College Football 26 Releases New Update for October 2025

EA Sports College Football 26 received an update in October 2025, bringing changes to how the game plays and introducing ranked head-to-head matches in Ultimate Team. This new ranked system in College Football 26 is designed to give competitive players a rewarding experience, letting them progress through over 20 tiers to become the best.

Similar to the popular mode found in other EA Sports games, EA brought Ultimate Team to College Football 25 when the series returned after more than ten years. This mode offers a fresh way to play college football, letting players build their dream team by collecting top players – even some who are now stars in the NFL – using Coins they earn in the game.

Even though Ultimate Team offers a lot of ways to customize the game, fans have noted that the College Football mode doesn’t feel as competitive or rewarding as other game modes, as detailed in the latest update notes. To address this, a new head-to-head system has been introduced, making each Ultimate Team game more important. Players will be sorted into seven ranks-Bronze, Silver, Gold, Elite, Hero, Champ, and Top 100-each with three tiers. To determine your starting rank, you’ll need to play five placement matches. After that, you’ll move up or down the ranks based on how well you play, and the ranked seasons will reset on the first of every month.

This system offers several ways to earn rewards, primarily in the form of Coins. These Coins will allow players to enhance their College Football 26 student athlete experience. You’ll receive 5,000 coins for each game played, regardless of the outcome. Additionally, you can earn bonus coins by progressing through tiers – starting with 5,000 at the lowest level and reaching up to 100,000 for being among the top 100 players. Each month, you can earn even more Coins and a special player item based on your ranking; the first month’s rewards will spotlight Oklahoma Sooners safety Kendal Daniels.

A new update is now available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, released only three weeks after the September update for College Football 26. The previous update in September brought many improvements to offense and defense, most notably adding the new Odd Ghost defensive formation.

EA Sports College Football 26 Title Update Patch Notes (October 2, 2025)

College Ultimate Team – NEW Head to Head Ranked

We’ve listened to your feedback! A lot of you told us that Ultimate Team was lacking a competitive edge that felt truly satisfying. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Head to Head Ranked. It’s all thanks to your input!

This game mode focuses on competition and improving your skills. Each match helps you progress towards your next goal. Whether you win or lose, every game counts, and achieving improvements feels rewarding.

Let’s get started on how you can begin your journey and take on the competition!

How It Works

There will be 7 Ranks which you can place depending on how you perform. Each Rank is divided into 3 Tiers. Every player will start out as unranked and after 5 placement games, you will receive your starting rank which could be one of the following:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Elite
- Hero
- Champ
- Top 100
Rank up by earning enough points in the mode to progress to the next tier. How many points you earn will depend on your win/loss rating and the rank of your opponent
Players can also be demoted if their point total falls below the range of your current tier.
Ranked Seasons will reset on the first of every month

Now that you understand how to take part and where you might rank, let’s discuss the rewards you’ll receive for winning!

Rewards

Players can get rewards in a few different ways: by winning matches, improving their rank, and through end-of-season placement rewards. Here’s a complete look at everything you can earn!

End of game rewards:
- 5,000 coins for every win.
Rewards for advancing through Tiers:
- Bronze
  - Tier 1: 5,000 Coins
  - Tier 2: 6,000 Coins
  - Tier 3: 7,000 Coins
- Silver
  - Tier 1: 8,000 Coins
  - Tier 2: 10,000 Coins
  - Tier 3: 12,000 Coins
- Gold
  - Tier 1: 15,000 Coins
  - Tier 2: 18,000 Coins
  - Tier 3: 20,000 Coins
- Elite
  - Tier 1: 25,000 Coins
  - Tier 2: 30,000 Coins
  - Tier 3: 35,000 Coins
- Hero
  - Tier 1: 40,000 Coins
  - TIer 2: 50,000 Coins
  - Tier 3: 60,000 Coins
- Champion
  - TIer 1: 70,000 Coins
  - TIer 2: 80,000 Coins
  - Tier 3: 90,000 Coins
- Top 100
  - 100,000 Coins
On the first of the month, if you participated in Head to Head Ranked, you will earn a specific tier of a unique player item depending on what rank you have achieved. For the first reward this year, players will receive the following player item. More details can be found below.
- Kendal Daniels
- 6’5 239lbs
- SS Box Specialist
- If you place in the Top 100, you will receive a 92 OVR version. The lower you place, the lower his OVR will be as a reward.
- Starting at Hero Division Ranking or Higher, you will be able to change his scheme chemistry for free!!
- All versions of Kendal Daniels will be able to swap out his Team Chemistry for free!
- You will be able to apply him to any team you wish without having to pay for the change regardless of where you place!
Here is a full breakdown of your end of season rewards:
- Bronze
  - 83 OVR BND Kendal Daniels
- Silver
  - 85 OVR BND Kendal Daniels
  - 3,000 Coins
- Gold
  - 87 OVR BND Kendal Daniels
  - 10,000 Coins
- Elite
  - 89 OVR BND Kendal Daniels
  - 35,000 Coins
- Hero
  - 90 OVR BND Kendal Daniels
  - 60,000 Coins
- Champion
  - 91 OVR BND Kendal Daniels
  - 100,000 Coins
- Top 100
  - 92 OVR Kendal Daniels
    - Abilities Buckets (x3)
      - Gold (-2 discounted AP) + Silver (discounted -3AP)
      - Gold (-2 discounted AP) + Silver (discounted -3AP)
      - Gold + Silver (discounted -2 AP)
  - 250,000 Coins

