Texas A&M coach Mike Elko and two assistants will appear in EA Sports’ College Football 26, adding authenticity and excitement.

The revival of EA Sports’ beloved college football video game franchise has already ignited excitement among fans, but the latest reveal may be its most immersive update yet: Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and two of his assistants will appear in College Football 26, scheduled to release in July 2025. The decision to include active FBS coaches in the game marks a major step toward authenticity, and for Aggie fans, it creates an unparalleled connection between the digital and real-world gridiron.

This inclusion is part of EA Sports’ new initiative to enhance the realism of its college football game by incorporating actual coaches’ likenesses, strategies, and sidelines behavior. Elko, alongside offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, will not just stand on the sidelines — they’ll be integral to the gameplay itself. Their coaching styles, preferred formations, and tendencies will be reflected in team AI, recruiting philosophies, and in-game play calling.

A Coach Worth the Spotlight

Mike Elko’s rise to the head coaching ranks at Texas A&M is no coincidence. Known for his defensive genius and strong leadership, Elko began his head coaching career at Duke University, where he led a remarkable turnaround. In his first season with the Blue Devils in 2022, Elko not only brought them to a bowl game but also earned the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year honors.

In November 2023, following the departure of Jimbo Fisher, Elko returned to Texas A&M, where he had previously served as defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021. His reintroduction to College Station was met with a mix of enthusiasm and expectation. Fans hoped he would instill the same discipline and toughness that defined his defenses in the past. His philosophy centered around physicality, execution, and fundamentals — all principles now woven into the virtual Aggie team in College Football 26.

EA’s developers worked closely with coaching staffs to ensure an accurate representation of each head coach’s style, including sideline demeanor, preferred schemes, and clock management habits. For Elko, that means users can expect a sturdy defensive unit, a conservative but effective offense, and aggressive red-zone decision-making that mirrors his real-world coaching.

Meet the Coordinators: Klein and Bateman

Two of Elko’s most trusted assistants will also be featured in the game: Collin Klein and Jay Bateman. Their inclusion goes beyond aesthetics — their playbooks and strategic preferences shape the game experience.

Collin Klein, a former Heisman Trophy finalist at Kansas State, has rapidly gained recognition as one of college football’s most innovative offensive minds. Known for his dual-threat quarterback-friendly system, Klein emphasizes mobility, misdirection, and ball control. His philosophy includes frequent use of read-option plays, designed quarterback runs, and a strong commitment to balanced, tempo-based offense. Players using the Aggies in College Football 26 will be able to run Klein’s schemes with full authenticity, blending spread concepts with old-school physicality.

Jay Bateman, the defensive coordinator, brings a vastly different but equally impactful philosophy. With experience at North Carolina, Army, and now Texas A&M, Bateman is known for complex defensive disguises, unpredictable blitz packages, and versatile linebacker play. In the game, Bateman’s simulated defense will aggressively adapt to opponents, forcing turnovers and creating pressure. EA has built a robust AI system to reflect the strategic nuances coaches like Bateman bring to the table, making defensive play in the game more cerebral and reactive than ever.

EA Sports’ Commitment to Authenticity

This is the first time the College Football franchise includes real coaches — not just as generic stand-ins, but with fully licensed names, appearances, and coaching tendencies. EA Sports reportedly signed deals with over 100 head coaches and assistants across the FBS landscape, a move driven by NIL (name, image, and likeness) reforms and changing attitudes toward coach branding in the gaming world.

Executive producer Ben Haumiller of EA Sports emphasized the importance of this addition: “Fans don’t just want to play as their team. They want to be their team. That means the stadium, the uniforms, the traditions — and now, the coaches.”

The inclusion of real coaches is expected to impact several game modes, including Dynasty Mode and Road to Glory. In Dynasty, players can choose to control their favorite team, recruit talent, and compete against AI-controlled programs guided by their real-world coaching counterparts. That means a virtual Mike Elko on the opposite sideline won’t just look like him — he’ll think like him too, executing clock management strategies, adjusting to opponents’ strengths, and influencing how his team develops.

In Road to Glory, a career mode where users control a single player, interactions with coaches like Elko and Klein can affect development, playing time, and recruitment choices. It’s an ambitious leap toward the kind of immersion sports gamers have long craved.

Texas A&M’s Unique Place in the Game

Few programs can match the pageantry, fan base, and football culture of Texas A&M — and College Football 26 seeks to capture all of it. With Kyle Field meticulously recreated, including the famous “12th Man” traditions and midnight yell practice references, the game immerses players in Aggie football like never before. Adding Elko, Klein, and Bateman to that mix makes the experience richer, especially for those who bleed maroon and white.

For players choosing Texas A&M in Dynasty Mode, the coaching staff will play a crucial role in recruiting. Elko’s reputation as a program-builder means he’ll be particularly strong in areas like defensive prospect development, while Klein’s system will attract dual-threat quarterbacks and skill-position athletes. These attributes aren’t just flavor text — they will impact which recruits are interested, how quickly players develop, and how games unfold week to week.

Bridging the Digital and Real

What makes this development so exciting for Texas A&M fans — and college football fans at large — is how it blurs the lines between reality and simulation. Fans can now take control of their team and not just relive past glories or rewrite history, but do it under the same leadership they cheer for every Saturday.

More importantly, the game becomes a tool for understanding football at a deeper level. Players can learn how coaches like Mike Elko approach a game — when to go for it on 4th down, how to manage a lead, or how to counter an up-tempo offense. It’s not just about playing football; it’s about thinking football.

Reactions from the Coaching Staff

In a recent press appearance, Elko shared his thoughts on being part of the game: “It’s pretty surreal to think that I’ll be in a video game. But if it gives fans more insight into how we work and makes them feel closer to the program, then I’m all for it.”

Klein echoed the sentiment, saying, “Football is about connection. Whether it’s on the field, in the locker room, or now on a screen, it’s all about passion. This just adds another dimension to how fans engage with us.”

What This Means for the Future of Sports Games

The addition of real coaches to College Football 26 could signal a turning point in sports gaming. For years, professional games like Madden NFL and NBA 2K have featured real players and coaches, but college games lagged behind due to licensing and NCAA restrictions. With those barriers dissolving, the path is now open for hyper-realistic, deeply immersive experiences that more accurately reflect the culture and strategy of college football.

Expect fans to not only play with their favorite teams but also debate which coaching staff gives them the best shot at glory — a conversation that previously only happened on Saturdays or in sports bars, now happening in living rooms, dorms, and Discord servers.

Mike Elko’s inclusion in College Football 26 is more than just a novelty — it’s a testament to how far sports games have come and how much they mean to fans. By including him and his assistants, EA Sports has acknowledged the critical role coaching plays in the college football experience.

For Texas A&M fans, it’s a moment to celebrate. They won’t just watch Aggie football; they’ll live it, lead it, and shape it — under the digital guidance of the same minds that command the real-life sidelines.