College Football 26 Ultimate Team + Online H2H Deep Dive

Hey there College Football Fans, welcome back to the Campus Huddle! Your source for all information and updates straight from the EA Sports College Football 26 development team! 

Today, we have a new Deep Dive for you. You will hear from two different development teams which include the College Football Ultimate Team and the Road to College Football Playoff development teams. 

First, let’s dive into Ultimate Team and following up, you’ll hear from the Road To College Football Playoff Team on what changes will be coming to your competitive play this year. 

College Ultimate Team

Hey Everyone, we are so excited to tell you all about what we have in store for you this year for College Football 26! We have a lot to share with you, including changes to player art, pack helper, new lineup screens, and more. But before we get started we want to thank you so much for your continued support on Ultimate Team, hearing feedback from you drives us to make unique and exciting content. 

College Football has amazing storylines every single week, it’s why people love it. And we love celebrating those moments in Ultimate Team. Last year we got Diego Pavia a Field Phenom item when he took down Bama. We even put the Cal equipment manager, Trevor, in the game when he went viral for doing a textbook tackle of a fan that stole a helmet. These are the moments that make College Football fun and this next year we want to celebrate it all.

New Player Items

Our art team has always been a standout, and the community’s appreciation for their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year, we even saw the hashtag #cardartguy trending, and we couldn’t agree more! In College Football 26, we’re giving them even more freedom to create visually stunning player items.

We’ve introduced a larger player item canvas and removed the restrictions of item borders, allowing for more creative and distinct designs. There will be some fresh takes on fan favorites along with brand new art that will showcase a completely revamped player item design. This will make each program feel unique and visually engaging. Additionally, we’ve improved the legibility of key information displayed on items, standardizing attributes by playstyle to make roster management easier. Whether you’re comparing players or building your lineup, the new design will ensure that the most important information is always at your fingertips.

Note: Player ratings in the Campus Huddle article are not final.

New Ways to Play Ultimate Team

Our goal this year was to provide you with more ways to play by upgrading your Live Events Experience. In addition to our base game modes, we have massively upgraded our Live Events system to become a mode building platform and built some new features that we can't wait to tell you about.

What this means for our players is that we will consistently put out new limited time modes to accompany our programs.

An example of a new Limited Time Modes:

• Conference Clash  
  • Build your best All-SEC Team and go H2H against other players' all-star teams from their favorite conference.
  • Automatically generate your best team for this event at the touch of a button. Then, some key acquisitions to bolster your lineup or head straight into the action

We are planning to have a consistent slate of both Head to Head and Solo Events, so no matter how you enjoy Ultimate Team you can look forward to fresh, new experiences, all year long.

Study Hall: A New Solo Competitive Experience

Say goodbye to Solo Battles and hello to Study Hall, a new mode offering a 12-game series with increasing difficulty after each win. Players can enter Study Hall using a token granted once a week, and for those wanting more, additional entries can be bought with coins. Earn your battlescore to gain exciting rewards and test your skills in this challenging mode.

Huge changes Coming to Sets & the Training Store

This year we are introducing a huge change to how you will interact with Sets. Sets are shifting focus to become more of a collection based mechanic, with massively juiced rewards. You will now see fewer Sets per program, that reward players for finding and collecting a wider variety of cards, with exclusive rewards for all those completionists out there. But how will I work towards high OVR cards from Programs? 

Alongside the above changes to Sets, this year you will see a wider variety of program based items available in the Training store. The goal of these two changes combined is to simplify the journey to higher OVR cards from within a program. Gone are the days where you must stockpile low OVR cards and complete tons of sets to cash in your champion. The new streamlined method allows you to efficiently quicksell any cards you don’t want and immediately turn them into impactful players from the new Training Store packs.

Introducing Pack Helper

One of the most important moments in Ultimate Team is when you are opening packs to earn new items. Players are often faced with decisions about which items to keep, sell, or use, but it hasn’t always been easy to make informed choices. That’s where Pack Helper is going to come in and help you.

