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Toughest College Football Stadiums to Play In: Two Big 12 Stadiums EA Sports’ Top 25 List

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Brian McQuillen | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 1:44 PM ET

EA Sports College Football 26 set new heights after its release back in July 2024, becoming the highest-sold sports game in the United States.

It marked the first time this game had been released since 2013, ending an 11-year hiatus. This year’s edition is set to be released on July 11.

On3 listed out the Top 25 toughest stadiums to play in and the Utah Utes and Oklahoma State Cowboys made the cut.

NEW: EA Sports College Football 26 Top 25 toughest places to playhttps://t.co/36KX4yDXzv pic.twitter.com/e1EqWCKY9P
— On3 (@On3sports) June 24, 2025

Rice-Eccles Stadium located in Salt Lake City, Utah ranked No. 22 and sits an estimated 51,444 fans. The Utes ranked third in attendance capacity in 2024 at 102.95%.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham, who has led the program since 2005 changed the culture and established a winning tradition. Despite the team suffering its first below .500 season since 2013, expectations remain high in Salt Lake City and its home crowd may provide a needed boost.

Stillwater, Oklahoma still remains as one of the top places to play in the nation. Boone Pickens Stadium came in at No. 23 on the list, despite the squad’s disappointing 3-9 finish.

OSU had its worst season in over 20 years, yet fans still filled up the stadium earning one of the best home-field advantages in the video game.

The stadium consists of an estimated 53,855 seats as the team returns to the field on Thursday, Aug. 28 against UT Martin. Utah will host Cal Poly in its home opener on Sept. 6.

Tiger Stadium (LSU), Beaver Stadium (Penn State), Ohio Stadium (Ohio State), Sanford Stadium (Georgia), as well as Bryant-Denny Stadium (Alabama) round out the list’s top five.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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