines and strategies shaped by these figures are central to the modern college football experience. This could be a sign that College Football 26 aims to push beyond the gridiron and immerse players in the entire college football ecosystem.
Freshmen Take Center Stage
In a move that further separates College Football 26 from its predecessors, EA has also included a true freshman—Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood—on the cover. Notably, Underwood is the first-ever true freshman to appear on the cover of a college football video game.
What makes Underwood so special? Aside from being an incoming star for Michigan, he currently holds the highest NIL valuation for any college football freshman, according to On3, making him one of the sport’s most marketable young athletes. Underwood’s inclusion represents more than just his skill—it’s about what he symbolizes: the next generation of college football players who are no longer confined to the traditional concept of CFB 26 Coins for sale amateurism.
