Texas A&M is once again in the national spotlight, not for a major upset or a headline-grabbing recruit, but for its prominent representation in one of the most anticipated sports video games in years: College Football 26. The upcoming EA Sports title has drawn the attention of gamers and college football fans alike, and for good reason—it marks the return of a beloved series that has been dormant for over a decade. But among the thousands of players, stadiums, traditions, and coaching staff included in the game, Texas A&M’s program stands out in a special way. Three of its coaches—each representing a different area of the team—are featured in the game, bringing both prestige and excitement to the Aggies’ faithful.
For fans of Texas A&M, this is more than just a digital nod. It’s a statement. A&M’s coaching presence in College Football 26 sends a message that the program is not only relevant, but essential to the modern college football landscape. The trio of coaches—head coach Mike Elko, defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, and offensive line coach Adam Cushing—are all rendered with stunning detail and integrated deeply into the game’s mechanics, strategy, and dynasty modes. Their inclusion isn’t just cosmetic. These are coaches who bring specific schemes, tendencies, and philosophies that gamers will be able to experience firsthand.
Head coach Mike Elko is arguably the most significant of the three. After taking over the reins of the Texas A&M program, Elko has been a steady hand, emphasizing toughness, discipline, and a defense-first approach that is reflected in the virtual game world. Known for his sharp football mind and relentless preparation, Elko’s coaching tree is one of the fastest-growing in college football. EA Sports recognized his influence and coaching style, designing his in-game character to accurately represent his sideline demeanor, play-calling tendencies, and leadership traits. In dynasty mode, users can take control of Elko and build Texas A&M into a national powerhouse—or take him to another program entirely and try to replicate his success elsewhere.
Elko’s presence in College Football 26 also reflects the real-life respect he commands across the sport. After serving as A&M’s defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher before returning to College Station as head coach, Elko has worked hard to reshape the identity of the program. His defense-heavy brand of football has proven successful in containing some of the SEC’s most high-powered offenses, and now, virtual coordinators across the country can put that same approach to the test in one of the deepest coaching simulators EA Sports has ever produced. The inclusion of coaching trees, performance-based contract extensions, and press conference interactions adds a new layer of immersion, with Elko’s character often praised in-game for defensive excellence, recruiting success, and program-building ability.
Not far behind Elko in importance is defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Known for his aggressive style, Bateman is considered one of the brightest defensive minds in the sport. His presence in College Football 26 provides players with a defensive playbook that’s designed to confuse and overwhelm opposing offenses. Bateman’s signature 4-2-5 base alignment and hybrid linebacker concepts are fully available to gamers, complete with pre-snap disguise mechanics and user-adjustable blitz packages. Whether you’re trying to shut down a five-star quarterback or contain a dual-threat option, Bateman’s schemes give gamers the tools they need to dominate on the defensive side of the ball.
The game also includes a robust coach progression system, and Bateman’s attributes lean heavily into defensive IQ, player development, and game-planning. Users can grow Bateman into one of the best coordinators in the country—or even promote him to head coach as the dynasty evolves. It’s a realistic depiction of how coaching careers evolve in the real world, and EA’s decision to include Bateman is a clear sign that his star is rising.
Offensive line coach Adam Cushing rounds out the trio, and while position coaches aren’t always in the spotlight, his inclusion in College Football 26 is significant for a few reasons. First, it reflects a deeper level of detail in the game. EA Sports didn’t just focus on head coaches and coordinators—they took the time to include key position coaches who have a measurable impact on player development and team success. Cushing, known for his ability to develop linemen and instill toughness in the trenches, is one of the best in the business. His in-game character plays a crucial role in building the offensive line, a key area for any successful college football program.
In dynasty mode, Cushing can help turn a struggling offensive line into a dominant unit over multiple seasons. His coaching perks include boosts in run-blocking, pass-protection, and injury resistance. He also plays a key role in recruiting top offensive line talent, and his relationships with high school coaches and training staffs are acknowledged in the game’s recruiting engine. These small details make a big difference, especially for players who want to build a program from the ground up. With Cushing on staff, Texas A&M users can confidently run the ball between the tackles, protect the quarterback, and control the line of scrimmage.
But the presence of Elko, Bateman, and Cushing in College Football 26 isn’t just about the game itself. It’s about the perception of Texas A&M in the broader college football world. Programs featured prominently in the game—whether through stadium detail, player ratings, or coaching staff—are typically the ones generating national buzz. The Aggies being featured through three coaches suggests that Texas A&M is considered a program on the rise, one worthy of attention from recruits, analysts, and fans alike.
The timing of the game’s release also aligns perfectly with a period of renewed optimism in College Station. After years of fluctuating results under previous regimes, the Aggies are aiming for sustained success. Recruiting has been steady, facilities remain top-tier, and the coaching staff is stocked with high-IQ football minds. Being featured in College Football 26 only enhances the program’s visibility and branding, which can have a trickle-down effect in real-life recruiting. High school players and their families are heavily invested in the game and often take note of which teams and coaches are featured. Seeing Elko, Bateman, and Cushing in the game could be the subtle push that nudges a recruit toward Texas A&M.
Moreover, College Football 26 is set to usher in a new era of video game realism. With the inclusion of real coaches, authentic schemes, NIL integration, and player likenesses, the game serves as both a love letter to the sport and a tool for education. Young players can study the game to learn real football strategy. Fans can simulate what-if scenarios. And coaches—yes, real ones—can even use the game to test out new ideas in a simulated environment. In this context, having three Texas A&M coaches featured in the game is not only an honor but a strategic advantage.
There’s also the fanbase element. Texas A&M has one of the most passionate fan communities in college football, and they’ve been vocal in their anticipation for College Football 26. From the online forums to social media groups to YouTube content creators, Aggie fans are ready to take Kyle Field virtual again. The inclusion of Elko, Bateman, and Cushing only heightens that excitement. It gives fans a chance to play out their vision for the program, right down to the play calls and sideline mannerisms.
In many ways, this is the perfect alignment of digital entertainment and real-world football culture. As College Football 26 reintroduces itself to a new generation of gamers and fans, it does so by highlighting the most impactful people in the sport. And for Texas A&M, that means showcasing a trio of coaches who are deeply committed to the program’s success. Whether you’re a diehard Aggie, a casual fan, or a dynasty-mode junkie, the presence of Mike Elko, Jay Bateman, and Adam Cushing in College Football 26 is more than just a game feature—it’s a celebration of Texas A&M’s place in the evolving story of college football.
