WVU’s Glossy Helmets Finally Shine in College Football 26 Update After a season of matte versions, West Virginia’s iconic glossy navy blue helmets are now officially added in-game via a post-launch patch

After launching with outdated matte blue helmets for West Virginia, College Football 26 has finally added the classic glossy blue look via its first game update. The change reflects the Mountaineers’ real-world decision to restore the glossy finish for the 2025 season after fans campaigned for its return.

🌟 In-Game Visual Update

• The shiny helmet replaces the matte version across all in-game views—menu thumbnails, cutscenes, jumbotron intros, and live gameplay.
• SI’s preview screenshots highlight players like Jahiem White and Nicco Marchiol with the proper glossy finish.
• While gold, white, and coal rush alternate helmets remain matte for now, the navy gloss is now fully implemented.

🏛️ Real-World Nostalgia Turned Digital

• WVU announced the glossy helmet’s return on June 30, 2025, via a promotional video featuring Rich Rodriguez, Pat White, Noel Devine, and Rasheed Marshall—celebrating Mountaineer heritage.
• The glossy design was a key look during Rodriguez’s first tenure (1980–2012) and revived amid broader uniform nostalgia and throwback themes.

💬 Fan & Player Reaction

• Players showed off the new gloss during Big 12 Media Day, with senior WR Jaden Bray wearing the updated helmet in full uniform. Fans on Reddit hailed it as “glorious.”
• Mountaineer supporters noted the helmet’s return synced with coaching and branding changes tied to a return to past glory days.

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✅ TL;DR

• The first post-launch update for CFB 26 now includes West Virginia’s glossy navy blue helmets, replacing the matte originals at launch.
• Reflects the university’s in-season switch to gloss, aligning the in-game appearance with on-field aesthetics.
• Gold, white, and alternate helmet options remain matte—gloss appears limited to the navy lid for now.
• Fans, players, and developers embraced the change as a nostalgic and authentic look for the Mountaineers.