EA Sports College Football 26: Everything you need to know about crossplay, preload, and early access
EA Sports College Football 26 is set to redefine the college football gaming experience with its upcoming release soon. This edition introduces exciting features such as crossplay support, allowing players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to compete together in Online Dynasty mode.
Early access to start for those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition or MVP Bundle. With enhancements across all platforms, including dynamic gameplay and expanded team customization, EA Sports College Football 26 promises to deliver an immersive and authentic college football experience.
EA Sports College Football 26: Crossplay, preload & early access – everything you need to know
EA Sports College Football 26 is set to launch on July 10, 2025, bringing a host of exciting features to the gridiron. For fans eager to dive in early, early access begins on July 7 for those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition or MVP Bundle. Additionally, players can preload the game starting July 3, ensuring they're ready to hit the field the moment it launches.
Local and online multiplayer support in EA Sports College Football 26
EA Sports College Football 26 offers a flexible multiplayer experience, both locally and online, supporting up to four players in a single match. Whether you're playing on the same console or connecting online, you can team up in co-op mode, with two players controlling one team against two others on the rival side.
If you prefer a more traditional head-to-head match, solo play is also fully supported—you can take complete control of your team and compete against a single opponent.
This multiplayer setup adds depth and variety to gameplay, making it ideal for both casual gamers and competitive players. Whether you're in the US, U.K., Canada, or Australia, this game mode promises hours of engaging college football action.
This edition introduces crossplay support, allowing players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to compete together in Online Dynasty mode. With enhancements across all platforms, including dynamic gameplay and expanded team customization, EA Sports College Football 26 promises to deliver an immersive and authentic college football experience.
What's New in EA Sports College Football 26?
EA Sports College Football 26 builds upon its predecessor with several key improvements:
Crossplay Support: Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can now compete together in Online Dynasty mode, expanding the multiplayer experience.
Preload Option: Preload the game starting July 3 to ensure you're ready to play as soon as it's available. Expanded Team Customization: Enjoy more options for customizing your team's look and feel.
Enhanced Gameplay: Experience smoother animations and more realistic player movements.
Who graces the cover of EA Sports College Football 26?
The standard edition of EA Sports College Football 26 features standout wide receivers Ryan Williams from Alabama and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State as the cover athletes. These rising stars represent the excitement and talent of college football today. Meanwhile, the deluxe edition cover expands the lineup to include not only Williams and Smith but also a collection of prominent college players, coaches, and mascots.
This diverse showcase highlights the spirit and passion of college football, appealing to fans eager to see their favorite athletes and teams celebrated. Featuring these key figures on the cover adds to the game's authenticity and appeal across Tier 1 countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Is EA Sports College Football 26 coming to Xbox game pass or PlayStation Plus?
As of launch, College Football 26 won't be available on Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. Players hoping to dive in on day one through a subscription service will need to wait. However, based on EA Sports' usual release pattern, there's a good chance the game will arrive on EA Play, which is included with Game Pass Ultimate, sometime around March 2026.
This mirrors what we've seen with titles like EA FC (formerly FIFA), which typically land on subscription platforms a few months before the next edition drops. So, while it's not free at launch, patient fans may see it added to the lineup later.
How do I access early?
To gain early access to EA Sports College Football 26:
Preload the Game: Begin downloading the game on July 3 to be ready for launch.
Ensure Platform Compatibility: Confirm that your console is a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S to utilize crossplay features.
Crossplay details
The introduction of crossplay in Online Dynasty mode allows players on different platforms to join the same league. This feature is enabled by default but can be turned off by the league commissioner if desired.
To use crossplay, players need an internet connection, the latest game updates, a valid EA Account, and a platform account on their chosen platform.
Game editions and pricing
EA Sports College Football 26 offers several editions to cater to different player preferences:
Deluxe Edition: Grants early access starting July 7 and additional in-game content.
MVP Bundle: Offers the same early access and in-game content as the Deluxe Edition, with bonuses.
