College Football 26 review: Another jump forward for CFB

In simple terms, EA SPORTS College Football 26 represents an improvement as it comes back into the series, yet certain aspects, which required adjustments from the previous year, still seem underdeveloped.

In May 2024, EA SPORTS’ College Football returned with a bang after more than a decade’s absence. For the first time in over a decade, football enthusiasts had the opportunity to embody their beloved schools on the field. Unsurprisingly, it was an overwhelming success and went on to become the highest-selling sports game ever made.

EA Sports has rolled out the latest version in their series, titled College Football 26. This new release boasts numerous graphical enhancements, improvements across all game modes, and long-awaited adjustments that were previously absent.

The latest edition of College Football, version 26, is significantly improved compared to its previous versions, yet there are still some minor issues that require fine-tuning.

College Football 26 screenshots

1 of 5

What is College Football 26 about?

As soon as you step into CFB 26, it’s clear that the gameplay has improved significantly compared to the previous version, with a more polished presentation starting right from when your team takes to the field through the tunnel, which surpasses College Football 25 in terms of quality.

Enhancing the selection of fresh tunes for significant moments is crucial. There’s nothing quite like dashing out to “Enter Sandman” during a late-season night game at Lane Stadium. This music carries throughout the menus, ensuring that we won’t be stuck with the same drumline tune playing repetitively this year.

The pace at which games are played is crucial, particularly since the College Football series aims to differ from being just like Madden. Although it’s not identical, there’s definitely a faster movement of players this year that can sometimes give a somewhat similar feel to Madden.

Dynasty remains the gold standard

As a dedicated gamer immersed in College Football 26, I can confidently say that what sets this game apart is its captivating Dynasty and Road to Glory Modes. Among all sports games, none match the depth and challenge of the Dynasty Mode. This year, recruiting has become a whole new ball game – the hurdles are higher, and success isn’t handed out on a silver platter. The thrill of landing a top job is still there, but securing it now requires some serious elbow grease and coach upgrades. It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about building a legacy.

Initially, things seem less challenging. EA has simplified the process by making it more apparent which positions require hiring. Investing effort in a recruitment battle pays off significantly, and there won’t be any five-star recruits joining teams in the Sun Belt for some time.

The Road to Glory has undergone some enhancements, yet it seems somewhat incomplete. Although High School makes its return, it appears to be only partially integrated. Players familiar with the NBA 2K MyCareer mode who expect a rapid transition from playing a few games to the professional leagues might share this sensation.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the college life aspect in RTG has significantly improved this year. The importance of position battles and building trust with coaches is more apparent than ever before, and it demands a considerable amount of your time. It’s another step forward, but there’s always room for further refinement.

Commentary still isn’t perfect

As an ardent football enthusiast, I’ve noticed that while the visual enhancements in College Football 26 are impressive, the commentary could use some improvement. At times, the broadcasters seem to overlook the intense emotions associated with key moments, which can sometimes leave me feeling a bit underwhelmed.

In sports broadcasts, it’s common to hear frequent commentary, but it gets monotonous when I consistently achieve a first down with Marshall and the announcer says “The Thundering Herd thunders down the field.” The phrase loses its charm over time. Fortunately, you won’t hear the name Mo Bamba called out during every third-down play.

In games dominated by Field Pulse, it seems as though the commentators are broadcasting from a distance instead of being in the stadium itself. An additional update would greatly enhance these moments and solidify the emergence of a new age for College Football history.

Verdict

In terms of improvement, College Football 26 undeniably surpasses its previous version. Its visual appeal is captivating, and the gameplay offers a distinctly unique experience compared to Madden, making it worth investing substantial time.

Mastering the one-player modes proves to be quite tough, yet once you grasp some key aspects, the sense of accomplishment is undeniably satisfying, making it worth investing your time. It’s hard to tear yourself away from Dynasty at any moment, as it has a tendency to absorb a significant portion of your life.

If enhancements are implemented consistently throughout the year, or specifically for CFB 27, then EA SPORTS would have fulfilled everyone’s desires.

Read More

2025-07-11 18:51