The Return of Mascot Mode?

One of the biggest talking points to College Football 26 Coins emerge from the leaked photos is the presence of multiple mascots. While this might seem like a minor detail, it has sparked wild speculation about the return of Mascot Mode, a fan-favorite feature from earlier entries in the series.

In Mascot Mode, players could form entire teams made up of school mascots and go head-to-head in over-the-top matches. It was a lighthearted but beloved addition that offered a break from the intensity of regular gameplay. Seeing mascots like Big Al, Brutus Buckeye, and the Stanford Tree featured in the shoot has convinced many fans that EA is planning to bring this mode back.

Whether it’s a main feature or simply a nod to nostalgia, the inclusion of mascots in promotional content has added another layer of excitement to the upcoming release.

College Football Gaming in the NIL Era

With the legal environment now fully supporting NIL deals, EA has the freedom to create the most immersive and realistic college football game ever. The partnerships with players, schools, and conferences mean that College Football 26 can offer accurate rosters, player likenesses, and team branding from day one.

The success of College Football 25—which, according to On3 and Circana data, became the best-selling sports game in U.S. history—is a strong indicator that the market is ready. EA is clearly aiming to top even that milestone with this next installment.

What's Next?

While no official release date has been confirmed, all signs point to an announcement in the coming months. The presence of a Deluxe Edition cover leak suggests that EA is close to launching its full promotional campaign. If tradition holds, a late summer or early fall release is likely, positioning the game perfectly for the start of the 2025-2026 college football season.

Fans should expect a polished experience tailored for next-gen platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S, complete with enhanced visuals, smarter AI, and a return of deep customization tools. From Dynasty Mode to Road to Glory, there’s plenty of speculation about returning features—but for CUT 26 Coins for sale
 now, the confirmed inclusion of NIL athletes and mascot appearances has the community buzzing.