CFB 26’s Dynasty Mode has returned with a ton of new mechanics, deeper team-building tools, and smarter AI systems that make long-term success more strategic than ever. Whether you’re a returning veteran or brand new to Dynasty, learning how to navigate the new features will dramatically impact your team’s future. These 10 beginner-friendly tips break down the most important systems so you can build a powerhouse program season after season. Having plenty of cheap CUT 26 Coins will also be very helpful.

1. Always Start With a Custom Coach

Before you do anything else, create a custom coach. In CFB 26, your coach’s skill tree, perks, and long-term development are locked once you start—so beginning with a premade coach limits your future options.

If you want the strongest long-term advantage, start with the Recruiter tree. Even after some nerfs, Elite Recruiter remains the most powerful build in the game. Securing top recruits will always translate into wins. Tactician can make sense for online dynasties, but only if you’re already winning consistently. After establishing your recruiting foundation, you can branch into Motivator for its valuable offseason training boosts.

2. Tune Wear-and-Tear Auto Subs for Each Position

A major new addition this year is the wear-and-tear auto-sub system, allowing you to control how often each position rotates out of the lineup. You can set it to:

Grind It Out (minimal subs)

Normal

Keep Fresh (frequent subs)

Custom (full manual control)

This system is especially important for positions that take heavy hits—like running backs—or units with great depth. Meanwhile, positions like quarterback should typically stay on Grind It Out or Custom with minimal subbing, or else you’ll occasionally see unintended QB substitutions.

Dial this in early, and adjust based on your roster depth and play style.

3. Use Formation Subs to Customize Every Package

Formation subs are finally back—and they dramatically change how you game-plan. You can now assign specific players to specific formations without affecting the rest of your depth chart.

Have a blocking-heavy formation? Slot in your most physical tight end. Running a speed-focused spread package? Swap in your fastest receivers specifically for that look.

Formation subs work for both offense and defense and even carry across different playbooks. This gives you granular control over how your team plays at every layer of your scheme.

4. Try Manual Progression (Optional but Powerful)

If you want more control over player development, turn Auto Progress Players = OFF. You’ll then choose how to spend XP—but XP gains come with a penalty based on your slider.

Most players stick with:

0–15% penalty for offline dynasties

25% penalty for online dynasties

Manual progression adds strategy but is completely optional. If you prefer hands-off, leave auto-progression turned on and ignore this feature altogether.

5. Take Advantage of Cheaper, Location-Based Visits

CFB 26 dramatically improved campus visits by adding location-based visit costs. Players closer to your school cost fewer hours to bring on campus.

Example:

In-state players = 10 hours or less

Nearby region players = 15–25 hours

Cross-country prospects = 30–40 hours

Visits are extremely valuable this year, so prioritize local prospects to maximize your recruiting efficiency.

6. Use Dynasty Practice Mode to Polish Your Playcalling

If you’re returning after a long break—or just learning the game—spend time in free practice mode. This helps you:

Test your favorite formations

Practice reads against different coverage types

Learn timing routes and spacing concepts

Build a mini playbook of go-to plays

Mastering even 4–5 core plays will make you significantly better on offense once you enter live games.

7. Learn Your Defensive Coaching Adjustments

Good defense in CFB 26 requires smart adjustments. Pressing the right stick opens the Coaching Adjustments menu. Some key settings to learn:

Safety Depth/Width: Crucial for red zone and late-game scenarios

Option Adjustments:

Pass Key: Conservative

Read Key: Conservative

Pitch Key: Aggressive

CB Matchups: Allows matching by overall, speed, height, or route-running

These small tweaks have a massive impact on consistency—especially if you play a lot of man coverage.

8. Update Your Gameplay Settings Before You Begin

Before starting your dynasty, adjust your gameplay settings from the main menu:

Passing Types to Consider:

Revamped Passing: Most control and creativity

Placement & Accuracy: Popular among competitive players

Avoid using medium or large Pass Lead Increase—your throws will sail more often. Also,  turn on all gameplay helpers (Ball Hawk, Heat Seeker, etc.) unless you're in a competitive online dynasty.

Set Heat Seeker Window = 200% for maximum tackling assistance.

9. Save Your Skill Points Until the Offseason

If you’re using manual progression, avoid spending skill points mid-season. Upgrading too early raises a player's overall, increasing the chance they declare for the draft.

Abilities matter far more than raw ratings. Always prioritize:

Abilities first (DOT, Extender, Downhill, etc.)

Ratings second (only to unlock better abilities)

Players with elite abilities will outperform their overall performance and are more likely to stay longer.

10. Be Strategic With the Transfer Portal

The transfer portal is more dynamic—and more dangerous—this year. Backup players in the mid-80s will transfer if they’re not playing. Always monitor:

Deal Breakers

Playing Style Preferences

Athletic Facility Ratings

Championship Contender status

Proximity to home

You can also adjust portal behavior in League Settings if you want more—or fewer—transfers. A large number of CUT 26 Coins would be very helpful.