CFB 26

[Lancer]

First game was LSU taking on South Carolina, I couldnt get anything going in the passing game. I believe Nussmeier finished 7-14-60 with two picks. 2nd half my defense was all over the cocks and my running game took off and I was able to pull out a 17-3 victory. The Cocks missed 3 Field goals in this game. Game was fun…definitely a big improvement over last years game as far as I’m concerned.

this is good to hear.

initial impressions on reddit is they're saying the game feels too much like madden this year. that it doesn't feel as wide open as last year. that's it's more slower this year.

I hope to play both versions by tomorrow and give some initial feedback. I really hope for PS5 they utilized the haptic feedback and microphone on the controller. Last year madden had it but it was very weak. All you got was the snap count from the QB and the referee would announce the penalty thru the microphone. Even thought it was very small it did add to the experience.

[Danimal]

I was a little skeptical about how much different this game could feel in one year and I'm glad I was completely wrong in my assumptions.

I've played about 5 games, the game play feels so much better so much more refined. There is real weight to it, big hits you can almost feel them. Guys in the wrong spots miss tackles, I don't even know where to start on how much better this feels gameplay wise.

Atmosphere is THROUGH THE f***in ROOF. It so much more loud, so much more intense. Intro songs sound great, chants, songs between plays. Walking into the stadium as Virgina Tech with Enter the Sandman playing was great. The crowd singing Mr. Brightside coming out of halftime at the big house perfect, Swag Surfing playing during a pause in the action. Music is such a big part of the CFB experience and to see what they did in just one year is fantastic.

Love the real life coaches, all the new plays. Having dived into Dynasty or any other mode at this point. Quick subs is a nice feature.

My only nitpick is there is so much new stuff in gameplay a bunch of tutorials would of been nice to have.

If Madden steps it up like CFB26 did this could be the best year of football yet.

[Lancer]

I played PS5 version for like 5 min. I just got home and tired from work so probably this impression is not the best.

Gameplay - It's fine. It's not like madden. I think they got it right. I do like the more fast paced feel of last year because it feels more arcade but no problem so far this year.

Graphics - PS5 like last year has that grey filter which I dont really like. Not sure why EA does that. But you won't notice it if you don't endlessly go crazy comparing the game on both systems.

Player models - seem more generic to me vs last year. I am not sure, need to play more but that's what I felt.

Presentation is 100 x better. And this is PLAY NOW. I've read in Dynasty mode it's incredible.

Overall feel - yeah its a lot like last years game. I wasn't very excited to play. But it's always like this with the 10 hour trials. Feel rushed since I got a time limit on me. And I"m super tired.

[Lancer]

Oh yeah no
Ps5 haptics or mic - bummer

[Danimal]

FYI for those who don't know you can call defensive line stunts. I don't see anywhere in the game it tells you how but on the Xbox it can be done in one of 2 ways.

On the play call screen hold down the play your choosing button and a small menu of stunts comes up. Use the d-pad to select and then let go of the button.

From the pre-snap screen hit the D-Pad left for line adjustments and then R1, choose a stunt from the list and hit the corresponding button.

Depending upon the formation called you can have multiple stunts options.

Other things I found, in setting there is an option to let the WR use AI for human teams which makes them attempt to catch the ball without your interaction.

With coaching vision you can see information for each set of players ie O-Line, DL, LB etc. It brings up a graphic I have no idea what this graphic means at this point.

Coach options has setting for safety depth and width along with other choices.

I think they removed the options to key run or pass, if its there I missed it.

Finally people are saying you are not responsible for adjusting your line to pick up stunts, blitzed etc. using the full or half slide and ID the mike. They are saying the game will not auto adjust for you and this is by design. I don't know if that is true or not.

[TCrouch]

There is a key to guess pass/run, but it's a little different than it was before. I think it was like RB/R1 and then the sticks.

It also has route commit, so you can have your secondary jump out routes.

It really does give you every tool in the toolbox...just have to figure out when to deploy them and get a little lucky.

[Danimal]

There is a key to guess pass/run, but it's a little different than it was before. I think it was like RB/R1 and then the sticks.

It also has route commit, so you can have your secondary jump out routes.

It really does give you every tool in the toolbox...just have to figure out when to deploy them and get a little lucky.

I agree, I just wish there was a little more guidance on their usage. I understand a lot of people will go into practice mode to figure this stuff out but I'm not one of them. Although I did go in for a little while today just to call line stunts and see what they did. They are much more effective if I don't control the DL

I like being able to move the safeties up, I just wish it wasn't in the coaching adjustments.

