EA Sports College Football 26 launched with high expectations after the franchise’s successful return in 2025. But for one gaming insider, the reality of playing the new release has been anything but smooth.
Despite the excitement surrounding the July 10Â launch, persistent bugs and glitches have left fans questioning whether the game was truly ready for release.
Why Are So Many Bugs Making It Into the Final Version of EA Sports College Football 26?
The gaming industry has seen a troubling trend in recent years, and College Football 26 appears to be no exception. In a world where technology continues to advance and next-generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/SÂ offer unprecedented power, games are still launching with noticeable issues.
College Football 26 was released exclusively on these next-generation platforms, following the same approach as its predecessor. However, this focus on cutting-edge hardware hasn’t prevented the game from shipping with problems that should have been caught during development.
Gaming insider Bordeaux didn’t mince words about his experience with the latest release. From the moment he started playing, the issues were apparent.
“But my biggest complaint would have to be — it’s a common theme in all games now — they just don’t launch finished. It’s so frustrating. I’ve noticed so many bugs the longer that I’ve played it, and you just wonder how they’re there in the first place.”
This pattern isn’t new for the franchise. The problems mirror what happened with the previous year’s release, raising questions about EA’s quality control process.
“It happened last year as well. I just don’t know how they were missed and how they were there,” Bordeaux added. “It’s frustrating because you have all these people hyped up, ready to see this launch, all of the work they put in, but they’re going to be turned off because they’re seeing these bugs that shouldn’t be there in the first place.”
What Specific Issues Are Players Encountering?
The problems aren’t just minor inconveniences that can be overlooked. The Crain & Company Podcast identified several specific areas where the game falls short. The issues range from gameplay mechanics to game modes that don’t function as intended.
Some of the most noticeable problems involve special teams play. The crew pointed out glitches related to kick returns and onside kicks, fundamental aspects of football that should work seamlessly.
Additionally, Dynasty mode contains a significant exploit that allows coaches to receive unlimited points, completely breaking the game’s progression system.
These aren’t obscure bugs that only affect a small portion of players. They are issues that become apparent during regular gameplay, which can immediately turn off new players who are experiencing the franchise for the first time.
The timing of these problems is particularly concerning given the franchise’s recent success. EA Sports College Football 25 managed to surpass Madden NFL 25Â in sales, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the hunger for college football gaming.
However, the 2026 version faces stiffer competition, especially with Madden finally upgrading systems that haven’t been touched in years.
The nostalgia factor that drove much of the previous game’s success may not be enough to overcome these technical shortcomings. While the return of college football gaming captured hearts and wallets, sustained success requires a polished product that lives up to expectations.
Bordeaux expressed concern about the impact these issues might have on the franchise’s future. He hopes that newcomers to the series won’t abandon the game due to these glitches, understanding that video games typically receive updates to address such problems.
However, he and the podcast crew agreed on one point: They would have preferred to wait another month or so for a more complete, polished experience rather than deal with these launch issues.
The situation highlights a broader challenge facing the gaming industry, where the pressure to meet release dates often conflicts with the need to deliver a finished product. These growing pains could prove costly if not addressed quickly for a franchise with as much potential as College Football.
