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 ¨C everything you need to know

EA has announced that there are more than 2,700 additional plays, 300 college coaches, 10 new player archetypes and 84 different abilities that players can use on the field. | Credit: Instagram

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¡ªyou 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.

Early Access: Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition or MVP Bundle can start playing on July 7, three days before the official release.

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?

he deluxe edition of the game also sees Smith and Williams, but they're joined by a host of other high-profile college players, coaches, and mascots. | Credit: Instagram

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:

Pre-order the Deluxe Edition or MVP Bundle: These editions grant access to the game starting July 7.

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:

Standard Edition: Includes the base game.

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:

Visit Your Platform's Store: Go to the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store on your console.

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¡ªpreorder your copy today and get ready to hit the field on July 10!