College Football 26 marks the second entry into the now-revived college football series. College Football 25 was a resounding success by any metric by which it can be measured. Not only did we love it, but the game sold like hotcakes, with CFB 25 being the highest-selling sports game in the United States, as well as the second highest-selling game in the country. Last week, fans of the series were given a first look at CFB 26, and naturally, many noticed that the game is packed with new stuff when it comes to traditions.
Obviously, we’re still awaiting a gameplay reveal and deep-dive. But after parsing through the trailer, here are every new tradition and celebration making its debut in CFB 26. Also, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive look at everything new in College Football 26, check out this amazing spreadsheet done by one of OS’s MVPs, Solidice.
Every New Tradition And Celebration In College Football 26
Clemson Comes Off The Bus In Full Gear
Early on in the trailer, a group of Clemson players is seen coming out of their team bus in full uniform and pads. Some commenters on YouTube pointed this out as possibly being a glitch and pondered why EA would include it in the reveal trailer for arguably their biggest sports game release of the year, at least in the United States.
But rest assured, this isn’t a glitch or some kind of oversight from the editor’s room. Clemson actually has their players walk out of the team bus in full uniform and pads. And the reason for that is quite fun.
As opposed to most modern stadiums that have their locker rooms within the stadium, Clemson’s locker room is actually in a separate building on the west side of Memorial Stadium. To continue their “Running Down the Hill” tradition, Clemson must go to the east side of the stadium, where the Hill is located. Obviously, walking to the opposite end of a stadium that seats over 81,000 people from the outside isn’t ideal, especially when you have a football game to play. Therefore, Clemson players ride a bus to the other side.
Texas Tech’s Masked Rider
Several teams in college football have some kind of a tradition involving a mounted figure on horseback charging through the stadium. But did you know that Texas Tech’s Masked Rider was the first such mascot in the country? I certainly didn’t!
Essentially, the Masked Rider enters the field on horseback prior to the game, charging through emanating smoke at the home end of the field, right in front of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. As the Masked Rider charges, they hold a finger to the sky. If you haven’t seen it, check it out!
Virginia Tech Walks Out To Enter Sandman
Metallica’s 1991 hit “Enter Sandman” off of their self-titled fifth album is a staple in American sports. For years, it was the walkout song of legendary New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. And whenever it blared out over the PA system at the old Yankee Stadium, it meant the game was over.
But Mo isn’t the only sports figure in America to make “Enter Sandman” a key part of the show. The Virginia Tech Hokies have used the metal hit as an entrance theme since 2000. In comparison to other college traditions, it’s on the newer side for sure. But it’s still one of the coolest entrances in football.
Don’t believe me? Give it a look from a player’s perspective!
Several Teams Now Have Accurate Songs Playing At Games
We kind of went over this stuff in our article about songs that are confirmed to be in College Football 26. But as a refresher, we know that 6 songs will be licensed ahead of the game’s release. The songs (and what schools they are associated with) are listed below:
- “Enter Sandman” – Metallica (Virginia Tech)
- “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (Michigan)
- “Shipping Up to Boston” – Dropkick Murphys (Notre Dame, Boston College)
- “Also sprach Zarathustra (2001: A Space Odyssey)” – Richard Strauss (South Carolina)
- “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes — This could be used by multiple teams, and since we know the school bands are going to play some songs, this could be one of those as well.
- “FE!N” – Travis Scott (various schools)
Obviously, we’ve already touched upon “Enter Sandman” and why that’s a big deal for the Hokies. “Mr. Brightside” is a really cool one, too. Used by the Michigan Wolverines, the song blares throughout Michigan Stadium towards the end of the third quarter. Because of the song’s massive popularity, most fans know the words (or pretend to) and can easily sing along to The Killers’ anthem about infidelity. It’s odd at its face, but I promise, it’s great!
Unique Band Formations
I didn’t really catch this when I first saw the trailer. But as pointed out by YouTuber Eric Rayweather, it seems that many different schools now how unique band formations on the field in College Football 26. According to Rayweather, few schools had such band formations last year. But having them is a small, but welcome addition.
As I’ve said countless times, college football fans are some of the most dedicated and rabid in any sport in any corner of the world. And they take their traditions seriously. Yes, even things as small as how the bands are lining up.
