Sure thing, here goes nothing. This might wander a bit, but hey, that’s life:
So, EA Sports, right? They’re being all secretive about what’s new in College Football 26. But the date’s creeping up—July 10, if you haven’t circled it in red yet—so we finally have the lowdown on the cornerstone of the game: Dynasty mode. And man, that’s where the magic happens.
Tuesday rolled around, and bam! EA Sports spilled the beans. Chris Vannini from The Athletic crashed EA’s party in late May to get the scoop. Imagine, right? Two days with a beta version, poking around and all. Both Chris and David Ubben got their hands dirty, so here’s what’s cooking in Dynasty. Not a full review, mind you. Just the changes—good, bad, and “what were they thinking?”
Expanded Experience
Chris jumps in like he’s got this nostalgic vibe about Dynasty. Do you remember those days as a kid? Games just hit different. Anyway, CFB 25 last year was a tease. Dynasty was like, promising but half-baked or something. Especially if you’re a sucker for the deep dives. This Trophy Room thing? Back with more bling. Customizing transfers per team, and commentators yapping about scores nationwide? Nice touch.
David’s got this journey from South Florida to Ole Miss story. A broken schedule, a “what – why is this happening?” kinda glitch. He’s hoping CFB 26 fixes that. Rivalry games too. The Trophy Room’s flashier, but he’s itching for game highlight reels. Imagine reliving those glory moments. Plus, real awards are back, so no more head-scratchers like when some random player scooped up the Best Running Back award.
Scheduling Shenanigans
Chris points out the protected opponents. Finally! The randomness before was just ugh. But truthfully, fiddling with it in beta felt clunky. Maybe the final version’s smoother. And he’s all wistful about controlling non-team games—those good ol’ NCAA days are sorely missed.
Coaching Changes
Flip to coaches. Okay, Chris gets the ball rolling on user-created coach gear. Like, hoodies, vests, shorts—the works. Perfect for someone who’s all about personal style. David eggs on the idea of customizable game-day fashion for coaches. Why not dress your avatar like game jerseys, right?
This new game goes hardcore with real coaches—over 300 at least! So the reality factor just went up a notch. Ever see virtual Lane Kiffin? A mix between hilarious and borderline freaky. But it’s immersive, and EA Sports is shaving off past limits left, right, and center.
Chris grumbles there were no real coaches during his beta-playing days. No surprise there; Bill Belichick’s missing by choice, classic move. The coaching scene—more dynamic, more alive. Fire your coach in the game if you’re miffed IRL! Coordinators have actual clout now, and career records? Check. Prestige grades? Double-check. And those skill levels climbing to 100? If you’re into that stuff, it’s like candy.
Recruiting Drama
Recruiting’s a biggie. Chris wasn’t vibing with it in old NCAA games, ya know. But now? More streamlined. The hit-the-buttons-for-just-finding-needs part? Gone. Transfer portal’s getting beefed up too.
David, not super hyped on recruiting, still acknowledges it’s eye-wateringly deep. Good on EA for mirroring the college football stratosphere. Ratings aren’t cookie-cutter, and the differences in seniority or position make sense. This ain’t just plugging numbers into spreadsheets.
Chris likes the local recruiting twist, cost-wise. A sprinkle of realism there. Still missing the chance to create prospects, though—a nod to the past left behind. But, oh! Crossplay’s here. Xbox and PlayStation 5, finally in cahoots. Cool for Xbox folks like Chris. A chance for these two to finally settle who’s the real Dynasty wizard.
David wraps with a cheeky, “easy question with a clear answer.” All in good fun, right?
(Images courtesy of EA Sports)
There you have it—raw and real!
