EA Sports College Football 26 is already sending fans into a frenzy. Because a leaked deluxe edition cover has set the internet on fire. And for the second straight year, a Michigan Wolverine is front and center. However, last year, it was Donovan Edwards leading the way, joined by Texas gunslinger Quinn Ewers and Buffs’ Heisman winner Travis Hunter on the deluxe edition. But this time? The featured Wolverine hasn’t even played a snap. And it’s only adding to the hype.

You can say the face of the future is here. Yes, Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s star QB-in-waiting, is set to grace the cover of EA Sports CFB 26—before ever taking a snap in a winged helmet. Undoubtedly, it’s a bold move for a generational talent. And he’s featured in the second row on the left, sitting alongside some of the game’s biggest names, including Florida’s DJ Lagway, Garrett Nussmeier (LSU QB) and Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame RB). But that’s not all. On3’s Hayes Fawcett also revealed a special coaches’ edition cover featuring CFB’s top sideline masterminds. Ryan Day, Lane Kiffin, Kirby Smart, James Franklin, Dan Lanning, and Kenny Dillingham are all expected to make an appearance. While the excitement is real, the anticipation is only growing.

But among all the names, one stands in the spotlight—Bryce Underwood. He spent the past week in LA, the perfect setting since the Rose Bowl was the backdrop for the game’s cover shoot. Now, alongside Michigan legends Denard Robinson and Charles Woodson, he’s a cover star for this renowned video game series. While the stage is set, Underwood’s moment is just beginning. But not everyone is on board. The college football world is blasting EA Sports over the potential CFB 26 announcement, questioning why a player who hasn’t even taken a snap in college is front and center.

There were some athletes—all 2024 recruits—who haven’t played many college snaps either. But Underwood is the only one who hasn’t taken a single snap yet. So, it’s Underwood’s spot on the EA Sports cover that’s stealing the spotlight—and sparking the most backlash. That means fans aren’t having it. And Underwood’s prominent feature on the cover has set social media on fire, with the CFB world questioning the decision. While the heat is real, the criticism is loud.

But Bryce Underwood’s headline streak didn’t stop there—this time, it’s for a bold message to NBA star LeBron James.

Bryce Underwood’s latest revelation

The nation’s top QB in the 2025 class isn’t just making headlines—he’s making waves. While courtside at a Lakers vs. Clippers game, Bryce Underwood met none other than LeBron James, a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. But this moment wasn’t just about basketball—it was about bragging rights.

Once a top target for OSU, Underwood saw the Buckeyes fade in his recruitment as Michigan and LSU took control. He first committed to LSU in early 2024 but made a game-changing flip to Michigan in November. A massive win for the Wolverines, and a brutal loss for the Buckeyes. And just when the rivalry couldn’t get any hotter, Underwood’s bold message to LeBron James turned up the heat.

When speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Bryce Underwood didn’t hold back, and he shared the moment he met James, saying, “We started talking and I said before this all started, just had to let you know, I’m going to Michigan.” While James responded with a simple, “Oh, yeah?” But Underwood doubled down, stating, “Yeah, it’s over for Ohio State.”

It was a bold statement and a direct shot at the Buckeyes. And if that wasn’t enough, his spot on the EA Sports CFB 26 cover only added fuel to the fire. Now, fans are losing it—both over his words and his rising stardom. And a fan fired back, saying, “How are you gonna have Bryce Underwood on the cover and hasn’t even played a snap of college football yet y’all didn’t add Jeremiah Smith last year so why would you guys add Bryce Underwood? That hasn’t played a single snap.”

And it makes sense. In 2025, the cover didn’t include Jeremiah Smith, despite his high school dominance, simply because he hadn’t played a college snap. And this year, after playing for Gamecocks, he is on the cover. Underwood, on the other hand, is a state champion and Gatorade Player of the Year—his talent is undeniable. But for many fans, that still doesn’t justify his spot on the EA Sports College Football 26 cover. And one fan sarcastically commented, “I’ll be playing this game now because Bryce is on the cover.” Where another fan kept it simple, saying, “A player that hasn’t played a snap is on the cover?”

Then, a frustrated fan took it a step further, dropping the ultimate critique, pointing out, “Half of these people should NOT be on the cover🤦🏾‍♂️.” Another didn’t hold back either, saying, “The angle on the picture sucks.”

While the backlash is loud, and the pressure is real. Now the question is: Can Underwood silence the doubters? Will he turn criticism into motivation and deliver a legendary performance like Bo or Brady? Only time will tell if he lives up to the hype or if this cover controversy becomes his biggest headline.