Madden NFL 26 has just received its first title update. The major patch arrives a couple of weeks after the game’s official launch on August 14. More clearly, the latest update introduces Nike Rivalries and brings many stability fixes and gameplay improvements.
Nike Rivalries Program Begins
Based on an EA article, part of the update is the introduction of Nike Rivalries. This collaboration between Nike and the NFL will last for four years. In particular, the program includes customized uniforms to highlight a few iconic matchups in football.
“Nike is partnering with NFL teams to celebrate football’s most storied rivalries, bringing a competitive and authentic sense of community pride to the game,” said The Madden Team in the official EA announcement.
At the same time, the game now has two NFL divisions each year. For 2025, the AFC East and NFC West are taking the center stage. Players can wear city-themed Nike uniforms and do a little bit of trash talk in the field. Â
New Playbook: Benkert’s Dimes
According to GameSpot, EA is including the new Benkert’s Dimes in Play Now. It is a custom playbook made in partnership with retired NFL player Kurt Benkert. Also, Benkert’s Dimes presents unique strategies and plays for fans looking to find a new approach.
Gameplay and Zone Coverage Enhancements
EA says that improvements on defense are the focus of the update. The key changes in the zone coverage are the following:
- Cover 2 Tampa: Deeper zone drops to better defend deep threats in 3×1 sets.
- Cover 2 Hard Flats: More accurate drops for consistent defender coverage in the shallow flat.
- Cover 3 Match: Buzz Mable and Zone Blitz 3 play calls for slot receivers on deep routes.
- Cover 6 and Cover 4 Palms: Outside quarters now avoid press coverage that leads to easy touchdowns.
Aside from these, the patch includes quicker reaction times when shading “Overtop.” Likewise, there are improvements to post-play animations and visual fixes to offensive formation graphics.
Game Modes Upgrades
The latest major update of Madden NFL 26 fixes player cards, league invites, and draft board visuals in Franchise Mode. Similarly, it adjusts fumble rates in snow games, fixes positioning bugs, and resolves glitches in Superstar Mode. This patch also improves many UI elements, removes reward display errors, and more in Ultimate Team.
New Stadiums and Audio Fixes
Madden NFL 26 now have international stadiums in Berlin, Dublin, and Madrid. On the audio side, wrong rookie name calls have been corrected.
The first title update for Madden NFL 26 is now available for download across platforms. EA also hints at more updates soon.
