CFB 26 Review Roundup: Critics Slam Gameplay, Praise Presentation

[Garcia]

College Football 26 has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its impressive presentation and atmosphere, but offering mixed reactions on gameplay. The game holds a solid Metacritic score in the low 80s, similar to its predecessor CFB 25, signaling steady but not revolutionary improvement.

Much of the praise is directed toward the richly authentic presentation—dynamic rivalries, stadium atmospheres with marching band music, authentic trophies, and a deep Dynasty mode that captures the spirit of college football. This strong presentation enhances immersion and makes features like CFB 26 Coins in career progression feel more rewarding.

On the other hand, several critics and players have voiced concerns over gameplay. Issues cited include certain mechanical changes that reduced the fluidity and fun found in CFB 25, occasional clunky AI behavior, and a sometimes frustrating Wear and Tear system. While defensive improvements—such as better ball tracking by defenders—are appreciated, others feel core player movement and reactions have been slightly nerfed, altering the game’s on-field feel. Some have also noted that cheap CFB 26 Coins could help offset grind-heavy progression but don’t fix the underlying mechanical concerns.

The game’s technical state has also been a talking point, with bugs and online performance issues noted at launch. Many players, however, expect these to be patched in future updates.

While CFB 26 shines in presentation, atmosphere, and incremental gameplay refinements, certain gameplay tweaks and technical hiccups keep it from being the definitive leap forward some hoped for. Fans of the sport will still find plenty to enjoy, especially if they value immersion and authenticity over raw gameplay innovation.