In a college football era increasingly driven by NIL, it's interesting to College Football 26 Coins see two of the game's most marketable figures turn down a guaranteed payday. Manning, whose NIL valuation already places him among the highest in the NCAA, doesn’t need the exposure or the check. Sarkisian, focused on coaching one of the sport's top programs, has shown time and again that he values preparation over promotional fluff.

Their absence is not a snub to EA but a sign of shifting values in college sports. As NIL continues to reshape the landscape, not every opportunity needs to be seized—especially when the ultimate prize lies on the field, not in a photoshoot.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

Arch Manning enters the upcoming season with sky-high expectations. As the likely starter, he’ll lead a Texas offense that’s been carefully retooled by Sarkisian for explosiveness and efficiency. With Texas now fully transitioned into the SEC, the spotlight on Manning will only intensify. How he handles the pressure, and whether he can live up to the Manning name, could define the Longhorns’ national championship hopes.

For Sarkisian, the focus is on maintaining consistency and keeping Texas in the title conversation. After years of rebuilding and repositioning, the Longhorns are finally back in the mix, and Sarkisian knows the importance of capitalizing on that momentum.

The EA Sports Legacy Continues

Despite the Texas no-show, College Football 26 is shaping up to College Football 26 Coins for sale be another landmark release for EA Sports. Following the massive success of College Football 25—which became the best-selling sports video game based on dollar sales—the franchise’s future appears more secure than ever.