How Notre Dame Football Earned Up-Front Billing on the EA Sports College Football 26 Cover
South Bend, IN – For the first time in over a decade, EA Sports is reviving its iconic college football video game series, and Notre Dame football is front and center. When the cover of College Football 26 was revealed this week, the Fighting Irish were prominently featured — both visually and symbolically — a move that reflects the program’s stature, tradition, and rising momentum under head coach Marcus Freeman.
Notre Dame’s presence on the cover didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of calculated progress on and off the field. In recent years, the Irish have elevated their brand beyond just wins and losses — they’ve built a modern identity rooted in elite recruiting, a strong national following, and an unmistakable tradition that continues to resonate with fans of all generations.
“Notre Dame represents everything this game is about — passion, pageantry, and power,” said EA Sports Creative Director Tom Johansmeyer. “They’re a top-tier program with a national fanbase and a rich history, and they’ve never been more relevant.”
The Irish’s inclusion also speaks to how they’ve embraced the new era of college football. While some schools were hesitant to navigate NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) waters and player licensing agreements, Notre Dame was proactive. Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick played a key role in making sure the university supported player participation in the game — a major shift from the school’s prior stance when College Football was first pulled from shelves in 2013 due to licensing concerns.
“The game means a lot to college football fans, and we wanted to be part of that legacy,” Swarbrick said. “This is about honoring the past and investing in the future.”
Notre Dame’s on-field resurgence under Marcus Freeman further solidified their selection. With high-profile recruiting wins, strong showings in primetime matchups, and an aggressive, youthful energy fueling the program, the Irish have become must-watch TV once again. The game’s designers reportedly used Notre Dame’s historic stadium and fight song as foundational elements during development.
And of course, there’s the visual appeal — the golden helmets, the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign, and the unmistakable navy and gold uniforms. Notre Dame embodies the spirit of college football, and EA Sports clearly agrees.
When College Football 26 hits shelves this summer, one thing is certain: Notre Dame won’t just be in the game — they’ll help define it.