Gameplay Updates

Passing Game

Route Stem Logic Change – Updated route stems to a 3 yard minimum.
- DEV NOTE: This change enables defensive backs to read and react more realistically, creating a better balance between offense and defense. By preserving the original route design’s integrity, it enhances the authenticity of the gameplay experience and promotes a balanced dynamic between offense and defense.
Expanded Pass Protection Options – All pass protection types are now available in Coach Adjustments (previously limited to Base).
- DEV NOTE: Players can now choose from Base, Empty, Half Left, Full Left, Half Right, Full Right or Default. All pre-snap functionality remains unchanged; however, you now have access to the full range of protection options.
Fixed an issue where an unintentional bad snap would fly past the QB, resulting in a fumble when running Pistol – Spread: Jet Touch Pass.
Fixed an issue where sometimes throwing the bubble route on Singleback Bunch TE: Alert Bubble play would result in a fumble because the receiver could not make the catch on a backwards pass.

Blocking

Running Back Blocking Improvements – Running backs now handle TEX stunts more effectively when using Half Slide protection.
Fixed an issue where Pass Rushers were unable to consistently trigger Pass Rush Moves and would just remain in a blocking loop.
Tuning to allow defenders to attempt pass rush moves more frequently on each play.
Tuning to increase defender super-win chance for pass rushers with equal or slightly lower ratings than the blocker.
- DEV NOTE: Previously, pass rushers would only get super win outcomes when rated higher than their blocker; now, we’ve increased the range to allow for more super-win outcomes even when rated slightly worse than their blocker to increase the pass rush effectiveness globally.
Tuning to increase bull-rush/push of the blocker towards the center of the pocket to increase natural pocket degradation.
Fixed an issue where Offensive blockers were going too far downfield setting blocks on the Gun Bunch Str Nasty – Mtn Double Pass play resulting in Offensive Pass Interference being called.
Addressed an issue where the offensive line was failing to pick up 3-4 Tite Saw Blitz 0 allowing the Blitzing MLB to come through A-Gap untouched.

QB Contain

QB Contain vs PA – On Play Action plays, Contain Defenders will no longer use the surf technique which limited their ability to set the edge effectively.
Contain Logic Improvement – On normal pass plays, Contain Defenders will no longer abort their contain assignment prematurely while the QB is still a scramble threat.
- DEV NOTE: This enhancement to QB Contain allows defenders to disengage from blocks more responsively and at more appropriate times, enabling them to take smarter pursuit angles. As a result, they’re better equipped to maintain outside leverage and effectively contain mobile quarterbacks, reducing the likelihood of extended scrambles.
Fixed an issue when Defenders in QB Contain were not appropriately steering themselves into the appropriate position to be able to effectively set the edge.

Running Game

Addressed an issue where the RB’s initial move was not appropriately sending him up the field at the snap on Gun Tight Slot Open: HB Direct Snap.
Fixed an issue where users were unable to hand the ball off when running inside veer plays to the left.

Coverage

Coach Adjustment RPO Defense – When users set their RPO Pass Key Coach Adjustment to Conservative, defenders will now cover the Seams and the Flats instead of playing their Run Fit assignments. Zone defenders now react more reliably to RPO passes when Coach Adjustments are applied

Post Play

Fixed an issue where the ball would teleport and float during the bowling celebration after scoring a TD.

Presentation

New Uniforms Available

Arizona State Black Uniform
Florida Atlantic University New Home, Away, and Alternate Uniforms
James Madison University New Gold Helmet and Pants
Ole Miss New Realtree Helmet
Texas Tech Mahomes White Uniform
Texas Tech Throwback Uniform
Tulane Alternate Uniform
University of Alabama at Birmingham Updated Black Uniform
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Updated Black Uniform
University of Virginia 2025 Throwback Uniform
Wisconsin Throwback Uniform
..And More! Check out all of the new uniform pieces in the game!

New Equipment Pieces

Nike Vapor Pro 1’s
Nike Vapor Speed 3’s
Nike Lebron IV Menace’s

We’re truly grateful for everyone sharing their amazing experiences, providing valuable feedback, and showing their enthusiasm for College Football 26.

— The Entire College Football 26 Development Team

2025-10-03 01:14