Pack Helper is designed to provide relevant information during the pack opening experience. For example, it will let you know if a player is better than your current starter, if an item is popular on the auction house, or if a player will help complete a set or boost your chemistry tier. Actioning on these suggestions is entirely optional and can be done with a single button press. You can even manage multiple items without leaving the pack opening flow.

The development of Pack Helper was driven by our desire to reduce friction and make the pack opening process more intuitive. We wanted players to feel confident in their decisions and have all the information they need at their fingertips.

Streamlined Lineup Management

With the variety of Live Events we’re introducing, easy lineup management will be more important than ever. We’ve completely revamped the lineup screen in College Football 26. Key information now lives in the forefront and we have added new tools to make lineup changes as simple as possible.

One of the standout features is the “Drag and Drop” functionality, which allows players to quickly swap positions with just a few button presses. For example, moving your starting left tackle to a backup position used to require seven button presses and four screen transitions. Now, you can simply highlight the player, with a single button press like “X” to grab them, and drag them to their new position. It’s intuitive, fast, and eliminates unnecessary barriers.

Additionally, the new toolbar on the left side of the screen provides quick access to important information, such as your abilities loadout, team chemistry, and strategy items. You can even make changes directly from the lineup screen and see exactly who is impacted by those changes.

As mentioned in the gameplay deep dive, College Football 26 has modernized the depth chart, and even includes fun specialty positions like “gadget” players. Other key positions now include “edge rushers” and “Will”, “Mike” and “Sam” LB spots.

The goal of these changes is to empower players and make roster management as seamless as possible. We want players to spend less time navigating menus and more time enjoying the game. These improvements are a direct response to player feedback.

Content Expansion: More Seasons, More Programs

CUT is back with a huge content expansion. This year, players can look forward to nine full seasons of content, which means exciting updates and challenges throughout the year. One major change is the frequency of Friday drops; they will now switch themes more often, making the game dynamic and engaging. There will also be more mid-week drops, providing players with more chances to explore new content and build their Ultimate Team. 

Also built from Player Feedback, we are doubling down on what makes College Football so special: Student athletes and legendary Alumni. Expect to see more of a focus on these athletes to build your Ultimate Teams. 

While the spotlight will remain on Student Athletes and Alumni, a select group of current NFL players will also return to the CUT Gridiron. Additional details, including player reveals, will be shared throughout the season via EASPORTS_CUT and the CFB Rundown.

Scheme Chemistry Consolidation

Several Scheme Chemistries have been merged to simplify team-building and boost chemistry bonuses. These changes allow players who previously wouldn’t have boosted each other to contribute to the same chemistry bonus. The consolidated schemes are as follows:

• 3-3-5 Tite merged into 3-3-5
• 3-4 Multiple merged into 3-4
• 4-3 Multiple merged into 4-3
• Power Spread merged into Spread
• Spread Option merged into Option

These adjustments make it easier to build cohesive teams and unlock strong chemistry bonuses. 

Multiple Player Item Backs

We know you make thousands of decisions when constructing the perfect lineup. This year we have added multiple Player Item backs, each with a specific purpose, bringing vital information to your fingertips when you need it most. 

Flip once to see Key Attributes. These attributes will now be uniform across all items within a position, making it faster and simpler to compare two items when making key decisions about your lineup.

Flip again to see any Abilities that are assigned to Ability Slots on the item. This makes it easier to evaluate all the Abilities assigned to all players on the lineup at a glance and make key decisions about where to spend your Ability Points.

Flip one last time to see information about Chemistries currently active on the card. This Card Back makes building the ultimate theme team seamless by being able to see all players contributing to the same chemistry at one time when viewing the lineup.

New Ability Costs and Balancing

Abilities in CUT have undergone a major change to better match the updates in College Football 26. Abilities have been redesigned to progress in tiers while becoming increasingly affordable throughout the year. This ensures that abilities stay accessible and effective as the game evolves, giving players more strategic options to enhance their gameplay.