One thing I've noticed since starting a Dynasty is wear and tear is legit, make sure not to overuse your RB1 or make sure the auto sub settings with W&T are set correctly.

There are still things going on I'm not sure what they are. Sometimes when I call for a fake snap, my QB does nothing and a white helmet avatar appears under him. I assume this means he can't hear but I'm not positive.

[TCrouch]

I've been just manually subbing the HB in and out.

It's so much simpler now with the Dpad-up subs on the fly. I just give my HB1 a few carries, then move to HB2 for awhile. I've ever used HB3 in some extreme cases. It's weird that I can't seem to do it from the playcall screen (the Dpad only works on the field for the next play onward, it seems).

I'm the same, though...just been wingin' it with no idea how to do the things quickly and effectively yet.

I do LOVE the "block steering" on defense, though. Just slamming into a block and using R2 to hold the gap/steer the blocker, instead of trying to do a dodge around a blocker to avoid getting sucked in, and giving up a massive running lane by running out of position.

I noticed the coach recommendations seem to vary a lot more, too. I'm going whole games and seeing new plays consistently, and they change more per down and distance. I pretty much just pick something and rip it. Not a lot of hot routes or audibles, and it's giving me a lot more productive plays and not calling 4 verts every 3rd down.

[Lancer]

going to start dynasty because that's probably where you'll notice all the changes for this year.

but if you're a casual CFB gamer and really don't do recuriting and all the other stuff and just play the games, you may just want to stick w/ cfb25. Especially if you have it thru Gamepass/EA Play.

10 hours on each system is more than enough if youre on the fence about buying and just want to try it out first.
--

if you're into teambuilder it's sort of improved this year. You get 3 generic stadiums and 1 Pro Stadium they brought over from Madden. Reddit hates them because they promised logos/branding on the generic stadiums but EA didnt do that. I do like the generic stadiums.

Still no endzone logo's in championship games which I hope they fix. But naming rosters is incredible! you can create legendary teams now or create your long past college team you were part of.

[Lancer]

I started dynasty and my first impressions after 2 games was this game is boring. I see why ppl say it plays like madden. I feel like last year's game was much faster and wide open. It played more arcadey and I prefer that in football games. Especially college football because it is an arcade like sport. no player is perfect or near perfect like in the NFL so you do have that big mistake that gives up that big play or big turnover.

But more I played the more I got into 26. Now I am really liking it. I think I'm into game 6 now of my dynasty. I skipped the recuriting stuff because I wanted to test out the gameplay. All my games have been really close and right down to the end. This year it's really hard to run the ball but I'm learning. Passing is harder too and the cross routes that were money last year dont really work.

I will need to play more. I think I literally had a billion hours in CFB25 so it's hard to get 25 out of my head when playing 26. At this point I still find 25 more fun but that may change when I get more into all the aspects of 26 rather than just gameplay.

[Danimal]

going to start dynasty because that's probably where you'll notice all the changes for this year.

but if you're a casual CFB gamer and really don't do recuriting and all the other stuff and just play the games, you may just want to stick w/ cfb25. Especially if you have it thru Gamepass/EA Play.

Couldn't disagree more with this statement, the game on the field is the most refined and realistic it's ever been in my opinion, I guess if by casual you mean just pick plays and don't know jack s*** about football then ok yeah it's the same.

[Lancer]

going to start dynasty because that's probably where you'll notice all the changes for this year.

but if you're a casual CFB gamer and really don't do recuriting and all the other stuff and just play the games, you may just want to stick w/ cfb25. Especially if you have it thru Gamepass/EA Play.

Couldn't disagree more with this statement, the game on the field is the most refined and realistic it's ever been in my opinion, I guess if by casual you mean just pick plays and don't know jack s*** about football then ok yeah it's the same.

Ok boomer

[Lancer]

Played some more and what I come back to is this game isn't as fun last cfb25 was. It may be better, but it's not as fun imo right now.

It's like they took the college out of football in 26.

I may end up not buying it on release. Or just wait for it to hit gamepass/ea play next March.

I went back to 25 after not playing 25 for 4 days and I just prefer the faster gameplay of 25 and the 'organic' feel 25 has that mimic's college football. The big plays, the big interceptions, the big triumphs and tragedy's. 25 plays like how a college game should play. whereas 26 plays more of a methodical game which is fine but that's not college football.

the presentation and night game lighting in 26 is better though.

but the game hasn't been officially release yet. so i'm sure EA will be releasing a big patch like they always do after official launch day. Let's see what they change before saying no or yes to this game.

