EA Sports has rolled out a substantial new update for College Football 26, and it’s one of the most meaningful additions the game has seen this late into its lifecycle. While most post-launch updates focus on tuning, bug fixes, or minor content drops, this patch introduces something far more significant: a brand-new game mode. That alone makes this update stand out, but it’s only part of what players can expect when the update goes live.

The centerpiece of the update is CUT Draft Mode, a new experience within Ultimate Team that brings fresh competitive structure, modernized drafting mechanics, and meaningful rewards. Alongside it, players can also expect a new seasonal promo, Twitch Drop incentives, and long-requested equipment additions.

CUT Draft Mode Comes to Ultimate Team

The highlight of the update is the arrival of CUT Draft Mode, a completely new way to play Ultimate Team in College Football 26. Draft modes are not new to EA Sports games, but this marks the first time the feature has appeared in the College Football series, making it a major milestone.

CUT Draft allows players to compete using custom lineups built through a shared draft pool. Unlike older draft formats, matchmaking can now occur before the draft begins. Both opponents pull players from the same pool, meaning once a player is selected, they are immediately removed from the pool for the other side. This creates a more strategic and competitive drafting experience, as every choice directly impacts both teams.

Players can access CUT Draft Mode by heading into Ultimate Team and selecting the Draft tab. From there, two options are available: a solo draft against the CPU or a head-to-head draft against another player.

How the New Draft System Works

CUT Draft Mode introduces a unique twist compared to traditional EA draft formats. Instead of starting from a generic base roster, players begin with their existing Ultimate Team lineup. From there, the draft consists of seven rounds, each offering players from the latest promotional content.

As the draft progresses, the quality of available players improves. Later rounds have a higher chance of offering top-tier, limited, or high-overall players, allowing users to test elite cards before committing resources to acquire them permanently. This design also encourages smarter drafting decisions, as roster needs vary depending on the strength of a player’s existing Ultimate Team.

Once all seven rounds are completed, the game immediately transitions into a matchup—either against the CPU or another player—depending on the chosen draft type.

Stars of the Season Draft Event

CUT Draft Mode launches alongside the Stars of the Season program, which serves as the first featured draft event. During this event, the draft pool is built around the latest promo cards, ensuring the mode stays relevant and rewarding.

EA has confirmed that future promos will bring new draft events, each tied to the most recent player items and special releases. This rotating structure helps solve a long-standing issue with older draft modes, where outdated player pools eventually made the mode feel stale.

Rewards for Solo and Head-to-Head Drafts

Rewards vary depending on whether players choose solo or head-to-head drafts.

In solo play, players earn CUT 26 Coins through wins and receive a 92+ overall Stars of the Season player pack upon completion. Notably, the player item inside this pack is auctionable, allowing users to sell it, quick-sell it for training, or integrate it into their team.

Head-to-head drafts offer stronger incentives. Along with higher coin rewards, players can earn Stars of the Season Champion Upgrade Tokens. These tokens can be used to upgrade a champion card, unlocking a 99 overall stat, making them highly valuable for competitive Ultimate Team players.

Twitch Drops and Open Directory Weekend

To celebrate the update and the launch of Season 6, EA is hosting an Open Directory Weekend from January 30 through February 1. During this period, players can earn Twitch Drops simply by watching College Football 26 streams.

By tuning in, users can earn up to two Superstar Tokens throughout the weekend. This initiative adds extra incentive for players to engage with the community while picking up useful in-game rewards.

New Equipment Added: Shut F7 Pro Helmet

Beyond gameplay additions, the update also includes new cosmetic content. The long-awaited Shut F7 Pro helmet has officially been added to College Football 26. The helmet arrives with multiple facemask options, including several new variations designed specifically for this model.

This addition follows the helmet’s recent debut in Madden and has been widely anticipated by players who prioritize equipment authenticity and customization.

While no other equipment additions were officially confirmed, it’s possible that additional helmets or alternate uniforms were quietly added alongside the update. Sufficient cheap CUT 26 Coins can lead to a great gaming experience.

Looking Ahead

CUT Draft Mode represents a significant step forward for College Football 26, offering a fresh competitive experience that blends strategy, testing new content, and meaningful rewards. With rotating draft pools tied to future promos and the possibility of expanded draft formats later in the year, the mode has strong long-term potential.

As attention slowly begins to shift toward College Football 27, this update ensures that College Football 26 remains active, engaging, and worth returning to—especially for Ultimate Team players looking for something new to master.