The Texas Opt-Out: Sarkisian and Manning Prioritize Football Over Fame in College Football 26

As excitement builds for EA Sports College Football 26, a surprising omission has stirred conversation throughout College Football 26 Coins the college football and gaming communities. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and rising star quarterback Arch Manning have opted out of the high-profile cover shoot for the game’s upcoming installment, choosing to stay focused on their real-world gridiron ambitions instead.

Their decision not to participate in the photoshoot, which took place at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium, comes at a pivotal time for both the Texas football program and the College Football video game series. This move underscores a shift in priorities for some of the sport's most high-profile figures—putting substance over style as the Longhorns gear up for another run at national glory.

Texas Steps Out of the Spotlight—For Now

Just a year ago, Texas was front and center in the highly anticipated revival of EA Sports' college football franchise. College Football 25 featured Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on the deluxe edition cover alongside stars like Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Donovan Edwards. Their presence marked a triumphant return for the series after more than a decade on the sidelines.

But for College Football 26, Sarkisian and Manning chose not to participate in the flashy marketing push. While EA had initially approached them for inclusion—given the prominence of the Texas program and Manning’s high-profile pedigree—the duo reportedly stayed behind in Austin to focus on preparations for the upcoming season.

It’s a calculated decision. Texas is no longer chasing relevance—it’s aiming for dominance. Fresh off back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, the Longhorns are expected to be one of the top contenders once again. Sarkisian is deep in the process of shaping a national championship-caliber roster, and Manning is preparing for his first full season as buy College Football 26 Coins a starting quarterback. Every moment counts.