[sportdan30]

My take after a few hours is that I'm very mediocre at this game, but I'm willing to put the time in to get better. I played quite a few of the mini games last night and they were quite helpful, and challenging! Hats off to anyone who can get gold in every one of the mini games.

I then started and restarted the same opponent (New Mexico) vs. Kansas (me) because I kept getting frustrated by getting down big early in the first half. By my third or fourth restart, I played the entire game and won 30-21 with 5 minute quarters. Got a bit more confident in my defensive play calling, but I made zero changes when I came to the line. I felt as though I was reading the defenses fairly well, made the quick check downs to avoid throwing int's. Still, I didn't hot route or audible except for maybe once.

My biggest challenge is making adjustments, particularly on defense before the offense snaps the ball. I feel like I'm being rushed and don't have time, but I guess I just need to play several PLAY NOW games to get comfortable.

The atmosphere is great, the animations have improved, and I'm loving the variety of tackles.

1 penalty throughout my play time and it was an offensive pass interference. From what I understand, the penalty sliders are effective.

Playing on AA with no changes thus far. I'm likely to steer clear of making any major changes, but may use a hybrid of someone's and myself.

I really played sparingly last year (less than 3 hours), but I'm enthusiastic to give this game a good hard look. Perhaps I'll go with a lower tier team like Mizzourah, because I do tend to get frustrated playing with MY team at times.

[pk500]

-- Animations are better, especially tackling. Dan is right: You feel the hits more this year.
-- Graphics are cleaner
-- Game day presentation is nuts, especially the music
-- Quarterbacks aren't nearly as accurate, which is good
-- You will pay far more dearly for throwing into double coverage this year compared to CFB 25
-- Really hard for these old eyes to see yard of line of scrimmage and quarter in new on-screen graphics. Dislike.
-- Holes close more quickly when running, which is good
-- The juke move with the triggers doesn't seem as effective, which is good

Anyone who says this game isn't improved over 2025 is high. It's definitely better, more realistic, less arcade.

But ... CFB 25 already was damn good and fun. This game is better. But are the improvements blowing me away enough to fork out $70 right now? Nope.

I'll wait until this game goes on a fairly significant sale and keep CFB 25 to tide me over. But that's more of an byproduct of me being a cheap f*ck, not that this game hasn't improved.

[dbdynsty25]

I'll wait until this game goes on a fairly significant sale and keep CFB 25 to tide me over. But that's more of an byproduct of me being a cheap f*ck, not that this game hasn't improved.

It's improved for sure - but definitely not $70 improved. I'll be sticking with 25 after the 10 hour trial is over for sure. And I'm not a cheap f*ck...I spend money on stupid sh*t. Not this time.

[Danimal]

I'll wait until this game goes on a fairly significant sale and keep CFB 25 to tide me over. But that's more of an byproduct of me being a cheap f*ck, not that this game hasn't improved.

It's improved for sure - but definitely not $70 improved. I'll be sticking with 25 after the 10 hour trial is over for sure. And I'm not a cheap f*ck...I spend money on stupid sh*t. Not this time.

I never said it was $70 improved but what yearly sports game is? The Show sure isn't, neither is NBA2K so I didn't use the cost in my statement I was just disagreeing with the statement it felt the same. I buy one Xbox game a year and this is the one and I hope Madden is just as good.

[Danimal]

There was also an update when I booted up this afternoon but I have no idea what it does. I did see some pregame graphics in Dynasty I hadn't seen before.

[dbdynsty25]

I never said it was $70 improved but what yearly sports game is? The Show sure isn't, neither is NBA2K so I didn't use the cost in my statement I was just disagreeing with the statement it felt the same. I buy one Xbox game a year and this is the one and I hope Madden is just as good.

I wasn't quoting you - why are you so defensive? If you like it, awesome. Do you. I was simply agreeing with PK.

[Lancer]

I'll wait until this game goes on a fairly significant sale and keep CFB 25 to tide me over. But that's more of an byproduct of me being a cheap f*ck, not that this game hasn't improved.

It's improved for sure - but definitely not $70 improved. I'll be sticking with 25 after the 10 hour trial is over for sure. And I'm not a cheap f*ck...I spend money on stupid sh*t. Not this time.

I never said it was $70 improved but what yearly sports game is? The Show sure isn't, neither is NBA2K so I didn't use the cost in my statement I was just disagreeing with the statement it felt the same. I buy one Xbox game a year and this is the one and I hope Madden is just as good.

he wasn't replying to you bro. calm down.

agree with the others here. I really like the game but the experience for me with 25 is just more fun. This is my hobby and I don't mind spending money on it and last year I bought this game on both systems. That's how much I love 25! I played it nearly everyday since it released. I dont remember any game in a very long time where I had so much playing than 25.

but I have to say when I play 26 the presentation really itches the graphics whore in me. It's tempting to not buy it.

who am I kidding, I'll probably buy it after the 20 hours are up lol

[TCrouch]

I just wish I could figure out the pass protections a little better. I've really started to have excellent results with setting the Mike on running plays, and I get the basics of your protection working out from the ID'd Mike in pass pro...but my God, it feels like a lot of times I'm getting absolutely HAMMERED half a second after the snap.

I've also really gone as difficult as I care to do...made a 2-star RTG QB who's a dual threat despite having like 70 speed...passed most of the challenges on AA difficulty in high school, but realistically no good team wanted a 2-star 65 ovr QB. So I ended up at Rice due to a 3-star bump to the GPA meter.

But on the field...doesn't matter who I play. The RB loses 3 yards per carry and pass pro is non-existent. I might as well just predetermine a button, snap the ball and immediately throw it (and pray).

All that whining to say it's actually been incredibly fun, in a weird/frustrating way. I seriously have to figure out the line slides and pass pro adjustments out to see if it's just a horrible OL or my ignorance. I think it's the latter, since even FCS Southeast or whatever got home for a bunch of sacks with an offense that looks like it's straight out of the 50s. 45 runs and 15 play actions per game...and a running game that gets no yards, so ever PA is a 7 yard sack

[Danimal]

I just wish I could figure out the pass protections a little better. I've really started to have excellent results with setting the Mike on running plays, and I get the basics of your protection working out from the ID'd Mike in pass pro...but my God, it feels like a lot of times I'm getting absolutely HAMMERED half a second after the snap.

I saw a video last night on this subject and now can't find it again. I'm playing a Michigan Dynasty and I'm not getting sacked a crazy amount, but I almost feel like the slide protection isn't working. When I call it up and tell it to slide Left for example the screen still stays up there so I'm not sure if it's actually happening or not. Also on HB screens I can barely get the play off against some teams. Feel like I might need to mess with the sliders.

I'm not having issues running but again I'm using Michigan so idk if that's why or not.

I played USC in my dynasty last night on the road. Was a complete defensive game, it was 3-3 going into the 4th quarter. They had the box stacked and I couldn't get anyone open. I ran a few quick WR screens something I never call because in the past they never worked and was able to break some decent gains and then they backed out of the box and I scored with 5 minutes left. Of course, USC came down and scored, mainly when my safety missed a tackled on a slant and they broke it deep into my territory. I got the ball back with 1:52 wasn't able to do anything was forced to punt. They took over at midfield and their RB broke a run, FG end of game.

Probably one of the lowest scoring CFB game I've ever played but for sure the most fun, it felt realistic and not scripted.

I am bummed they fubared the penalty sliders, they worked so well in 25.

I also started a coach only franchise which I kind of enjoy just calling the plays, only thing I need to do is kick. Broadcast cam is a little wonky for my tastes but it's nice the QB will actually throw the ball now without user input.

[tjung0831]

CFB 26 feels like the College game I've been waiting for, for 12 years. 25 for whatever reason just didn't do it for me...it was cool to finally have it back but I think 26 is light years better.

[MizzouRah]

CFB 26 feels like the College game I've been waiting for, for 12 years. 25 for whatever reason just didn't do it for me...it was cool to finally have it back but I think 26 is light years better.

100% agree with this, 25 wasn't bad, it just was too wonky for me and you could send speedy WRs on streaks all day long and the CPU would just keep coming out in press.

26 is so much better in so many ways and hopefully they don't patch the crap out of it catering to the competitive crowd. I'm actually getting realistic results on 15n/14accel quarters, how refreshing.

[fsquid]

I find it fun, that is all. But, yea I really need to memorize the presnap controls as I sometimes don't get them done before the snap.

For those that think its like madden, are you using teams that have that style playbook? I use Memphis and its RPO heavy and the game feels like a college one to me.