Football fans, it’s that exciting time again! While there’s technically no downtime for the sport that has captured America’s heart, one event particularly stands out during the offseason: the NFL draft. Starting Thursday night, it’s a highlight that Electronic Arts is celebrating in style with a draft-themed campaign for EA Sports College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26. Alongside this, EA has revealed when fans can get their hands on these much-anticipated games this summer.
The spotlight of EA’s clever two-and-a-half-minute commercial, “The Call,” which is set to air during the draft on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network, shines on a fictional wide receiver, J.D. Matthews Jr. The ad captures the whirlwind of emotions he experiences when Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn calls him to share the thrilling news of being the 29th overall pick. As Coach Quinn narrates Matthews Jr.’s journey from high school to stardom at the Texas Longhorns, the story unfolds with heartfelt emotions, vividly etched across the young player’s face.
The draft is much more than a transition from college football to the NFL. It’s a pivotal moment where standout NCAA athletes see their dreams of joining the professional ranks within reach. For those who receive that coveted call, it’s the culmination of endless hard work and the dawn of a new chapter, full of opportunities and challenges. “The real work begins now,” Quinn wisely advises his rookie wideout.
EA is inviting fans to embark on this journey through both EA Sports College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26. On Thursday, they’ve announced an exciting road ahead for these games. EA Sports College Football, previous known as NCAA Football, is set for release on July 10 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Madden will follow on August 14, hitting the market for Nintendo Switch 2, Windows PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
In this leap forward, EA is stepping away from older consoles, marking Madden NFL 25 as the last version available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Intriguingly, the release of Madden NFL 26 on Switch 2 ends a 13-year hiatus of Madden games on Nintendo platforms—the last being Madden NFL 13 for the Wii U in 2012. While full details on the game modes for this year’s Madden are still under wraps, we’re eagerly awaiting EA’s updates, especially regarding whether the Switch 2 version will have the same features as its counterparts on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Fans eager to secure their copies can now pre-order College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26 on all platforms. Although you can’t get the Switch 2 version directly from EA’s website, you can place a pre-order for a game-key card on Amazon. Just like last year, enthusiasts who want both titles can snag the MVP Bundle. This digital-only deal for PS5 and Xbox Series X delivers the deluxe editions of both college and pro games for $149.99, saving players $50 compared to purchasing them separately. This bundle also comes with a bounty of in-game bonuses for modes like Ultimate Team, Road to Glory, Dynasty, Franchise, and Superstar, along with three days of early access to each game. Further details on pre-order bonuses are available on the College Football and Madden websites.
