The Road to Glory mode, a celebrated feature in EA Sports College Football 25, is significantly expanded in this year`s sequel, offering greater depth and more player choices. The journey begins right at the start of a new career, as players can now select their initial star rating. Options range from a top-tier 5-Star Elite prospect down to a 2-Star Underdog, with each starting scenario presenting distinct challenges and opportunities.
While an Elite player starts with a more robust set of initial abilities compared to an Underdog, they also face considerably higher expectations. Playable positions available include Quarterback, Halfback, Wide Receiver, MIKE Linebacker, and Cornerback. Each position features unique archetypes, which have been refined and reworked to better reflect the necessary traits and skills required for successful play.
After establishing these foundational aspects, players gain the ability to extensively customize their character`s appearance and background. A crucial element is selecting their high school, as its geographical location directly influences which colleges might express interest in recruiting them. Players even have the option to build and customize their own high school team for this purpose. Further customization extends to details such as unique running styles, signature throwing motions, and how the player holds the ball.
Throughout the high school phase, every decision a player makes directly impacts how college recruiters perceive them. This includes everything from interactions like interviews with a local newspaper to their performance and actions on the field. EA has stated that increasing player agency and adding more depth to the recruitment process was a major piece of feedback received from players of CFB 25. As a result, CFB 26 aims to make this stage of the career campaign far more engaging. Players will be provided with comprehensive information detailing how potential colleges currently view their prospect status, giving them the knowledge and tools needed to strategically react and work towards their dream destination university.
Players will participate in five high school games, with each game featuring four specific key moments. These moments are designed for players to build an impressive highlight reel for college recruiters. The scenarios are tailored to allow players to shine specifically based on their chosen archetype. Performing well in these moments will cause their star rating and prospect status to rise, whereas poor performance (`choking`) will negatively impact their future prospects. Deciding which key moments to prioritize and include in the recruitment footage is a critical strategic choice, as different colleges will naturally place varying value on different types of scenarios.
The culmination of these on-field performances and off-field decisions is the eventual arrival of scholarship offers. However, players are not compelled to accept the very first offer they receive. Offers can often be improved through negotiation. The ability to negotiate for better terms or more favorable offers naturally expands for players who consistently deliver strong performances, but this leverage can similarly shrink if a player experiences a slump.
Upon transitioning to college, players will encounter several revised and deepened game mechanics. These include a reworked weekly energy system, more intricate coach trust dynamics that influence playing time and opportunities, and the significant wear and tear system, which plays a major role throughout the duration of CFB 26.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt