EA Sports College Football 26 has arrived, and with it comes one of the franchise’s most beloved features: Dynasty Mode. For many players, this mode is the true heart of the game, offering the chance to shape a program, recruit prospects, manage rosters, and chase national glory season after season.

But before you start calling plays and battling rivals, there’s one critical choice to make: Which team should you take over? The answer depends on your style of play, patience level, and appetite for challenge. Having enough CUT 26 Coins can help you make choices. Some players thrive on rebuilding fallen giants, while others want to enjoy the dominance of a powerhouse right away. This guide breaks down the different types of programs available and what each path offers.

Building From the Ground Up

If you love a true underdog story, taking over a program that has just moved to the FBS level will be your ultimate test. In College Football 26, teams like Delaware and Missouri State enter the season as one-star programs in Conference USA.

Delaware has been consistently strong at the FCS level, with multiple eight-win seasons and a 2023 playoff appearance.

Missouri State hasn’t been as successful recently, but did rebound with eight wins last season after back-to-back struggles.

Kennesaw State is in its second year of transition and coming off a 2-10 record, making it another intriguing long-term project.

Moving up to the FBS is rarely smooth sailing, so expect growing pains. However, for players who enjoy patience and persistence, few journeys are as rewarding as turning these small programs into competitive forces.

Buyer Beware Programs

Some schools have a long history of struggles, and taking them on in Dynasty Mode is not for the faint of heart. Akron and Kent State in the MAC are rated as zero-star prestige programs.

Akron has just two winning seasons in the past 20 years.

Kent State is reeling after back-to-back years of one and zero wins.

Rice, a one-star team in the AAC, has seen bowl games recently but hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2014.

Choosing one of these schools is a gamble. Success will come slowly, but if you do manage to turn them around, it’s one of the most gratifying experiences in the game.

Reviving a Downtrodden Program

Some programs aren’t brand-new or bottom-of-the-barrel but have fallen on hard times. In College Football 26, these include Purdue, Virginia, Stanford, and Louisiana Tech.

Purdue went 1-11 last season and lost key players to the transfer portal.

Virginia has just three winning seasons since 2010 and only 11 wins in the past three years.

Stanford, once a national contender, has managed only three wins in each of the past four seasons, struggling with realignment and NIL challenges.

Louisiana Tech hasn’t topped five wins since 2019 and is now a one-star program.

These schools all have proud traditions and flashes of past success. The challenge lies in restoring them to relevance in conferences that won’t make things easy.

Stepping Stone Schools

If your goal is to climb the coaching ladder rather than stay in one place forever, look for programs that set you up for the next big job. Schools like James Madison, UNLV, and Washington State are prime examples.

James Madison has a strong roster and the talent to dominate the Sun Belt.

UNLV is on the rise in the Mountain West and is a great platform for advancement.

Washington State has a track record of producing coaches who get hired away.

Succeeding at these schools could make your virtual coach an attractive candidate for Power Four jobs, mirroring real-life coaching moves.

Attach Yourself to a Rising Coach

College Football 26 also lets you play as real-life head coaches, giving you another way to approach Dynasty Mode. Choosing someone with upward mobility can change how your journey unfolds.

Jon Sumrall (Troy/Tulane) and Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State) are young stars in the coaching world.

Bob Chesney (James Madison) is coming off a nine-win debut season.

Jeff Monken (Army) has been solid for years and is often linked to bigger jobs.

Or go bold with a big name like Eddie George at Bowling Green.

This path adds a personal twist, letting you live out the career of a coach poised for bigger opportunities.

Programs in Transition

Realignment has made life tricky for several well-known schools. Cincinnati, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and West Virginia are all facing new challenges in stronger, restructured conferences.

Cincinnati has struggled since joining the Big 12.

Kentucky and Wisconsin now face tougher schedules without divisional play.

West Virginia continues to search for stability, even bringing back former coach Rich Rodriguez to help rebuild its identity.

Each of these programs has a rich history, but must navigate new terrain. They’re ideal for players who want a realistic mix of tradition and challenge.

Breaking Through the Ceiling

Some schools are perennial contenders but haven’t yet reached the ultimate prize. In College Football, these include Oregon, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.

Oregon has twice played for a national title but has yet to win it all.

Ole Miss has elevated its profile but is still searching for a playoff breakthrough.

Texas A&M has immense resources, but hasn’t delivered consistent success.

These are programs with the pieces to succeed—you just need to provide the final push. Having a lot of CFB 26 Coins provides a good boost.

The Juggernauts

Finally, if you’re less interested in rebuilding and simply want to dominate, the top-tier programs are your safest bet: Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.

Ohio State is fresh off a national championship.

Georgia continues to rule the SEC.

Alabama is still a powerhouse, even after a “down” 9-4 season.

This path offers the least resistance. You’ll have access to elite recruits, stacked rosters, and a clear shot at championships. The tradeoff? Less challenge and less satisfaction compared to a true rebuild.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a team in Dynasty Mode isn’t just about roster strength—it’s about the story you want to tell. Do you want to grind for years to turn Delaware into a household name? Revive fallen giants like Stanford or Purdue? Build a résumé at James Madison before leaping to the Power Four? Or step straight into the shoes of Alabama and chase titles from day one?

Whatever your preference, College Football 26 gives you the tools to shape your own coaching legacy. The question is: which road will you take?