Yes, the craze for EA Sports College Football has been real. However, this time their yearly release did come up with a heartfelt move. The EA Sports College Football 26 will be released in the summer of 2025. However, they are already reigning the headlines. While fans have yet to find their answer for the platforms on which they can play the game, EA Sports is turning heads for a special reason. North Carolina football fans were greeted with a touching gesture. Out of all the current football stars, EA Sports paid their tribute to Tar Heels’ late phenom, Tylee Craft.

Last year, October was faced with tragic news for North Carolina. The program lost its wide receiver Craft. The talented soul passed away at the young age of 23 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. This was an irreparable loss for the program. They later released a statement, “Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”

The Tar Heels paid tribute to Craft by organizing a game that was singled out as the Cancer Awareness Game. Tar Heels’ other wide receiver JJ Jones too honored the late player by wearing Craft’s No. 13 jersey. Even though months have passed since his demise, the CFB world has not forgotten Craft.

Craft was added to College Football 25 in the most recent update. Even though Mack Brown is no longer the Tar Heels’ HC, he posted a screenshot of the video game showing his gratitude to EA Sports. On January 24, the former UNC head coach tweeted, “A big thank you to @EASPORTSCollege for adding Tylee Craft to the video game in their recent update. Very kind of them to do that for his family and friends. 🙏❤️🙏.” In the picture, Craft’s character could be seen donning the No.13 jersey. This has been extremely thoughtful for the players’ near and dear ones who could see him play in the game. EA Sports have already won over the fans.  

Fans deeply touched by EA Sports’ memorable tribute to Tylee Craft 

There have been multiple gestures from Tar Heels to honor Craft. The program paid tribute on the Senior Day ceremony, Jones scored a touchdown in UNC’s 41-34 loss wearing the late player’s No.13 jersey. However, EA Sports’ gesture topped it all. It allows Craft’s fans and family to witness his legacy come alive again, even if it’s just in-game. So a fan wrote, “That’s awesome!!”

In his short stint with UNC, Craft did get some awards. Back in 2022, he was named the Disney Spirit Award winner for his indomitable spirit and contribution to the sport. However, this posthumous recognition won the hearts of the fans. As one of them shared gratitude, “Thank you @EASPORTSCollege @UNC @nikefootball.”

Craft will always be remembered as the four-star prospect tabbed as the state’s No. 7 player and the nation’s 60th-ranked wide receiver by ESPN. No matter how short time he has been there. A fan commended EA Sports for keeping his legacy alive, “PAWsome!  Much respect to @EASPORTSCollege!”

The only color associated with Craft is blue, the Tar Heels’ signature. To a fan, emojis are enough to show his love and respect for the young soul gone too soon,  “💙💙💙#TyleeStrongForever.” “I love this ❤️. #keepswinging,” another fan too is touched by this move by EA Sports allowing the fans to cherish his talents one more time. That’s how a video game revives Craft’s spirit, even if through a digital lens.