EA Sports College Football 26 cover leak may predict new features involving coaches and mascots

As the first entry in the series since 2013, EA Sports College Football 25 was a tremendous success. However, a yearly release schedule pressures developers to constantly improve the game. If a new cover leak is any indication, players might have plenty of new EA Sports College Football 26 features to look forward to.

On March 12, images of a Deluxe Edition cover began appearing on social media accounts. The Athletic explained that the source was a photo shoot with prominent NCAA football players, coaches, and mascots. Reactions have been mixed, with some gamers calling it crude and lacking a clear direction. Still, it's most likely a first draft of the artwork without the added effects and editing of past covers.

While College Football 25 offered plenty of modes for gamers to experiment with, there was at least one glaring omission. Previous versions of the game allowed players to compete as mascots. A major part of the college experience is the school spirit shown by supporters wearing these recognizable costumes. Unfortunately, last year's game lacked Mascot Mode.

The leaked cover also emphasizes the sidelines by featuring popular coaches like Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart. College Football 25 faithfully represented real-life stadiums, but the rendered coaches were fictional. Gamers would welcome EA Sports College Football 26 features celebrating these unique personalities.

Of course, a cover image can only tell gamers so much about what to expect with EA's next college pigskin experience. Other common requests include team building in the game rather than an app and less restrictive cross-play. The publisher will likely keep many changes secret before an expected summer EA Sports College Football 26 release date.