Family of late Missouri State player grateful he still appears in EA Sports CFB26
The legacy of late Missouri State football player Todric McGee found another way to live on.
Despite his death in April, McGee was still included in EA Sports' College Football 26 video game that releases on Thursday and pre-released on Monday. Just like most football players growing up, it was a dream of McGee's to be in the game, so his family was grateful to hear that McGee was included, according to Springfield News-Leader's Wyatt Wheeler. McGee's family even apparently reached out to make sure he was included.
McGee only appears on Missouri State's default roster, so he will not be on updated rosters. Whether it was a mistake by EA Sports or not, it was still an honor for McGee and his family. On top of that, every player in the game also gets paid for EA Sports using their name, image and likeness.
The late Todric McGee's family reached out today wondering whether he's in CFP26.
— Wyatt Wheeler (@WyattWheeler_NL) July 9, 2025
He is when you use the game's default roster.
They're happy he's in it. They said he was really excited to be a part of it. Went in and grabbed some highlights of him.
Will miss him this year. pic.twitter.com/zkoYimDWoS
Todric McGee included in CFB26 video game
According to Springfield News-Leader, McGee, 21, died because of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. Missouri State then announced the tragedy on April 19 with a statement.
"Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric," Missouri State football coach Ryan Beard said then in a statement. "We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and our MoState football team at this time as we begin the healing process. Join us in praying for Todric and the people who loved him."
McGee was entering his senior season at Missouri State. He was a two-year starter at defensive back and earned MVC all-conference honors in 2023. His 2024 season was shortened because of an injury. He signed with the Bears as part of the 2021 recruiting class out of Wichita, Kansas.
This is the first time Missouri State's football program was included in one of EA Sports' college football video games, which re-launched last year. The Bears just made the jump from FCS to FBS after joining Conference USA along with Delaware. FCS teams are not included in the game.
The Bears will kick off their first FBS season against USC at 6:30 p.m. CT Aug. 30 in Los Angeles. Their home opener will not be until Week 3 against SMU on Sept. 13. Missouri State's Conference USA debut will be against Western Kentucky on Sept. 27 at home.
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