EA has dropped its latest installment of NCAA football, College Football 26. This means we’ll be kicking off Dynasty Mode once again. With numerous performance-heavy teams to choose from, selecting the right one for this journey can be a bit overwhelming.
While it all comes down to personal preference in the end, dynasty mode is the most fun when you pick a team that’s down in the rut and end up winning a championship with them. Sure, pick Alabama or Texas, and winning will feel like a walk in the park. However, if you go for a smaller program and rebuild it from scratch, the dopamine hit will be way higher. That said, here are my picks for the best teams to rebuild in College Football 26 Dynasty Mode.
Delaware Blue Hens
Take a fresh start with a fresh team, as the Delaware Blue Hens have just made their debut in EA Sports College Football. Choosing this team is perfect because right now, they’ll work as a blank slate. There’s no history or traditions behind this team, so you can completely alter everything to your liking.
With a rating of 59 in total, you will most likely face challenges after opting for this team. But if your preference is to grind from scratch, then this is the best team to start your Dynasty. You’ve got a promising base to begin with, thanks to running back Jo-Nathan Silver and free safety Seay showcasing impressive performance. However, the rest is up to you.
Vanderbilt Commodores
This team gets treated with two immensely solid bonuses in College Football 26. With a B+ in College Lifestyle and an A- in Academic Prestige rating, Vanderbilt offers its athletes numerous benefits. They also have a pretty decent Pipeline position, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on talent.
Thanks to these ratings and this position, you can expect a promising start in Dynasty. The Vanderbilt Commodores provide a promising foundation, but rising through the ranks depends entirely on your guts and will.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Just like the Vanderbilt Commodores, the Yellow Jackets also have solid ratings: a B- in Campus Lifestyle and a B+ in Academic Prestige. Plus, a strong command and ratings in other aspects of College Football.
In terms of location, however, expect tough competition, as there are many solid Pipelines in Georgia. Initially, you may have to utilize the talent that the big programs didn’t recruit — scrape the bottom of the barrel. However, as you climb up the ranks, more athletes will want to join your program, turning you into a powerhouse.
Rice Owls
Starting with a one-star coalition won’t be ideal for many, but there’s nothing more satisfying than working hard and making an exceptional name for yourself with a sleeper team. The Rice Owls are especially for those who are willing to take this step.
Sure, the C- Campus Lifestyle rating will cause hiccups, but the solid Academic Prestige rating is going to even things up, helping you stand out with the help of decent efforts. With this team, be patient, as you won’t be able to ace everything fast. Try not to make too many mistakes, invest some time, and you’ll be able to take the Rice Owls beyond ordinary.
Kent State Golden Flashes
Choosing this team is like working your way up from scratch, mostly due to Kent State’s questionable performance in the past two seasons. Since you won’t be working with experts right out of the box, the initial rebuilding stage is going to be slow and difficult.
Kent is a part of MAC, though, which is not that competitive of a ground. So, you’ll be at ease at the start. That said, once you start stepping on the gas and move up the ranks, you’ll be able to bring this team to conference-champion status.
Another obstacle you might run into with Kent is talent. While Ohio consists of top-tier players, convincing them to join you will be a challenge. However, you don’t make a legacy without some challenges in the way. Overall, if you recruit well and make good decisions, turning Kent State into an ultimate team won’t seem impossible.
Washington State Cougars
If you’re a Washington fan, chances are you want them to witness glory, even if it’s just in the game. With all of their top players and coaches gone, Washington definitely needs a Hail Mary to be on top again. The question is, are you up for the challenge?
Recruiting is going to be challenging, especially with powerhouses like Oregon dominating the Pacific Northwest. But don’t worry, Washington State still has access to solid recruiting pipelines — you just need to make smart choices. If you prefer rebuilding fallen programs through smart tactics and patience, this team is a solid pick.
