Electronic Arts’ new College Football 26 opened for early-access users on 7 July ahead of its 10 July worldwide release, but several well-known figures are missing from the game because they declined to license their name, image and likeness. Colorado’s Deion Sanders and North Carolina’s Bill Belichick—two of the sport’s most prominent head coaches—opted out, forcing EA to assign fictional replacements on the sidelines. Industry reports indicate other head coaches, including Miami’s Mario Cristobal, have also withheld approval, though EA has not commented on individual negotiations. Roster gaps extend to players as well. Five-star Ohio State freshman cornerback Devin Sanchez, the No. 8 recruit nationally, is absent at launch after failing to opt in, joining a list of Buckeye true freshmen and other scholarship players yet to appear in the digital lineup. EA said earlier that any coach or player who later reaches NIL terms can be added through updates, but did not give a timetable. The omissions underline continuing complexities around NIL rights as college sports figures weigh the value of participation in officially licensed games.