Preload instructions
To preload EA Sports College Football 26:
Search for the Game: Enter "EA Sports College Football 26" in the search bar.
Select the Edition: Choose the edition you've purchased.
Download: Click on the download or install button to begin the preload.
Ensure you have sufficient storage space on your console before initiating the download.
EA Sports College Football 26 is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the series. With features like crossplay, early access, and expanded customization options, the game offers an enhanced college football experience. Don't miss out—preorder your copy today and get ready to hit the field on July 10!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Upcoming Xbox Game Pass games in June 2025
Image via Microsoft June 2025 is shaping up to be a very promising and exciting month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Maybe you like hardcore shooters, sometimes remastered old-school, or indie jewels; there is something new to play. Microsoft still fulfills its promise of a diverse and huge library, and this month is no different. There are solid day-one titles, best-selling games, and an ample amount of innovative new experiences, depending on how potential players like to experience their games, whether it's on console, PC, or even on the cloud. Exciting additions to Xbox Game Pass in June 2025 The following titles are scheduled to join the Xbox Game Pass library between June 17 and July 1: FBC: Firebreak (June 17 – Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S): A thrilling co-op shooter set in the universe of Control, making its debut on Game Pass. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (June 17—Console, PC): Players' favorite marsupial returns with more time-bending platforming fun. Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (June 17 – All Platforms): A quirky, ambition-driven adventure that mixes storybook charm with action. Star Trucker (June 18 – Xbox Series X|S): A space-hauling sim with retro flair and unpredictable plots. Wildfrost (June 18 – Console) : A deck-building roguelike filled with frosty foes and strategic battles. Rematch (June 19—All Platforms): A unique 5v5 multiplayer football game that combines sports with action-style pacing. Volcano Princess (June 24—All Platforms): A heartwarming RPG where you raise a future ruler in a whimsical kingdom. Against the Storm (June 26—Console, Cloud): A dark fantasy city-builder with roguelike elements expected on consoles. Warcraft I, II & III Remasters (June 26—PC): The iconic strategy games are back with updated visuals and modern UI. Call of Duty: WWII (June 30 – Console, PC): A grainy, cinematic World War II shooter joins the lineup. Little Nightmares II and Rise of the Tomb Raider (July 1 – All Platforms): Two acclaimed titles round out the month. Key highlights to be noted: Day-one releases : Two major titles— FBC: Firebreak and Rematch —are hitting Xbox Game Pass the same day they launch. That means no waiting around; you can dive in as soon as the game drops. Classical Comebacks : Strategic players are in for a treat with the remastered Warcraft trilogy. These beloved games have been given a modern upgrade, blending nostalgia with refreshed visuals and smoother UI gameplay. June 2025 delivers a compelling mix of fresh releases and treasured classics to Xbox Game Pass. Highlights range from Remedy's co-op shooter to an innovative football game, supported by strategy enthusiasts' remasters and veteran franchises like Call of Duty. Xbox Game Pass continues to strengthen its proposition by balancing exclusivity, nostalgia, and creative experimentation. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
"Inconsistency of that penalty still bothers me": Urban Meyer slams NCAA over 2010 Ohio State scandal fallout
Image Source: Getty Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State head coach, has a few particular things he wishes NCAA officials would have done differently in responding to the infamous 2010 tattoo scandal that nearly sunk the Buckeyes program. He inherited the fallout from the scandal, one that started in 2010 but went on long after Meyer got to Columbus, including a 2012 postseason ban that expunged any shot Meyer and an undefeated Buckeyes team had at competing for the national title. In a recent interview on The Triple Option podcast, Meyer said the sanctions were too severe, notably since the violations (trading memorabilia for tattoos) had nothing to do with competitive advantage, but rather were inherently subjective. Urban Meyer says there was no competitive advantage for Ohio State The crux of the problem at hand, a few players trading memorabilia for ink, played no role in the Buckeyes' on-field success, Meyer said, 'Competitive advantage: zero' because such things did not enhance performance or provide an advantage in terms of recruiting, he stressed. The controversy did not concern boosters or excessive inducements during the recruitment process, or even tampering, merely players exchanging souvenirs for tattoos. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo He also noted that the situation was overblown in hindsight. 