EA has revealed some of the major changes coming to College Football 26, and a clear theme has emerged. The company is significantly expanding in-game representations of college traditions, such as mascots, rivalry trophies, marching band formations, and other elements of school spirit. Included among a huge list of additions is one of the few mascots that everyone, regardless of allegiance, seems to be able to root for: a Pop-Tart.
Yes, one of the internet’s favorite mascots is coming to CFB 26, EA announced in a blog post.. The anthropomorphic toaster pastry has become beloved among college football fans for its role in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, arguably the most eccentric bowl game among the dozens of bowls in college football’s postseason. To put it simply: At the end of the game, the giant Pop-Tart gets put into a toaster, and then an edible version emerges, to be promptly ripped apart and consumed by the winning team.
The tasty (but somewhat macabre) mascot aside, EA is also expanding the school mascots that’ll appear in the game. Over 30 new mascots are being added, bringing more realistic school spirit for universities like Army, Navy, Kansas, Colorado State, and others.
Other aspects of school traditions are also being enhanced. EA is recreating band formations, light shows, drone shows, and different types of run-outs for some universities, adding additional showmanship and pageantry to games. More of college football’s large array of rivalry trophies will be represented in CFB 26, too.
CFB 26 launches on July 10, but people who preorder special editions of the game can get access three days early. Check out our preorder guide for more on the different versions of the game. EA is likely hoping that CFB 26 can replicate its predecessor’s success; CFB 25 was wildly popular and produced over $1 billion in revenue for the company.