Overtime Mode Updates

Overtime Mode has added rewards and a new reward structure this year, which rewards players for going on win streaks. Withstand the pressure and win 3 games in a row and you’ll earn you the best prize. Whether you’re grinding for rewards or sharpening your skills, the updated Overtime Mode provides a more satisfying experience.

Quality of Life Upgrades

As developers, we understand that the little things can make a big difference. That’s why we’ve focused on delivering meaningful quality-of-life improvements in College Football 26. One of the changes we heard the most from you was the ability to view challenge objectives without pausing the game. Now, you can see your objectives directly on the playcall screen or bring them up at the line of scrimmage. It’s a small change, but one that will save players time and keep them immersed in the action.

With over 100 new challenges at launch and focus on an improved (and challenging)  solo experience also based on feedback, this will come in handy!

New Coaches: Real-Life Likenesses

CUT is bringing real-life coaches into the game, adding authenticity to team management. Players can trade in their current coach for another anytime, allowing for greater flexibility and customization.

Team Strategy Items: Boost Your Playstyle

Strategy is essential in CUT, and this year, players will have access to new team strategy items that improve specific stats based on team playstyles. When you select your favorite team, you’ll receive one strategy item to start. You can purchase additional strategy items with coins, giving you the tools to adjust your team to your preferred playstyle and gain a competitive edge.

Launch Content

Pre-Order Offers:

Don't forget, you will be able to receive the following items for preordering College Football 26 Deluxe Edition or the MVP Bundle! 

Top Prospect Pack (Pick 1 of 4 NOTG players)

Players who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition before June 19th will receive this pack. Now only available in the MVP Bundle.

• 83 OVR BND - Cam Coleman - WR (Auburn)
• 83 OVR BND - Isaiah Nwokobia - SS (SMU)
• 83 OVR BND - Dae'Quan Wright - TE (Ole Miss)
• 83 OVR BND - Zane Durant - DT (Penn State)

Fresh Faces Pack  (Pick 1 of the 5 Fresh Faces players):

Starting June 26th, you will have until Worldwide Launch to pre-order the deluxe edition of College Football 26 to receive this pack. If you miss the opportunity, this pack will be available with the MVP Bundle until Madden NFL 26 launches worldwide on August 14th.

• 83 OVR BND - Noah Arinze - LEDGE  
• 83 OVR BND - Derrick Maxey II - SS
• 83 OVR BND - Cole Best - C
• 83 OVR BND - London Humphreys - WR
• 83 OVR BND - Rico Jackson - LT

Bundle Exclusive CUT Elite Player Item

For MVP Bundle players only, you will earn a 83 OVR Dylan Stewart when you log in! 

Early Access Exclusive Players

Your chance to earn legends Brian Urlacher & Ricky Williams is here for Early Access only! These players will be available in all packs at the start of early access until worldwide launch.

All Hands Ultimate Team Pack

For those who pre-ordered either the Deluxe Edition or the MVP Bundle. You will be able to choose between cover athletes Ryan Williams & Jeremiah Smith with the All Hands Ultimate Team Pack.

Day 1 Programs

Let’s take a sneak peek at the programs that will be starting during Early Access! 

Names of the Game celebrates players with the most legendary or unforgettable names in college football. With new and exciting names, this program puts fun, personality and laughter front and center.

Standouts

Celebrate the rising stars of College Football, those making a wave in every class level. This program shines a light on some of the biggest players to shine on the field, these players will have unique baked-in mental abilities that match their experience (team player, fan favorite, clear-headed leader).  Each class comes with built in-mental ability reflecting their level.

Season 1

College Football is back! Start strong in Season 1 by earning exclusive rewards like an 87 OVR BND Xavier Scott by completing objectives. Make sure to tune into our CFB Rundown Launch Special Stream at EASportsCollege for a full reveal of the first season and other programs!

