The sophomore installment of the revived EA Sports College Football series — College Football 26 — is set to hit shelves soon, and it's clear that Florida's football legacy is front and center. From cover athletes with Sunshine State roots to rising stars poised for breakout seasons, the game celebrates both the past and future of college football greatness. And beyond the covers, fans are buzzing about in-game features like CFB 26 Coins, which promise to be a central part of the gameplay experience.
Florida Talent Shines on EA Sports College Football 26 Covers
Let's break down who made the cover and how Florida continues to dominate the college football narrative, both in real life and in the digital arena.
Jeremiah Smith: From South Florida to National Champion
Jeremiah Smith, one of the featured athletes on the standard edition of College Football 26, wasted no time living up to the hype in his freshman season at Ohio State. A former No. 1 overall recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna in Opa Locka, Florida, Smith lit up defenses in 2024 with 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns. His performance helped the Buckeyes clinch a national championship, and his spot on the game's cover.
Smith's blend of size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), speed, and elite ball skills already has NFL scouts buzzing. According to reports, some evaluators believe he would've been a top-five NFL Draft pick if eligible this year. With his Florida roots and instant collegiate impact, Smith's presence on the College Football 26 cover is more than symbolic — it's a statement.
DJ Lagway: Florida's Next Star QB
Representing the next generation of Gator greatness, DJ Lagway appears on the deluxe edition of the game. As a freshman quarterback at Florida in 2024, Lagway showed flashes of the five-star potential that made him the No. 7 overall recruit in his class.
Despite a rocky start to the season — battling injuries and starting behind veteran Graham Mertz — Lagway threw for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and added 101 rushing yards. Now entering his sophomore year, he's expected to become a major force in the SEC, making his inclusion on the deluxe cover feel like a preview of the future.
With College Football 26 Coins, players will have the opportunity to unlock special editions of athletes like Lagway and build dream teams featuring both legends and active stars.
Tim Tebow: A Legend Returns
Few names resonate in college football circles like Tim Tebow. A Heisman winner, two-time national champion, and Gator icon, Tebow reappears on the deluxe cover, bridging the past and present of Florida football.
Though his NFL career was brief, his college resume remains one of the most decorated in history. After being the face of NCAA Football 11, Tebow's return to the cover in College Football 26 is a nostalgic nod for longtime fans — and a reminder of Florida's storied quarterback tradition.
Expect Tebow-themed rewards, gear, and unlockables to be highly sought after in the College Football 26 Coins marketplace, giving fans a chance to relive his iconic moments.
Denard Robinson: Speed and Swagger from South Florida
Joining Tebow on the deluxe edition is Denard "Shoelace" Robinson, a Deerfield Beach High School alum who starred at Michigan and later played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Known for his explosive running ability, Robinson racked up over 6,200 passing yards and nearly 4,500 rushing yards in his college career.
Robinson graced the cover of NCAA Football 14 — the last title before the series' decade-long hiatus. His return represents not just a throwback, but a celebration of a player who helped define a generation of NCAA Football gameplay. Florida fans, especially those in South Florida, will recognize his impact on and off the field.
What to Know about College Football 26 Coins
Beyond the star-studded covers, one of the most anticipated features of College Football 26 is the return and expansion of in-game currency — College Football 26 Coins. These coins are expected to play a major role in Ultimate Team-style modes, allowing players to:
Unlock and upgrade cover athletes like Smith, Lagway, Tebow, and Robinson
Purchase custom uniforms, stadium upgrades, and celebration animations
Compete in special events and challenges tied to real-life players and performances
EA Sports has hinted that coins will be earned through gameplay achievements, weekly challenges, and possibly in-game purchases. For Florida fans, this means building a lineup full of homegrown legends and active stars — all powered by smart coin management.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of so many players with Florida ties on the College Football 26 covers reflects the state's continued dominance in producing elite football talent. From current studs like Jeremiah Smith and DJ Lagway to all-time icons like Tim Tebow and Denard Robinson, Florida's fingerprints are all over this year's game.
With College Football 26 Coins offering new ways to engage with these athletes, fans will have more tools than ever to craft a roster that celebrates Florida's football greatness — and compete at the highest level both online and offline.
As the release date approaches, one thing is clear: Florida isn't just on the cover of College Football 26 — it's at the heart of it.
MMOPTK College Football 26 Team
