Deion Sanders opts out of EA Sports College Football once again

College football fans and gamers will once again flock to get their hands on EA Sports College Football 27 when it is released worldwide on July 9 and becomes available to MVP+ members on July 2.

For Colorado fans hoping to step into the virtual shoes of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders after the coach was absent from the game in the previous two editions, there is more disappointment waiting when you open up a CU dynasty save.

Coach Prime, one of the sport's most high-profile figures, is among seven head coaches who have declined to have their likenesses included in this year's game. Sanders joins Mario Cristobal (Miami), Bill Belichick (North Carolina), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Bronco Mendenhall (Utah State), Blake Anderson (Southern Mississippi) and Neal Brown (North Texas).

The number is down from last year's edition, when 12 coaches opted out. Sanders, Belichick, Cristobal, Ferentz and Mendenhall were not included in last year's game either.

It is not at all surprising to see Sanders sit out, especially after he has not been in the game the past two years. Known for doing things his own way, Coach Prime has previously been selective about licensing deals, preferring to control his brand tightly. While he remains a central figure in the national conversation in college football, his absence from College Football 27 is disappointing, albeit unsurprising.

A silver lining for Deion Sanders fans

Although the Colorado coach won't be in the game, his playstyle will be. When creating a Road to Glory cornerback, one of the five foundational templates is Deion Sanders as the "bump and run" cornerback. Other options are Rod Woodson (boundary), Antonio Cromartie (Field), Aqib Talib (Field) and Richard Sherman (Zone).

Deion Sanders NOT in CFB '27 but his DNA is… pic.twitter.com/FgCH6tKEUw

— EverythingEACollege (@ETGEACOLLEGE) July 3, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders opts out of EA Sports College Football once again