LJ McCray, Maverick Baranowski and Co. received a raise.
Yes, the Florida defensive end from Mainland, the Minnesota linebacker from Spruce Creek and the handful of other Volusia-Flagler natives that appeared in EA Sports College Football 25 got paid. Each earned $600.
But this year, each player who approved the use of their name, image and likeness for College Football 26 pocketed $1,500. They also got a free copy of the video game so they can play as themselves.
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The title’s early-access window opened July 7, with the full release set for July 10. It’s the second edition of the game since it returned after an 11-year hiatus last summer. It can be played on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
More than a dozen locals granted EA Sports permission to put them in the game. Here’s the list, plus their ratings. The rosters will be updated throughout the upcoming season.
Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota
Ashton Bracewell, Florida State
Mac Chiumento, Florida State
Rodney Hill, South Florida
Christian Hudson, Colorado
Ben Knox, South Florida
Jared Lloyd, Missouri State
LJ McCray, Florida
Zavier Mincey, Alabama
DJ Murray Jr., Georgia State
Derry Norris Jr., Georgia Tech
Rex Robich, Western Kentucky
E’Zaiah Shine, Tulane
Noble Thomas Jr., Oregon State
(This story was updated to add more information.)
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: EA Sports College Football 26: New video game includes players from Volusia-Flagler area
Reporting by Chris Vinel, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
