​EA College Football 27 is officially releasing worldwide tomorrow, and there’s already a clear sense of what Texas Longhorns fans can expect when they strap on the Burnt Orange and take the field as the Horns in the game. The official Texas Longhorns social media channels have shared video highlighting the numerous special touches EA has crafted for UT, with a clear emphasis on Arch Manning. In the game’s first edition, each player received a standard NIL payment of about $600, but Manning pressed for more from the video game maker. EA acquiesced, largely due to Manning’s popularity, and he ended up being paid more than any other player for the use of his likeness. Arch, along with his uncle Eli, even released a promotional video announcing Manning’s inclusion in the game.
Fast forward two years, and Manning now plays a significant role in the Longhorns’ presentation within the game. Texas’ in-game action includes a variety of recognizable elements: players emerging from the tunnel at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium with head coach Steve Sarkisian on display, runners charging through the Longhorns’ “T” formation as the band comes onto the field, Old Smokey cannon firing, and a dramatic Bevo charging out of the tunnel. The band forms “Hook’em” on the field, and both day and night action are represented, alongside home and road uniforms and numerous human mascot interactions with the “Hook’em” character.
There’s a notable increase in close-up helmet and face exposure, with more “helmet off” moments allowing fans to see player expressions more clearly. One detail EA appears to have nailed is Texas wearing their home jerseys for the matchup at LSU in November—the Tigers, unlike most other major programs, play in white at home, giving the game a distinctive parallel to that contrast seen with the Dallas Cowboys.
This feature-rich presentation is part of a broader aim to capture the pageantry of Texas football, from the tunnel entrances and ceremonial elements to the on-field personalities and fan-facing moments. The experience is designed to immerse players in the Longhorns’ game-day atmosphere, reflecting the tradition and spectacle that define Texas football both on and off the field.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire under the title: First Look: All of Texas Longhorns pageantry in EA College Football 27, crafted to enhance SEO.