BREAKING: Arizona State’s Leavitt, Dillingham on Cover of NCAA 2026………see more
Tempe, AZ – May 28, 2025 — In a historic and groundbreaking moment for Arizona State University’s football program, quarterback Jaden Leavitt and head coach Kenny Dillingham have been officially announced as the cover athletes for EA Sports’ highly anticipated NCAA Football 2026 video game. This marks a major milestone not only for the Sun Devils but also for the resurgence of the NCAA Football gaming franchise, which returned last year after a decade-long hiatus.
The announcement was made earlier this morning through a coordinated press release from EA Sports and Arizona State Athletics, accompanied by a cover reveal trailer that quickly went viral across social media. The digital artwork features Leavitt in mid-throw, clad in ASU’s signature maroon and gold, with Coach Dillingham standing proudly in the background against the backdrop of Mountain America Stadium.
A Milestone for ASU Football
This moment represents the first time Arizona State has been featured so prominently on the cover of a major college football video game. It’s a testament to the meteoric rise of the program under the leadership of Kenny Dillingham, who took over the reins as head coach in 2023. In just two short years, Dillingham has transformed ASU from a struggling Pac-12 contender into a national powerhouse.
Jaden Leavitt, the breakout sophomore quarterback, has been at the center of that transformation. Known for his dual-threat ability, Leavitt led the Sun Devils to an impressive 11-2 record in the 2024 season, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl victory and a Top 10 national ranking. His leadership on the field and growing popularity off of it made him a natural choice for the game’s cover.
“This is an incredible honor, not just for me and Coach Dillingham, but for our entire team and university,” Leavitt said during a press conference. “Being part of the NCAA 2026 cover is a dream come true. I grew up playing these games, and to now be the face of it—it’s surreal.”
Dillingham’s Vision Comes to Life
Coach Kenny Dillingham, a Phoenix native and ASU alum, has brought a renewed energy to the program. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to connect with players, Dillingham has reinvigorated a fan base hungry for national recognition.
“It’s about building something that lasts,” Dillingham said. “This isn’t just about being on a video game cover. This is about showing the country what Arizona State is becoming. We’re here to compete with the best, and this is just the beginning.”
Impact on the Program and Beyond
The announcement is expected to bring unprecedented visibility to Arizona State’s football program. Recruiting experts suggest this kind of exposure could boost ASU’s national recruiting profile significantly, with young athletes eager to join a program that’s not only winning games but also making cultural waves.
Additionally, the inclusion of both a player and coach on the cover is seen as a nod to the importance of leadership and teamwork in college athletics. EA Sports developers noted that the decision was deliberate, aimed at highlighting programs where synergy between coaching and talent development has made a visible difference.
Anticipation for NCAA Football 2026
NCAA Football 2026 is scheduled for release in July 2025 and is expected to feature a wide array of new gameplay features, realistic team dynamics, and deeper integration of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. With the return of the franchise last year, fans have been eagerly awaiting each new installment.
The inclusion of Leavitt and Dillingham on the cover reflects EA’s commitment to showcasing rising stars and innovative programs rather than focusing solely on traditional powerhouses.
Conclusion
For Arizona State, this is more than just a cover appearance—it’s a cultural and competitive statement. The Sun Devils have arrived on the national stage, and with leaders like Leavitt and Dillingham at the forefront, the future looks brighter than ever for the program.
Fans and players alike will no doubt be counting down the days until they can take control of the Sun Devils in NCAA Football 2026, reliving the magic of a team that has gone from underdogs to cover stars.
