Quarterback Jacob Clark had a simultaneously excellent and horrible game.
Two members of Missouri State University’s football team opted to play as MSU while playing the EA Sports College Football 26 video game on Monday, July 7, during a demonstration at the team facilities.
Running back Connor Lair led his version of the Bears to a 28-0 win with Clark throwing several touchdowns, stinging wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson for the loss, with his version of Clark throwing a couple of interceptions.
It brought a strange moment for Robinson, who watched Lair control Robinson’s digital avatar to score a touchdown against him.
“I can’t even be mad,” Robinson said.
The game is set to be released to the general public on Thursday. Team players on Monday got the chance to play the game on a PlayStation 5 in the team’s locker room. That means they were playing themselves quite literally.
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<p> ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/sgfcitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/070725_cfb26_EF_088.jpg?fit=226%2C300&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/sgfcitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/070725_cfb26_EF_088.jpg?fit=771%2C1024&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/sgfcitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/070725_cfb26_EF_088.jpg?resize=771%2C1024&ssl=1″ alt ><figcaption>Running back Connor Lair uses a PlayStation 5 controller to play the new EA Sports College Football 26 video game on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Lair said his friends and family have been just as excited to see the Bears in a major video game from one of the industry’s most prolific publishers.</p>
<p>“I have already had a buddy hit me up and say that he bought the early pass just to play with me and Missouri State,” said Lair, a junior. “It’s surreal seeing yourself and your teammates on there. That’s what you work hard for.”</p>
<p>Missouri State’s entry into Conference USA made the appearance possible since the game features teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.</p>
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<p>Seeing Missouri State’s team members, logos and settings in an EA video game meant a lot to players. James BlackStrain used to play EA video games all the time with his older brother. They would play the latest version of EA Sports Madden and other football games. </p>
<p>“I never would have thought I’d actually be in a video game,” said BlackStrain, a senior wide receiver for MSU. “I never thought that this would be an opportunity, right? Seeing it come to fruition is a full circle moment, for sure.”</p>
<h2>A favorite video game returns</h2>
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Missouri State’s entry into Conference USA means MSU’s players can be selected, and games can be played in a virtual Plaster Stadium that features its new field graphics and familiar bleachers.
The game has faithful representations of Missouri State’s facilities, from the updated logo on the uniforms to McDonald Arena and parking lot No. 22 appearing behind the field’s end zones.
Even the Pride Band can be heard playing the school fight song.
“It helps elevate the profile of the university, and probably puts us in a different class of universities across the country,” said Rick Kindhart, associate director of athletics. “Our students should be excited about it. Certainly our players are, and hopefully our fans will be, too.”
One aspect of the game is especially meaningful for the team: The roster includes Todric McGee as a player, BlackStrain said. McGee died in April in an accident at his home.
A subsidiary of Electronic Arts, EA Sports is one of the most prolific designers of sports video games. It also publishes the “Madden” games that represent NFL teams.
Being included in one of the company’s games, in a franchise beloved by so many, is no small accomplishment, BlackStrain said.
“It means Missouri State is not just an afterthought,” BlackStrain said. “It’s a place where people can make memories and be known. They can come from here, and be something from this area, represent it in the right way.”
Joe Hadsall
Joe Hadsall is the education reporter for the Springfield Daily Citizen. Hadsall has more than two decades of experience reporting in the Ozarks with the Joplin Globe, Christian County Headliner News and 417 Magazine. Contact him at (417) 837-3671 or jhadsall@sgfcitizen.org. More by Joe Hadsall
