As Mississippians count down the days until the college football season kicks off in the fall, a substitute in video game form could fill the gap in the meantime.
For some users, EA Sports’ College Football 26 is currently being played on consoles across the nation, while others have to wait until Thursday to compete with their favorite teams, build dynasties, and utilize some of the relatively new perks inside the game, including NIL and the transfer portal.
As a teaser, social media operators for the Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Southern Miss football programs gave fans a look at each team’s stadium entrance for a home game.
In the digital version of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Ole Miss players are spotted paying homage to the late Chucky Mullins by touching the Rebel football legend’s statue while gearing up for a packed-out home contest.
It’s time 🎮🔥#CFB26 | @EASPORTSCollege pic.twitter.com/HP533iQVZH
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) July 7, 2025
Over in Starkville, viewers witnessed the rowdy home environment at Davis Wade Stadium, featuring the renowned cowbells, as the Bulldogs took the field to face Arizona State in a rematch of last season’s loss on the real-life gridiron.
It’s officially #CFB26 Day!
See y’all in the game 🎮#HailState x @EASPORTSCollege pic.twitter.com/ypDIA70uPr
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) July 7, 2025
Down in Hattiesburg, the Rock was rocking as Southern Miss players stormed onto M.M. Roberts Stadium for a battle against former conference counterpart Tulane.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 hits different in #CFB26
Golden Eagle Dynasty loading…⏳
🎮 » https://t.co/k194SKj7FW@EASPORTSCollege | #SMTTT pic.twitter.com/TEM1fN8DR1
— Southern Miss Football (@SouthernMissFB) July 7, 2025
The college football-themed video game made its return last year after not being released for more than a decade, largely due to lawsuits related to players not being compensated for the use of their name, image, and likeness. The NCAA’s updating of its NIL policies paved the way for the game’s revitalization. After a successful reintroduction in 2025, EA creators brought the game back this year.
As for the upcoming college football season, the Rebels, Bulldogs, and Golden Eagles will get things going on Aug. 30.
