EA Sports College Football 26 Review

Matthew Rondina
Jul 25
4 min read

Updated: Sep 12

EA Sports College Football 26 refines gameplay, deepens Dynasty Mode, and celebrates pageantry for an authentic gridiron experience.

Two football players in jerseys hold footballs, standing against a colorful backdrop of college team logos. Text: Dapper Tux, EA Sports, College Football 26.

Having spent countless hours with both the classic NCAA Football series and more recent Madden releases, stepping into EA Sports College Football 26 felt both familiar and exciting. The franchise has always carried a sense of tradition and spectacle unique to the college game. With this latest entry, EA Orlando manages to capture that atmosphere while delivering meaningful refinements. Rather than reinventing what it built last season, College Football 26 adds to a strong foundation, enhancing gameplay, presentation, and authenticity in ways that football fans will appreciate.

"Rather than reinventing what it built last season, College Football 26 adds to a strong foundation, enhancing gameplay, presentation, and authenticity in ways that football fans will appreciate."

Let’s dive into all the changes to this year’s installment of the College Football franchise in my full review.

Football player in white jersey, number 10, running with a ball on a field. Opponents in blue chase. Crowd with yellow accents in background.

EA Sports College Football 26 Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Reviewed on: Xbox Series X

Developer: EA Orlando

Publisher: EA Sports

Genre: Sports

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Football video game scene showing play strategies on a field labeled "PENN STATE", with players in red, play lines, and a cheering crowd.

Gameplay Refinements That Elevate College Football 26

Rather than overhauling the playbook, College Football 26 delivers targeted refinements that make the on-field action smoother and more rewarding. The offensive game feels fluid, with blocking assignments executed more reliably and a passing system that now demands timing and precision.

"The offensive game feels fluid, with blocking assignments executed more reliably and a passing system that now demands timing and precision."

As someone who has played nearly every major football sim, I found the adjustments immediately noticeable, subtle improvements that result in a more authentic and enjoyable football experience.

Football player in white and gold dives to score a touchdown, reaching over the goal line under stadium lights. Other players rush in.

College Football 26 Offers Smarter Defensive Play

A key upgrade comes on the defensive side of the ball. Gone are the days of defensive backs intercepting passes without even facing the play. In College Football 26, defenders must now see the ball to react, a change that adds both fairness and realism.

"In College Football 26, defenders must now see the ball to react, a change that adds both fairness and realism."

Elite defenders remain impactful, but in a way that feels grounded rather than artificial. This adjustment makes deep routes and sideline throws more dynamic, rewarding careful play-calling instead of punishing it arbitrarily.

Dynamic Substitutions Streamline Strategy

Another notable addition is “Dynamic Substitutions,” which allows players to rotate their lineups on the fly. No longer do you need to pause the game or navigate menus to keep fresh legs on the field. Real-time fatigue indicators and customizable substitution filters give the feature a welcome layer of control. While it can feel a bit fast-paced at times, it ensures the flow of the game remains uninterrupted, a small but meaningful improvement that better reflects the rhythm of real college football.

Trophy room with various sports trophies in wooden frames. Titles include Dynasty, Road to Glory. National Championship Trophy info on right.

The Trophy Room: A Celebration of Your Legacy

The new Trophy Room may seem cosmetic at first glance, but it adds a surprising amount of depth and replay value. Collecting and displaying over 160 rivalry, bowl, and individual awards creates a sense of accomplishment beyond the field.

Trophy in front of Rose Bowl entrance with red rose design on building. Blue sky and cloud backdrop. Energetic and celebratory mood.

Each trophy comes with its own history and context, connecting the player’s progress with the traditions of the sport. As a long-time fan, I appreciated how this feature encouraged me to revisit my accomplishments and continue building a legacy.

Two football players jump for the ball in a stadium. Player in white reads "Harris 7," the other in red. Bright stadium lights illuminate the action.

Dynasty and Road to Glory—Familiar but Polished

While no entirely new game modes have been introduced, existing ones have been meaningfully enhanced. Dynasty Mode continues to serve as the centrepiece, bolstered by over 300 real-life coaches and playbooks that make AI opponents more strategic. Road to Glory now extends back into a player’s high school career, offering an expanded narrative arc. Though limited to drive-based sequences rather than full games, this addition adds context and personality to the journey. The lack of brand-new modes may disappoint some, but the refinements ensure both staples remain engaging.

Stadium at night with fireworks, packed crowd in red and orange. Field show with marching band, bright lights, and the word "VOLS" visible.

Improved Presentation and Atmosphere in College Football 26

What truly elevates College Football 26 is its dedication to capturing the pageantry of the college game. Updated lighting systems, stadium-specific flourishes, and even drone light shows create a level of immersion that rivals live broadcasts. From crimson lighting at Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium to crowd chants unique to each school, the atmosphere feels authentic and carefully crafted. While commentary remains somewhat repetitive, the enhanced team-specific audio—including fight songs and entrance music—more than compensates, making every game feel distinct.

Final Thoughts on College Football 26

EA Sports College Football 26 succeeds by doubling down on authenticity and polishing what already works. While occasional AI hiccups, repetitive commentary, and the absence of new modes are noticeable, the overall experience is stronger, sharper, and more immersive than ever. For fans of the sport, or those seeking a deep, rewarding football sim, it is a worthy sequel that continues to move the franchise in the right direction. College Football 26 is not just a nostalgia play, it is a carefully considered, modernized return to form. It delivers authentic gameplay and unmatched pageantry, making it one of the most compelling football sims available today.

Overall Assessment of College Football 26

Gameplay: 8.5 /10

Graphics & Presentation: 9.0 /10

Audio & Atmosphere: 8.5 /10

Replayability: 8.5 /10

Overall Score for College Football 26: 34.5 / 40 (85%)

A copy of the game was provided by Electronic Arts for this #review.

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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