James Franklin, Nicholas Singleton to appear on cover of popular college football video game

Coming off a College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance in January, Penn State football is poised to be a national title frontrunner in 2025. The Nittany Lions are already reaping the benefits of being one of the most high-profile programs in the sport.

A leak from the development of EA Sports’ College Football 26 on Wednesday night showed that the Deluxe Edition cover will feature none other than Penn State football coach James Franklin and Nittany Lions star running back Nicholas Singleton.

Shot at the Rose Bowl, the cover will feature Singleton prominently among some of the sport’s biggest stars heading into the 2025 season, including Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Franklin is one of six head coaches expected to be shown. The cover will also reportedly feature Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham.

Former college football stars Tim Tebow, Reggie Bush, and Denard Robinson also appear on the cover.

EARLY LOOK: EA Sports College Football 26 cover photo (Deluxe Edition)

Athletes included: Bryce Underwood, DJ Lagway, Garrett Nussmeier, Jeremiyah Love, Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs, Sam Leavitt & Dylan Stewart.

(via tubbycfb/IG)https://t.co/2alXsLk9Cj pic.twitter.com/iDfxjuaLto

— On3 (@On3sports) March 13, 2025

EA Sports College Football 25 was the most popular video game of 2024 and the best-selling sports game in US history, according to Front Office Sports. The game reportedly generated $500 million in sales during its first week.

Current players who opted in to last year’s game received a one-time payment of $600 and a copy of the game. Select players also earned additional NIL marketing opportunities. Real coaches did not appear in the game’s first iteration, although EA Sports left the door open for that to change. Details on this year’s version of the game are currently unknown.

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