12 Best Schools to Rebuild in College Football 26

At long last, EA Sports College Football 2026 has arrived! This signals another exciting year filled with updated player rankings and activity from the transfer portal. As gamers fire up CFB 2026 for the first time, their primary focus will be deciding which team they’ll rebuild in Dynasty Mode.

In the list below, I’ve compiled my top twelve college football teams that could benefit from rebuilding. I focused on teams that may not be perennial powerhouses, but possess a mix of players who can make their inaugural year exciting. Transforming a team like Kennesaw State into a championship contender is an intriguing task, but it will likely take several years to amass the talent required to enjoy CFB 26 at its best. The teams I’ve selected have promising young athletes to keep things engaging from the outset. Keep in mind that the order is alphabetical, so there’s no significance attached to the numbers.

1) Arizona State Sun Devils

In 2024, Arizona State University’s football team had an unexpected journey to the College Football Playoffs, marking their first appearance since securing a conference title in 2007. Yet, this dynamic squad boasts an abundance of promising young talent that should make their victories more frequent. The standout player on this roster is none other than quarterback Sam Leavitt, who possesses a remarkable 91 OVR rating and impressive speed, despite being just a sophomore. Fingers crossed we can enjoy his skills for another two seasons before finding our next star quarterback.

Around Leavitt, there are many strong players available. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is an impressive junior with remarkable speed, rated at 94. Kanye Udoh, another junior, excels in running and enjoys plowing over opponents. Jaren Hamilton, a freshman, also boasts 94 speed as a receiver. The defense also looks solid, with experienced seniors like Xavion Alford and Keyshaun Elliott leading the way. This won’t be a difficult reconstruction project, but it promises to be an exciting one.

2) California Bears

Cal stands out distinctly from ASU. While there may not be numerous top-tier offensive players, the team boasts a wealth of defensive talent to keep opponents on their toes. From T.J. Bush Jr., Harrison Taggart, to Hazekiah Masses, there are playmakers at every level.

Instead of relying on an offensive strategy that’s not particularly thrilling, you can focus on utilizing swift running backs such as Brandon High Jr. and Skyy Priestley, who are speedsters. Moreover, freshman quarterback Jaon-Keawe Sagapolutele has the potential to develop into a formidable dual-threat QB with careful nurturing.

3) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Coastal Carolina’s rebuilding process is proving to be one of the most challenging ones thus far. The team may not boast many prominent stars, but there are several promising talents waiting to be polished, making the rebuilding phase more manageable. One such talent is freshman quarterback Larry Garfield, who possesses the potential to shine brightly as a star collegiate quarterback. He combines impressive speed with strong throwing power.

To advance the Chanticleers further, it’s essential to provide him with several receiver options, while the running back position is decent. Ja’vin Simpkins and Camerun Knox, who are both young and quick, offer some promising choices for the team’s future.

4) Fresno State Bulldogs

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Fresno State’s defense is rock-solid with their veteran defenders, and they’ve got an excellent kicker on the team too. However, when it comes to the quarterback position, there’s definitely room for improvement. E.J. Warner’s a seasoned senior QB, but he’s not exactly setting the world alight. Jayden Mandal, the sophomore, isn’t much more thrilling either. Freshman Paul Webster has some serious speed, but unless you’re planning to groom him or start looking for a new recruit, he might need a bit of coaching.

Instead, what excites me is our running back squad. Elijah Gilliam, a senior, shines as a playmaker in receiving plays, while Bryson Donelson, a sophomore, is like a solid wall in the backfield. Rayshon Luke, a junior, is definitely one to keep an eye on. He boasts 96 speed and 95 acceleration, making him among the fastest running backs nationwide. While his ball-carrying might not always deliver, if he breaks free, be prepared!

5) Houston Cougars

Houston boasts an excellent football squad, with standout seniors on both offense and defense. Among them is one of the top tight ends in NCAA Football, Tanner Koziol. Notably, the team’s junior quarterback, Conner Weigman, shows promise as a capable leader who might be ready to take charge from the very first day.

Austin Carlisle, a 73 OVR freshman quarterback on the Cougars team, is a standout due to his impressive speed (92) and acceleration (94). This speed places him among the fastest QBs in the nation. Given that he fits perfectly with the fast-paced gameplay of CFB 26, it would be beneficial to redshirt him temporarily and facilitate Weigman’s transfer, thus initiating the Carlisle era promptly.

6) Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Similar to Coastal Carolina, Jackson State’s football program isn’t currently at the top tier, but it has a great deal of untapped potential. The standout performers among their current squad are sophomore running backs Cam Cook and Andrew Paul, who together form a potent offensive duo.

I’m equally fascinated by the three budding defensive linemen at the Gamecocks: Jawaun Campbell, Talan Carter, and Isaac Walker. With them being part of the team for another year or two, there are solid building blocks to create an extremely formidable defensive lineup.

7) Missouri Tigers

It’s quite possible that Missouri boasts the most formidable team among these contenders, but it’s important to note that they haven’t claimed a national championship yet. In fact, their last division victory was back in 2014. So, while they may appear strong, they might not present much of a hurdle for you to overcome.

The fantastic news is that we acquire running back Ahmad Hardy for the next two seasons. He’s not just an exceptional player, but one of the top playmakers in the league. His arrival will undoubtedly make this rebuilding process a fun and exciting journey! Joining him are five receivers who boast speeds over 90 mph, among them Kevin Coleman Jr (92) and Marquis Johnson (95). Our quarterback, Beau Pribula, may not be perfect, but our solid defense can certainly compensate for any shortcomings in the offense.

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8) NC State Wolfpack

At NC State, you’ll find a mix of seasoned defensive players and promising young offensive talents. In the quarterback, running back, and wide receiver positions, there’s one senior and one junior. The QB duo of C.J. Bailey and Will Wilson show great potential with their blazing speed, while Hollywood Smothers, a sophomore, lives up to his name with an impressive skill set on the field.

Although Brian Nelson II, their standout defensive player who’s still just a sophomore, may be working with an older defense, the upcoming years offer ample time for recruitment adjustments. This makes it an ideal opportunity for fresh beginnings in coaching.

9) Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers remain one of the powerful teams that have yet to fully regain their glory days. Notably, this institution boasts five recognized national championships, with three coming within just four years from 1994 to 1997. It’s been some time since Nebraska made a significant impact on the national stage, but their impressive history lingers.

Dylan Raiola is indeed the case. Known as The Ravioli Man, he was one of the most electrifying young quarterbacks last season and is returning for another year at the helm. He’s the sort of player you can establish a whole program around, and Nebraska has some additional pieces (like Ceyair Wright and Dane Key) that will only make his development process smoother.

10) Oklahoma State Cowboys

For over a decade, I’ve been part of a team that racked up ten-win seasons without fail. But in 2024, we were just plain awful. Our star running back, Ollie Gordon, couldn’t quite meet the hype and is now suiting up for the Miami Dolphins this weekend. It looks grim, but there’s a glimmer of hope for a swift comeback with me leading the charge.

The junior running back, Freddie Brock, is exceptionally fast and elusive, making it tough for defenders to hold onto the ball for long. Several experienced defenders will work hard to recover the ball quickly. As for our freshman quarterback, Hauss Hejny, he’s a game-changer! Despite having a lower overall rating of 73, his speed is impressive at 91, and his throw power is strong at 87. If we can enhance his accuracy, we’ll have an incredibly dangerous dual-threat quarterback on our team.

11) SMU Mustangs

Overcoming the “death penalty” after several decades, Southern Methodist University (SMU) reached the College Football Playoff for the very first time last year. With the significant financial resources available in Dallas, SMU is being transformed once again into a formidable force in college football during the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.

At CFB 26, although you won’t directly finance recruits, this institution boasts some captivating prospects. For instance, the junior quarterback, Kevin Jennings, is a shining star, offering dual threats from the backfield. Moreover, freshman running back Derrick McFall possesses extraordinary speed. Interestingly, Chris Johnson Jr., slightly older than McFall, exhibits even greater speed. Lastly, the wide receivers are equally swift, providing Jennings with numerous options for passes.

12) UTEP Miners

At UTEP, resources might not be abundant, but they’ve managed to secure Malachi Nelson, a highly-touted transfer from the portal. It’s worth noting that when Nelson committed to USC in 2023, he was ranked as the 13th best recruit in his class. If you’re looking for a rehabilitation project, this could be the opportunity for you.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that Nelson’s arsenal isn’t lacking either. Hahsaun Wilson, our swift running back, may not stick around for long, but his speed is undeniable. Our wide receivers, Kenny Odom and Kam Thomas, are diminutive yet quick slot receivers, and both fall in the mid-80s in terms of Overall Rating (OVR). Defensively, it seems Xavier Smith is our main man for now, but recruiting is all about finding more talent.

2025-07-10 23:13