Samwise College Football Newsletter
July 6, 2026
EA Sports College Football 27 Hits Early Access Today
EA Sports College Football 27 enters early access today, July 6, giving deluxe edition owners their first crack at the game ahead of its full launch on July 9. The title returns for a third consecutive season, featuring Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney, and Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy on the cover. The franchise, which rebooted in 2024 after an eleven-year absence, has become one of college football's most visible off-season touchstones, sparking renewed debate over athlete compensation in an era of expanding NIL rights and revenue-sharing agreements across major conferences.
Oregon Lands Two Wide Receivers in 48 Hours Over July 4th Weekend
Oregon landed two wide receivers in 48 hours over the July 4th holiday weekend, adding to what is quickly becoming one of college football's premier 2027 recruiting classes. Xavier Sabb, a five-star prospect ranked 20th in the 247Sports Composite and the 2026 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, committed July 3. Sabb hauled in 59 receptions for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior at Glassboro High School. Less than 24 hours later, four-star wideout Dakota Guerrant announced his commitment on the Pat McAfee Show on Independence Day. The Ducks' 2027 class now ranks sixth nationally.
NFL, MLB and NBPA Formally Back Federal College Sports Legislation
Three major professional sports leagues have formally endorsed federal legislation aimed at regulating college athletics, a significant development as Congress considers bills that would establish a legal framework for revenue sharing and name, image and likeness rights. The NFL, Major League Baseball and the NBA Players Association submitted their support for a college sports bill currently before lawmakers, reflecting growing alignment between professional and collegiate athletics on governance questions that have historically divided them. The move adds institutional momentum to efforts to create a uniform national standard that would supersede the patchwork of state NIL laws enacted since 2021.
Legendary Washington State Coach Jim Walden Dies at 88
Jim Walden, who spent parts of three decades coaching college football including a memorable tenure as head coach at Washington State, died this week at the age of 88. Walden led the Cougars from 1978 to 1986, compiling a 42–53–3 record and earning a reputation as one of the game's most colorful and outspoken personalities. His 1981 team finished 8–3, the program's best record in years, and Walden became known for his candid, often humorous press conference demeanor. He later served as head coach at Iowa State from 1987 to 1994 before retiring from coaching.
Ohio State Lands Five-Star WR Jett from Harrison Pipeline
Ohio State continued building what recruiters have labeled the Harrison pipeline, securing a commitment from five-star wide receiver Jett ahead of the 2027 class. The Buckeyes have assembled an enviable track record of landing elite pass catchers, and Jett's pledge adds to a growing list of top-end targets already committed. Ohio State's wide receiver room has produced multiple NFL draft picks in recent cycles, a selling point the staff deploys heavily on the recruiting trail. The commitment comes during a typically quiet summer recruiting period, underscoring Ohio State's ability to close on elite prospects at any point in the calendar.
No preseason AP or Coaches Poll has been released yet. The first official rankings of the 2026 season are expected in August. College football season kicks off in late August.
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