Recruiting is one of the most exciting and addictive aspects of College Football 26, and it will likely consume much of your time once you dive into Dynasty Mode. Unlike other sports games where rosters can remain stable for years, college football demands constant roster turnover. Most players stay with their team for only four years before graduating or leaving for the NFL, meaning you must consistently bring in new high school talent to CUT 26 Coins maintain success. Having a large number of CUT 26 Coins can help you succeed. Mastering the recruiting system is the key to building a lasting dynasty, and this guide will walk you through the fundamentals, strategies, and advanced tips to help you out-recruit your rivals.

The Basics of Recruiting

The recruiting system in College Football 26 is built around three major pillars, each of which plays a critical role in determining the level of talent your program can attract.

First, every recruit has their own unique motivations and needs. You discover these preferences by interacting with them, and learning what matters most-whether it's early playing time, strong academics, or the chance to play in a prestigious conference.

Second, geography matters. Different regions of the country produce different types of players, and certain areas have higher concentrations of elite recruits. This design mirrors real-life high school football pipelines, adding authenticity and strategic depth.

Third, the strength of your program determines the scope of your recruiting reach. National powerhouses can cast a wide net and pursue players across the country, while smaller schools must focus on specific pipelines and realistic targets.

Building Your Recruiting Board

Before each season begins, you'll create your recruiting board. This board can hold up to 35 prospects, and you're allowed to offer the same number of scholarships over the course of the year. With thousands of recruits to choose from, building this list carefully is crucial.

Start by identifying your biggest needs, which are displayed at the top of the Prospect List screen. From there, prioritize five-star recruits with a pipeline rating of 5, as these prospects are both highly talented and have strong ties to your school's recruiting region. Some will commit quickly once offered a scholarship. After that, look to four-star recruits with a 5 pipeline rating or five-star recruits with a 4 pipeline rating. The general rule is to balance star ranking with pipeline strength, gradually moving down the list as necessary.

As you gain experience, you'll refine your searches by considering height, weight, and other traits that fit your system. Early on, however, focusing on stars and pipeline ratings gives you the strongest foundation.

Over time, you'll also learn each prospect's three core motivations. Some of these will be deal breakers. If a player values something your program is weak in, such as Championship Contender status, and you only carry a C grade in that area, it may be best to move on before wasting hours recruiting them.

Spending Recruiting Hours

Once the season begins, you'll need to invest recruiting hours each week to court prospects. Players gradually narrow their choices from an open list to a Top 8, then Top 5, Top 3, and eventually, a final commitment. Your job is to stay above the cutoff each week so you remain in contention.

The number of hours you receive depends on your team's prestige. A five-star powerhouse program begins with 1,000 hours per week, while a low-tier one-star school gets only 350. You can spend up to buy College Football 26 Coins 50 hours on a single player, unless you have the special "Always Be Crootin'" ability, which allows up to 70 hours for select positions.