EA Sports brought back every college football fan's favorite video game last year with CFB25. We are getting a follow up to that with EA Sports College Football 26, which is slated for release this summer.
Which player(s) will grace the cover is always a hot topic. On Wednesday night, leaked cover art was revealed on X for the deluxe edition of the game. Front and center was star Alabama WR Ryan Williams:
An early look at the EA College Football 26 Deluxe Edition Cover 👀
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 13, 2025
The cover consists of players such as DJ Lagway, Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith, True Freshman Bryce Underwood + more
Also features a few head coaches and mascots
(via tubbycfb/IG) pic.twitter.com/kE9TtniEk8
Williams is standing next to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith. The two of them were both stud freshmen in 2024 and figure to be two of the most talented players in the country next season.
Per a report from On3, there's going to be multiple covers for the game this year, including a coaches cover and a legends cover. The resolution on the leaked photo isn't great, but Georgia's Kirby Smart, Penn State's James Franklin, Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin, and Ohio State's Ryan Day are all prominently featured. That also likely signals that last year's biggest omission (no real coaches) will be corrected in the 2026 version.
As far as legends go, you can see both Tim Tebow and Reggie Bush on the cover.
Ryan Williams poised for a monster senior season
The hype train is in full force for Williams heading into his sophomore season. He hit the freshman wall over the second half of the season, but he got off to a torrid start as a 17-year-old freshman, including a miraculous game-winning touchdown reception to lift the Crimson Tide over Georgia in September.
Williams finished his freshman season with 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. With more consistent QB play, Williams could have an explosive sophomore season that sees him go over the 1000 yard mark.
The talent level in the Tide's WR room has increased, however. Germie Bernard returned for his senior year and Alabama added Miami (FL)'s Isaiah Horton out of the Transfer Portal. They also will get Jalen Hale and Cole Adams back healthy and added two talented players - Derek Meadows and Lotzeir Brooks - in the 2025 recruiting class.