CUT 25 TO CUT 26 CROSSOVER ITEMS

Don't forget! For those who earned certain players in CFB 25, you will have a few player items waiting for you in CFB 26.

• Devin Hester 
• Haloti Ngata 
• Eric Dickerson

We also have a new drops program on the way for you so let's learn what it is and how it will work! 

Campus Tokens

We’re proud to introduce a brand-new item you can earn through Twitch Drops by tuning into select College Football 26 content: Campus Tokens. Campus Tokens are exclusively earned through Twitch Drops. Let’s talk about Twitch Drops before we go any further. 

Twitch drops are a way for you to earn content just by watching your favorite creators! Make sure that you have your EA Account Linked to your Twitch Account which you can do here and then begin watching! Once you earn a reward, it will show up in your Twitch Inventory and from there you will be able to claim your reward! More information about drops can be found here. 

Back to Campus Tokens. These tokens will act as a currency used to redeem Campus Token–specific sets. We wanted to provide you the power to choose your own rewards. You’ll be able to earn player items—including an exclusive 99 OVR Michael Crabtree! Let’s kick it to UpAndAdam to break it all down.

Earn Campus Tokens by watching select College Football 26 content on Twitch when drops are active. Spend freely or save your tokens however you see fit! Worried about binder space? Don’t be—10 Campus Tokens can be converted into 1 Super Token for added flexibility. Also, Campus Token redemption sets will continue to update as new content drops in College Ultimate Team.

Previously, you’d earn a Twitch Pack containing players for your Ultimate Team. Now, that format has been redesigned: you’ll receive one Campus Token and two random player items. Use Campus Tokens to redeem for any of the content listed on the image below!

By the time that Michael Crabtree is available, if you watched every piece of scheduled CFB Live & CFB Rundown content, players will have earned at least 250 Campus Tokens in total. Keep in mind that we will have other Campaigns but make sure you tune into CFB Live’s and CFB Rundown’s to give yourself the best chance to earn as many rewards as possible. You will be able to begin earning drops as soon as the CUT Special Stream goes live. Stay tuned to EASPORTS_CUT for details!

The exclusive Michael Crabtree Campus Token player item will be revealed at a later date so stay tuned to EASPORTS_CUT and the CFB Rundown for more information! But, we can confirm this item will be 99 OVR! We are excited to bring to you this Twitch Drops program and cannot wait to see where you redeem your tokens. 

Road to the College Football Playoffs

THE CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE

Last season, the Road to the College Football Playoffs (R2CFP) mode was electric with millions of games played and a wide variety of teams being utilized. R2CFP is back and better than ever with key updates that change how players compete and progress. This competitive system is designed to reward skill, strategy, and consistency. If you want to make a serious run at the National Championship, here’s what you need to know and why it matters.  

CLEAR OBJECTIVES

Seasons now consist of 12 games instead of 10, offering players a more authentic experience. Your number of wins directly decides whether you move up or down. 

Rankings are not just for show—they directly affect who makes the Playoffs, as you need to finish the season in the top 12 to go to the postseason. Starting ranks have also been adjusted which creates more movement and meaningful games from the start. The higher you climb through the divisions, the more wins you’ll need to advance to the next!

Ex. Recruit starts at rank 20 and Heisman at rank 136.

HOMEFIELD ADVANTAGE FOR REAL

The environment matters. Home and away matchups are not just cosmetic anymore; they have real consequences. You’ll feel the crowd, the pressure, and the shift in energy. Winning on the road, especially against a stronger team, earns you more points toward your rank. The better the opponent and the tougher the environment, the greater the reward.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT

The new Opponent Screen gives you complete intel. Before kickoff, you’ll know their record, how many championships they’ve won, and their offensive tendencies. Scouting is now part of the strategy.  

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

You can now view your past results within your current division, allowing you to track your progress and your setbacks. Stay sharp, learn from every matchup, and adjust for the next big game. With updated leaderboards, you can see exactly where you stand—globally and among your friends. Plus, now if you pull off something amazing, that trophy now gets added to your Trophy Room. It's more than just bragging rights—it showcases your hard work.

