More mascots, crowd participation, and sideline authenticity also help deepen immersion. Add in the presence of real-life coaches and improved announcer commentary, and CFB 26 takes major strides in College Football 26 Coins making every game feel like a big-time broadcast.

Defense: Finally Worth Playing

In previous iterations, defense often felt like a chore or something to be avoided through super sim. That’s changed. The newly implemented physics-based tackling — previously seen in Madden 25 — now plays a starring role here. Hit sticks are no longer coin flips, and defenders behave with purpose. Big defenders overpower smaller players, while smaller defenders struggle to bring down power backs, just as they should.

Defensive line play has been significantly revamped as well. Players can use the left stick while engaged to shed blocks, giving you more agency. You also get the option to call specific line stunts for every play, which opens up a new layer of defensive creativity.

Even if you're not usually a fan of controlling defenders, CFB 26 may change your mind.

Running Game Overhaul

Perhaps the most frustrating part of last year’s game was the running game. Offensive linemen would frequently ignore defenders and block into empty space, making it difficult to build any consistent rushing attack. This year, that’s been fixed. The new blocking AI understands the play call, anticipates defenders’ movements, and stays engaged. Guards and tackles actually pick up the right assignments.

Combined with the improved physics, this means your power backs can shrug off arm tackles, and holes open in ways that create opportunities for explosive plays. The difference is night and day, and running the ball now feels strategic instead of painful.

AI That Adjusts and Challenges

Another core improvement lies in the intelligence of the CPU. AI-controlled teams now disguise coverages better and adapt to your tendencies more quickly. Spam inside zone too often, and the defense will shift fronts to cheap NCAA 26 Coins disrupt your rhythm. Stick with drag routes, and the safeties will jump the pattern.