iStockphoto / © Ben Queen-Imagn Images
The College Football 26 video game dropped this week, resulting in a significant payday for NCAA student-athletes. Each player whose name, image, and likeness were used received a $1,500 check from EA Sports.
Western Kentucky teammates are wasting no time spending that dough. A viral TikTok video revealed how roster members plan on using their cash.
The video game franchise resumed after a decade-long pause thanks to changes in the college football landscape. NIL payments are now legal. In exchange for payment, the game is able to use players’ images, even if that likeness isn’t 100% accurate.
@swipe8 😂😂😂i look like a gooffff #foryourpage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryou #fypツ #viral #d1athlete #football #d1football #collegefootball #athlete #mediaday #ncaafootball #ncaa26 #funny #jokes ♬ original sound – swipe
Last year’s total payout to players was around $600. This year, those athletes saw a huge raise.
Safety Virgil Marshall has been building anticipation for the video game drop on social media. He’s been looking forward to his payday for some time.
@swipe8 maneeee ncaa tighten up i’m blessed to be in the game tho fr #foryourpage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryou #fypツ #viral #d1athlete #football #d1football #collegefootball #athlete #funny #jokes #ncaafootball #ncaa26 ♬ original sound – swipe
The money hit the bank this week for those at Western Kentucky following the game’s release on July 10th. Marshall was over the moon.
@swipe8 😂😂🕺🏽 #foryourpage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryou #fypツ #viral #d1athlete #football #d1football #collegefootball #athlete #ncaa26 #ncaafootball #funny #jokes ♬ original sound – swipe
The $1,500 payments give players a little extra spending money to enjoy before kicking off their 2025 seasons. It seems Marshall, who’s entering his fourth year with the Hilltoppers, plans to put his check to good use.
What will Western Kentucky players do with their ‘College Football 26’ NIL checks?
@swipe8 😂😂😂i look like a gooffff #foryourpage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryou #fypツ #viral #d1athlete #football #d1football #collegefootball #athlete #mediaday #ncaafootball #ncaa26 #funny #jokes ♬ original sound – swipe
Marshall hasn’t yet unveiled exactly how he intends to spend his dough. He did ask a few teammates their thoughts, though. The answers were incredible.
“Ruth Chris?” one player joked, hinting at a celebratory steak dinner. “Full [tattoo] sleeve on the way,” said another.
Defensive lineman Jakeem Fletcher’s reaction might’ve been the best. “I’m real blessed, bro. Real blessed,” he replied. That’s what it’s all about!
Virgil Marshall posted a follow-up video to grab a few more reactions. The responses, again, didn’t disappoint.
@swipe8 watch buddy who went last 😂😂😂 #foryourpage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryou #fypツ #viral #d1athlete #football #d1football #ncaa26 #ncaafootball #funny #jokes #humor @Jaylen Wester @KG @zack4pf_1 @Choppaboaaa @CEO K Rob @DemarkoJr🔒 ♬ original sound – swipe
Others around college football have had similar reactions to the College Football 26 NIL checks. Most are appreciative of not only being featured in the game but also landing that notable deposit.
@playmakerlu #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #ncaa26 #ea #football #ucla #real #relatable #d1 #ncaa ♬ original sound – ObiN 🇳🇬
Tulane freshman wide receiver Oliver Mitchell Jr. was speechless. He appeared extremely thankful for the chance to be paid while doing what he enjoys. That $1,500 can go a long way for a teenager.
@5staro._ God is good🙏🏽#athlete #fyp #football #trending #viral #ncaa26 #ncaa #godisgood ♬ Awesome (Celebration of Gospel Mix) – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
With payments beginning to hit college football players’ bank accounts, we can likely expect to see a few more of these viral videos as the offseason winds down.