Total Pro Sports
Gamers have waited years for a true broadcast-style NFL video game experience. Now, Madden NFL 26 finally delivers. EA Sports just pulled back the curtain on this year’s major upgrades, and fans of Franchise Mode will want to pay close attention.
Scott Hanson, the voice of NFL RedZone, headlines a brand-new halftime show and weekly recap segment in Franchise. EA Sports dropped the reveal trailer on Wednesday, giving fans a taste of what to expect when the game launches on August 14.
The trailer teased real-world visuals, including pregame moments, weather affecting player movement, and a new level of coaching and quarterback realism- all built from NFL data.
Franchise Mode now includes custom broadcast packages for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday primetime games, adding a layer of authenticity fans have craved. Each game will feel like a nationally televised matchup, with unique graphics and commentary aligning with the broadcast schedule.
EA Sports confirmed that Scott Hanson’s halftime show won’t just be a short highlight reel. It will reflect the in-game action and tie into the weekly league recap, giving players a deeper connection to the league’s storyline as it unfolds. “We’re pushing Madden to reflect real NFL presentation more than ever,” EA said in its first Gridiron Notes drop.
This is awesome: Madden NFL 26 will include halftime shows and weekly recaps in Franchise Mode with Scott Hanson, as well as all-new custom broadcast packages for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday primetime games. 🔥🔥 https://t.co/KOJ5cFibes pic.twitter.com/WxpeKXcSst
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 4, 2025
But this isn’t just about showmanship. The gameplay itself gets serious upgrades. Quarterbacks have received over 500 new animations, built using tendency data to reflect how players like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen actually move and throw. Coaches now come with their own in-game philosophies, including when they go for it on fourth down or how they manage play selection.
Meanwhile, Franchise Mode sees the return of dynamic features like the Wear and Tear system, deeper coach customization, and Play Sheets that evolve as the coach levels up. The game also introduces more accurate weather mechanics. Players will slip on rain-soaked fields or slow down in snowstorms, while cold-weather teams get a true home-field advantage.
Madden NFL 26 promises not just a game, but an experience. With primetime broadcasts, mid-game analysis, and a weekly league recap hosted by Hanson, EA Sports is blurring the line between game and Sunday broadcast. Football fans looking for that full-on NFL vibe in Franchise Mode may have finally found their fix.
