Former NFL quarterback and renowned streamer Kurt Benkert took to X to share his insights on the latest installment of EA Sports’ popular video game series, College Football 26. Known for his football analysis, Benkert didn’t hold back in describing the challenges presented by this year’s edition of the game.
Kurt Benkert Offers Early Review of College Football 26 Ahead of Release
In a post that’s already received 70,000+ impressions, Benkert said, “College Football 26 is so much harder to play than 25. In a good way. You really have to be on your s***. And things can get out of hand fast if you don’t counter problems.”
College Football 26 is so much harder to play than 25. In a good way. You really have to be on your shit. And things can get out of hand fast if you don’t counter problems.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) June 26, 2025
Benkert also mentioned that he’s only ever played on Heisman difficulty, so his comments are strictly tied to that level.
In a YouTube video on June 9, Benkert expressed his excitement for the game, stating, “What I saw a couple of weekends ago, I’m not going to lie to you guys, I’ve never been more excited to play a sports game than I have been to play both College Football and Madden in this new cycle.”
He highlighted the developers’ attention to detail, particularly in enhancing the authenticity of each school within the game. According to Benkert, the inclusion of school-specific walkouts, traditions, and meticulously designed uniforms adds a cinematic quality to the gaming experience that was peaking through last year.
Benkert’s positive feedback is a testament to his passion for gaming and reflects EA Sports’ efforts to address fan feedback from the previous year’s release. With the return of the College Football series in 2024 after a decade-long hiatus, fans welcomed the revival but voiced concerns over initial bugs and gameplay issues.
The closed beta for College Football 26, which included content creators like Benkert, appears to have addressed many of these early criticisms, signaling a promising start for the franchise’s second year.
When Will College Football 26 Release?
EA Sports College Football 26 returns on July 10, 2025, and will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no confirmed plans for a PC release.
There are three editions fans can choose from:
- Standard Edition | $69.99
- Deluxe Edition | $99.99 (or $89.99 with EA Play)
- MVP Bundle | $149.99 (or $134.99 with EA Play)
If you pre-order the Deluxe Edition or MVP Bundle (which includes the Deluxe Editions of both College Football 26 and Madden 26), you’ll score three-day early access, meaning you can hit the sticks starting July 7. EA Play members also get a 10-hour trial that begins on the same day.
For everyone else, the full game officially launches on July 10. That July window continues the tradition fans remember from the old NCAA days, with the franchise once again planting its flag in the heart of the college football offseason.
