After weeks upon weeks of hype, fans of college football have finally been given glimpses into what they can expect in terms of gameplay changes for College Football 26, due out on July 10, 2025. Building upon the formula that made its predecessor, College Football 25, the best-selling sports game in 2024, College Football 26 promises to make huge improvements to an already-beloved series through improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced AI, and deeper immersion into the world of college football. With a more realistic feel, updated visuals, and new modes that reflect the energy and drama of college football, this entry looks poised to elevate the series to new heights.
In the official gameplay deep dive released this morning, EA Sports showed off various new systems that will debut in CFB 26, as well as a host of features that have been tweaked to provide players with an even better experience.
Though one might see it as a small change, the introduction of dynamic substitutions should be a game-changer in College Football 26. In last year’s game, substitutions and changes had to be made at the pause menu. This year, EA has given the players the ability to make quick changes on the fly without having to press the pause button on their controller. It’s a small but welcome change that should keep players in the flow of the game.
Since the official announcement of College Football 26, realism has been at the forefront of the game’s promotion. This year, EA intends to take that realism and immersion to new levels by introducing over 300 real-life college coaches into the game. Not only does this add some of college football’s most popular and well-known personalities into the game, but it also aims to give each school its own realistic identity when it comes to playbooks.
Furthermore, the physicality of college football is also being taken into account this year. Similar to Madden 26, EA is instituting a new Wear and Tear system in College Football 26. As any ardent football fan can tell you, it’s a punishing sport. As such, players are constantly rotated in and out of games to preserve them for the long haul. CFB 26 has taken this into account and has made changes to the Wear and Tear system to encourage players to rotate their squad, lest they be more susceptible to injury. This means that depth will be more important than ever, putting even more pressure on you to recruit more effectively.
New abilities and refined archetypes are also a big selling point for CFB 26. This year, the game will be introducing two new abilities:
- Battering Ram – an offensive ability designed for powerful ball carriers
- Hammer – a defensive ability designed for hard-hitting linebackers and safeties
In addition to these new abilities, all abilities have been woven into the Wear and Tear system. This year, if a player is constantly taking a beating, they can lose up to two tiers on whatever ability they have. This means that even star players who are balling out will need a rest.
These are just a few of the features that were showcased in the College Football 26 gameplay deep dive. Stay tuned to Operation Sports throughout the day and weekend for more information on these new systems.
