BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - One year after its long awaited return, Alabama fans have even more to be excited about as one of their own is gracing the cover of EA Sports’ College Football 26.
For the first time in franchise history dating back to the old NCAA Football series, two wide receivers will be featured on the cover of the game. Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith are this year’s cover athletes.
Last year’s game featured three players - Travis Hunter, Quinn Ewers, and Donovan Edwards - as part of the first college football video game since 2013.
Williams burst onto the national scene as a 17-year-old freshman at Alabama in 2024, scoring the come-from-behind win over No. 2 Georgia with a 75-yard touchdown reception.
As a freshman, he caught 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.
“As a lifelong fan of EA Sports games, being on the cover of College Football 26 is a dream come true,” said Williams. “It was incredible to see myself in College Football 25 last year, and now to represent Alabama and share this moment with fans who’ve played EA Sports games for years is unreal.”
Jeremiah Smith set the NCAA FBS single-season records for receiving yards and touchdowns last year with Ohio State.
Finishing the season with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, Smith was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Receiver of the Year, and selected first-team All-American by USA Today and ESPN.
Smith said being on the cover is a privilege.
“I’m proud to represent Ohio State alongside Coach Day while carrying the Buckeye legacy forward, celebrating the passion of our fans and the tradition of this incredible program,” said Smith.
Much like last year’s edition of the game, College Football 26 will feature to editions - the standard edition and deluxe edition.
The deluxe edition features Williams and Smith along with a host of others, including Day, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Georgia’s Kirby Smart, and even callback cover stars like Reggie Bush, and Tim Tebow.
Preorder offers are available for both. The standard edition comes with Road to Glory Skill Points, Dynasty Coach Points, and an All Hands Ultimate Team Pack if preordered.
The deluxe edition, however, includes all of that plus the limited time offer of a Top Prospect Ultimate Team Pack, 4,600 College Football Points, Three-Day early access, and Early Access Solo Challenges.
The standard edition costs $69.99 while the deluxe edition runs $89.99.
College Football 26 will release on Xbox Series S|X and PlayStation 5 on July 7, 2025.
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