Ball State University Launches Inaugural EA SPORTS College Football 26 Tournament
August 14, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State University is bringing the excitement of the gridiron to the virtual field this Fall with its inaugural EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 tournament, a collaborative effort between Ball State Athletics, the Division of Marketing and Communications, and the University's nationally acclaimed Esports program.
Released in July, EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 builds on the massive success of last year's relaunch of the beloved college football video game series, which had been on an 11-year hiatus. The 2025 edition logged more than 700 million plays nationwide, fueling anticipation for new ways to engage with the game.
The single-elimination Ball State tournament will kick off Aug. 29, with play continuing on Fridays through Sept. 26. The championship match is set for Saturday, Oct. 4. Signups opened Aug. 12 and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 26. In a nod to Cardinal pride, all tournament games will feature both competitors playing as Ball State.
More information, including how to register, is available on the tournament website.
"Hosting an EA SPORTS College Football video game tournament is a dynamic way to engage the Ball State community" said Ball State Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell. "This event taps into the widespread appeal of college football and gaming, creating a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to connect with alumni, friends, and fans in a fun, competitive, and Ball State-spirited environment."
Tournament participants will register in divisions across two categories—on-campus (residence halls, Fraternity and Sorority Life, student-athletes, faculty and staff) and off-campus (commuter students, alumni, Ball State fans). Division winners will receive recognition on Ball State Athletics and Ball State Esports social media channels, while the overall champion will enjoy an exclusive football game day experience as Mr. Mitchell's guest at a home Ball State football game.
The prize package includes on-field access during part of the first quarter, a $50 gift card to Gameday Spirit—the official online retail partner of Ball State Athletics—and other Athletics Department giveaways.
The tournament will be organized and executed by Ball State Esports Director Dan Marino, whose team has established the online infrastructure for registration, communication, and gameplay.
To help kick off the event, Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns and Mr. Mitchell squared off in the first-ever "Geoff vs. Jeff Bowl" on Aug. 14 at the Ball State Esports Center, located in the Robert Bell Building. The Cardinals came out victorious over the Cardinals in a closely contested matchup.