Local Standouts and Coaches Featured in EA Sports College Football 26 Twelve local athletes and six coaches are officially part of College Football 26, giving fans a chance to play with familiar names on the virtual field

Following a successful return last year, College Football 26 is back with updated rosters and even more local representation. Ahead of the upcoming college football season, EA has included 12 players and six coaches from the region in the latest update, giving fans a chance to suit up with hometown stars.

👤 Local Players in College Football 26

Here are the 12 local athletes officially in the game:

DJ Waller Jr. — CB, Kentucky (Youngstown, OH – Chaney HS/Michigan)
Brian Robinson — EDGE, Kentucky (Youngstown, OH – Austintown Fitch HS)
Broc Lowry — QB, Western Michigan (Canfield, OH – Canfield HS/Indiana)
Dru Deshields — QB, Kent State (Beloit, OH – West Branch HS)
Cam Smith — FS, Iowa State (Austintown, OH – Austintown Fitch HS)
Isaac Lucas — RG, Ball State (Youngstown, OH – Ursuline HS)
Clive Wilson — EDGE, Boston College (Brooklyn, NY – Chaney HS)
Cam Hollobaugh — MLB, Ohio (Warren, OH – Warren JFK HS/Walsh)
Davion Pritchard — CB, Pittsburgh (Austintown, OH – Austintown Fitch HS)
Tairan Davis Jr. — CB, Akron (Youngstown, OH – Ursuline HS)
Patrick Valent — RT, Rice (Warren, OH – Warren JFK HS)
Jon’Trell Mixon — LE, Akron (Youngstown, OH – Valley Christian School)

🧑‍🏫 Local Coaches in the Game

In addition to the players, six coaches with local ties are featured:

🏟 Head Coaches

Mark Stoops — Kentucky (Cardinal Mooney)
Jason Candle — Toledo (West Branch)
Pat Narduzzi — Pittsburgh (Ursuline)
Tim Beck — Coastal Carolina (Cardinal Mooney)

🛡 Defensive Coordinators

Jon Heacock — Iowa State (West Branch/Youngstown State)
DJ Durkin — Auburn (Boardman)

📅 Future Updates

Not every local Division I FBS athlete is included at launch, as availability depends on individual name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. EA Sports has confirmed that more players may be added in upcoming roster updates, so fans can expect even more hometown representation in the near future.

📝 Final Thoughts

For fans in Ohio and nearby regions, College Football 26 is more exciting than ever with a roster packed with familiar names and faces. From defensive standouts like DJ Waller Jr. to seasoned coaches like Mark Stoops and Pat Narduzzi, the local presence adds another layer of authenticity to the game.