TEAM RANKINGS

TOP 25 OVERALL

1. Alabama Crimson Tide | 89
2. Texas Longhorns | 88
3. Ohio State Buckeyes | 88
4. Penn State Nittany Lions | 88
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 88
6. Georgia Bulldogs | 88
7. Clemson Tigers | 88
8. Texas A&M Aggies | 88
9. Oregon Ducks | 86 
10. LSU Tigers | 86 
11. Miami Hurricanes | 86 
12. Florida Gators | 86 
13. Texas Tech Red Raiders | 86
14. Arizona State Sun Devils | 85 
15. Michigan Wolverines | 85 
16. Ole Miss Rebels | 85
17. Oklahoma Sooners | 85 
18. Indiana Hoosiers | 85 
19. SMU Mustangs | 84 
20. Tennessee Volunteers | 84 
21. Missouri Tigers | 84 
22. Auburn Tigers | 84 
23. Duke Blue Devils | 84
24. South Carolina Gamecocks | 82 
25. Illinois Fighting Illini | 82

TOP 25 OFFENSES

1. Texas Longhorns | 91
2. Penn State Nittany Lions | 91
3. Ohio State Buckeyes | 91
4. Arizona State Sun Devils | 91
5. Clemson Tigers | 89
6. LSU Tigers | 89
7. Alabama Crimson Tide | 89
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 89
9. Florida Gators | 89
10. Miami Hurricanes | 89
11. Indiana Hoosiers | 89
12. Texas A&M Aggies | 89
13. Georgia Bulldogs | 87
14. Oklahoma Sooners | 87
15. SMU Mustangs | 87
16. BYU Cougars | 87
17. Baylor Bears | 87
18. Texas Tech Red Raiders | 87
19. Oregon Ducks | 85
20. Ole Miss Rebels | 85
21. USC Trojans | 85
22. Boise State Broncos | 85
23. Iowa State Cyclones | 85
24. Nebraska Cornhuskers | 85
25. South Carolina Gamecocks | 85

TOP 25 DEFENSES

1. Alabama Crimson Tide | 96
2. Texas Longhorns | 94
3. Penn State Nittany Lions | 94
4. Georgia Bulldogs | 92
5. Ohio State Buckeyes | 92
6. Michigan Wolverines | 92
7. Oregon Ducks | 92
8. LSU Tigers | 92
9. Texas Tech Red Raiders | 92
10. Clemson Tigers | 90
11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 90
12. Texas A&M Aggies | 90
13. Tennessee Volunteers | 88
14. Indiana Hoosiers | 88
15. Miami Hurricanes | 88
16. Duke Blue Devils | 88
17. Oklahoma Sooners | 88
18. Illinois Fighting Illini | 86
19. Kansas State Wildcats | 86
20. Ole Miss Rebels | 86
21. Pittsburgh Panthers | 86
22. South Carolina Gamecocks | 84
23. Arizona State Sun Devils | 84
24. Iowa Hawkeyes | 84
25. Florida Gators | 84

See You on The Field

And there we have it everyone. We can't wait for you to get your hands on the game on July 10th! We hope you enjoyed the Deep Dive Campus Huddles as much as we enjoyed providing them to you. Thank you so much for your continued passion, dedication, and excitement for College Football 26. We will have more to tell you in the coming weeks about upcoming changes in Title Update Campus Huddles, but for now, the pen is being put down, and we are getting on the sticks to celebrate this moment with you. Until next time!

— The Entire College Football 26 Development Team

College Football 26 launches worldwide on July 10, 2025. Pre-order the Deluxe Edition** or the EA SPORTS™ MVP Bundle* and play 3 days early. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and EA Forums.

*Conditions & restrictions apply. See ea.com/games/ea-sports-college-football/college-football-26/game-disclaimers for details.

**Conditions & restrictions apply. See https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/game-disclaimers for details.