'There were some players trading… memorabilia for tattoos. That's it,' he said, suggesting that the national furor and NCAA response far exceeded the offense. In the current NIL landscape, that type of activity hardly raises an eyebrow. Meyer argued that it did not give Ohio State an advantage in winning games or securing the best players. NCAA's harsh penalties cost Ohio State a national championship run The scandal also led to Ohio State vacating all 12 wins from the 2010 season and imposed a postseason ban that impacted the 2012 team, Meyer's first season in Columbus. That team was undefeated, but was ineligible to play for a national title. Meyer noted that his team missed the so-called football glory by pointing out that 'we would have played Notre Dame.' Also Read: Boston College gives first official look at new football uniforms for 2025 season Jim Tressel received a five-year show-cause penalty and a $250,000 fine for allegedly lying about the violations. While it was still wrong the way Tressel handled it, Meyer felt that the punishment was too much, especially at a time when players are profiting off their name, image, and likeness so openly. 'The inconsistency of that penalty, to this day, still bothers me,' Meyer said, lamenting how quickly guidelines for college football have adjusted since that time. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Why Malakai Lee's commitment decision could reshape Alabama's 2026 offensive line
The upcoming commitment of Malakai Lee on June 27 will be a crucial point of the Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive line recruiting approach in the 2026 cycle. The four-star offensive tackle of Kamehameha Secondary in Honolulu, Hawaii, has come down to four powerhouse schools, and they are the Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines, Georgia Bulldogs, and Texas Longhorns. He is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, and Lee possesses elite physical tools that could have an instant effect on whichever program he commits to. His choice is especially significant to Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer, who is assembling his first full recruiting class since taking over as head coach. Alabama Crimson Tide faces critical recruitment battle The targeting of Malakai Lee by the Alabama Crimson Tide is a vital point in the evolution of the team's offensive line. Lee is the 137th overall prospect in this country and the 10th-best offensive tackle in the recruiting class of 2026, so he is a foundation block on which any program can build its future. His physical attributes are also impressive, with 36-inch arms and an 85-inch wingspan, which are excellent measurements that translate very well in the collegiate game. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) The Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic have put Lee on their radar and have been targeting him, as he is expected to be a huge anchor in their offensive line over a couple of seasons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See The List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo There is a great deal of versatility in the fact that the Hawaii native can play both left and right tackle, and this fits the Alabama recruiting philosophy to a tee. The natural balance and his fluid movement ability gave him an edge over other prospects in his class, which directly translates to success in the Southeastern Conference. Lee's decision timeline creates urgency for Alabama Crimson Tide As Malakai Lee plans to visit the Michigan Wolverines on June 20, the Alabama Crimson Tide is under more pressure to make him commit before the announcement date. The crystal ball of 247Sports has already predicted that Lee will go to the Michigan Wolverines, which adds pressure to the coaching staff of Alabama. Lee has already made official visits to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Texas Longhorns, and is already well-versed with what is being offered in each program. This was in the Alabama Crimson Tide, which has been successful in producing NFL-calibre offensive linemen as a strong selling point in the recruitment of Lee. Past Alabama players such as Jedrick Wills Jr., Alex Leatherwood, and Landon Dickerson have all come out successful in the professional arena, proving that the program can get the most out of its offensive line talent. The record of Alabama sending offensive linemen into the first round of the NFL draft may be the determining factor in Lee's analysis. Fans can follow Malakai Lee's commitment announcement on June 27 through various social media platforms and recruiting networks that typically broadcast such announcements live. The decision of Malakai Lee to commit will have a huge influence on the future of the Alabama Crimson Tide recruiting class in 2026 and in the future of the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line. His decision between Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, and Texas is one of the most closely followed recruiting battles of the cycle, and it could give a boost to the program that ends up with his signature. Also Read: Ohio State AD Ross Bjork warns SEC as he questions future of non-conference college football blockbusters Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
