Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, Texas A\&M’s Mike Elko, and Houston’s Willie Fritz are featured as head coaches in the upcoming video game, College Football 26.

The long-awaited return of the College Football video game franchise has generated buzz not only for its updated gameplay and immersive features but also for its authenticity, particularly regarding real-life coaches at the helm of major programs. Among the marquee names officially confirmed as head coaches featured in College Football 26 are Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, Texas A&M’s Mike Elko, and Houston’s Willie Fritz.

Each of these coaches brings a unique story, coaching philosophy, and trajectory that enrich the game’s roster and offer fans a diverse range of styles and personalities to embody in virtual play. This inclusion highlights the evolving landscape of college football coaching in Texas and beyond while offering gamers a realistic experience that reflects the current state of the sport.

Steve Sarkisian: Leading Texas Back to Glory

Steve Sarkisian’s rise to prominence is a story of resilience and determination. Taking over the University of Texas Longhorns program in 2021, Sarkisian inherited a storied but struggling program seeking to recapture its former dominance. His track record as an offensive innovator and recruiter has made him a compelling figure in college football’s coaching ranks.

Coaching Journey

Before arriving in Austin, Sarkisian served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, where his work helped the Crimson Tide secure a national championship. His earlier stints as head coach at Washington and USC cemented his reputation as a dynamic play-caller who could revive offense-focused programs. His offensive schemes often emphasize a balanced attack with quarterback mobility and creative play designs.

Impact at Texas

Since becoming the Longhorns’ head coach, Sarkisian has been pivotal in modernizing Texas’ offense and rebuilding its culture. His recruiting efforts have brought in some of the top talent nationally, particularly at skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver. Sarkisian’s leadership style emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and a fast-paced approach.

The decision to feature Sarkisian in College Football 26 reflects the excitement surrounding his tenure at Texas. Fans appreciate his strategic approach and charismatic presence, making him a natural choice to represent the Longhorns in the virtual gridiron.

Mike Elko: Building a New Legacy at Texas A&M

Mike Elko’s journey to head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies is one marked by steady growth and defensive mastery. After serving as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator and later turning around Duke’s football program as head coach, Elko returned to College Station in 2023 to lead one of the SEC’s most passionate fan bases.

Defensive Expertise

Elko is widely recognized for his defensive acumen. His units at Texas A&M consistently ranked among the SEC’s best in tackles for loss, sacks, and scoring defense. His attention to detail, discipline, and player development make him a respected figure among his peers and players.

Culture Builder

Beyond X’s and O’s, Elko is focused on establishing a strong, disciplined culture. His leadership philosophy centers on accountability, toughness, and growth—qualities that have endeared him to players and fans alike. Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class, highlighted by several blue-chip recruits, is a testament to Elko’s ability to attract talent that fits his vision.

Elko’s presence in College Football 26 will offer gamers a chance to lead a team grounded in physicality and strategic defense. His methodical coaching style contrasts with more offensive-minded coaches, providing balance and variety in gameplay.

Willie Fritz: Steering Houston’s Rise

Willie Fritz, the head coach of the University of Houston Cougars, is another intriguing figure featured in College Football 26. Known for his steady leadership and innovative offensive schemes, Fritz has helped elevate Houston into a competitive program within the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and positioned it as a potential Power Five contender in the near future.

Career Highlights

Fritz’s coaching career spans decades, with stops at Sam Houston State and Georgia Southern before landing at Houston. He is known for turning around struggling programs and employing dynamic, run-heavy offensive attacks. His adaptability and calm demeanor have earned him respect across the college football community.

Program Transformation

At Houston, Fritz has cultivated a resilient team identity that blends physicality with creativity. His ability to develop players and foster teamwork has resulted in multiple winning seasons and increased national recognition for the Cougars.

Including Fritz in College Football 26 gives players a chance to explore coaching a rising mid-major program with aspirations for growth and success on a bigger stage.

The Significance of Their Inclusion in College Football 26

The College Football franchise’s revival after a decade-long hiatus has generated immense excitement. Part of the game’s appeal is its commitment to authenticity—replicating not only player rosters and stadiums but also the coaching personalities that define college football’s spirit.

Reflecting Real-World Coaching Trends

The inclusion of Sarkisian, Elko, and Fritz mirrors the current trends in college football, where strategic diversity, culture-building, and program rejuvenation are critical themes. Each coach brings a distinct flavor:

• Sarkisian’s offensive innovation and Texas’ historic brand.
• Elko’s defensive rigor and Texas A&M’s cultural reset.
• Fritz’s steady leadership and Houston’s ascension.

This variety enriches the gameplay experience, allowing users to adopt different coaching philosophies and program-building approaches.

Enhancing Player Immersion

Gamers will appreciate the detailed coaching models, including play-calling tendencies, team management styles, and even personality traits reflected in cutscenes and interactive menus. This depth helps immerse players, whether they are casual fans or hardcore strategists.

For example, leading Texas under Sarkisian might emphasize high-tempo, aggressive offense, whereas coaching Texas A&M with Elko would stress defensive discipline and physicality. Playing as Houston under Fritz allows exploration of dynamic, run-focused schemes with an underdog mentality.

What Fans Can Expect in College Football 26

The game promises a robust coaching experience with realistic simulations of game-day decision-making, recruiting battles, and program management.

Recruiting Dynamics

Recruiting is one of the most anticipated features, allowing gamers to scout, evaluate, and sign prospects reflective of their coaching style and program needs. Sarkisian’s Texas, Elko’s A&M, and Fritz’s Houston all have distinct recruiting profiles in the game, making recruiting strategy a key gameplay element.

Play-Calling and Game Strategy

The coaches’ unique offensive and defensive philosophies are built into the AI and playbooks, allowing for varied tactical gameplay. Players can adopt Sarkisian’s balanced, creative offense, Elko’s defense-first mindset, or Fritz’s run-centric schemes.

Leadership and Team Culture

In-game team morale, leadership dynamics, and player development respond to the user’s choices, mirroring each coach’s emphasis on culture and accountability. These factors influence player performance and progression, adding layers of strategy beyond the X’s and O’s.

The Broader Impact on College Football Gaming

The return of College Football with authentic coaches like Sarkisian, Elko, and Fritz marks a significant moment in the gaming and sports worlds. It bridges the gap between fans and the realities of college football coaching, offering unprecedented access to the challenges and triumphs of leading major programs.

Representation Matters

Texas and Texas A&M, as two of the most passionate fan bases in college football, benefit from their coaches’ presence in the game. Houston’s inclusion highlights the growing importance of mid-major programs and the increasing competitiveness of college football’s landscape.

Inspiring Future Fans and Coaches

For younger players and fans, managing these teams offers insights into the complexities of building successful programs. It also celebrates the strategic depth of college football, encouraging more engagement with the sport

The inclusion of Steve Sarkisian, Mike Elko, and Willie Fritz as head coaches in College Football 26 is more than just a roster update—it’s a celebration of the diverse coaching philosophies and evolving programs shaping the future of college football. Whether commanding Texas’ storied offense, guiding Texas A&M’s rising defense, or building Houston’s growing legacy, gamers will experience the thrill and challenges of college football leadership firsthand.

As College Football 26 prepares to hit shelves, fans can look forward to immersing themselves in the authentic world of college football coaching—embodying the passion, strategy, and culture that Sarkisian, Elko, Fritz, and countless others bring to the game.