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After more than a decade away from the virtual gridiron, EA Sports brought its legendary college football video game back last year to overwhelming fan excitement. That revival continues this summer with the launch of College Football 26, released on July 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

Like the 2025 edition, College Football 26 features meticulously recreated stadiums, team traditions, and, thanks to player likeness deals, authentic rosters made up of current collegiate athletes. But beyond the pageantry and realism, one of the most beloved aspects of the game is still Dynasty Mode, where players guide a program through multiple seasons, recruiting athletes, managing rosters, and chasing championships.

For many fans, the ultimate challenge isn't taking over a powerhouse like Alabama or Georgia, it's choosing a Group of Five (G5) program and building them into a national contender. These smaller-conference teams often start with fewer resources and lower ratings, making success all the more rewarding. And with the right team selection, good recruiting strategy, and smart in-game decisions, you can turn a modest program into a powerhouse worthy of the College Football Playoff.

If you're looking to start from humble beginnings, here are five G5 programs worth your time, and maybe even your College Football 26 Coins, in this year's game.


1. Boise State Broncos

Overall (Dynasty Mode): 79
Play Now Rating: 82

Boise State has long been the G5 standard-bearer, and that continues in College Football 26. They're the highest-rated Group of Five team in Dynasty Mode, which makes them the ideal choice for players who want a smoother path to early success.

The Broncos have a balanced roster with immediate stars like quarterback Matt Lauter, signal-caller Maddux Madsen, and linebacker Jayden Virgin-Morgan. With these leaders in place, your first year in Dynasty Mode can be more about fine-tuning schemes than patching roster holes. Plus, their blue turf and iconic game-day atmosphere make them one of the most visually unique teams to play with.

2. Charlotte 49ers

Overall: 69
Offense: 69
Defense: 71

If you're the type who loves a true rebuilding challenge, Charlotte might be your team. While their starting ratings are modest, the 49ers bring some unique advantages. The program's facilities are impressive for a young FBS school, and their location in North Carolina provides access to a strong recruiting base.

Under new head coach Tim Alpin, fresh from success at Ohio, the team is looking to establish its identity. In Dynasty Mode, you can be the one to define that identity, whether through aggressive offensive schemes or defensive dominance. Just be prepared for growing pains in Year 1, as your talent pool will require careful roster management and shrewd use of recruiting points.

3. Florida International Panthers

Overall: 69
Offense: 69
Defense: 69

On paper, Florida International might seem like one of the weakest starting points. They've struggled in recent real-life seasons, but in the late 2010s, they proved they could win.

The big draw here is location. FIU sits in the middle of South Florida, a recruiting gold mine where high school talent flows year-round. Your challenge will be keeping those prospects from bolting to Miami, Florida State, or other nearby powers. And like Charlotte, you'll also have to contend with the transfer portal potentially stealing your rising stars.

Still, if you have the patience to weather a rocky start, the payoff of building FIU into a Sun Belt and national contender is enormous, and you'll earn every bit of it.

4. Texas State Bobcats

Overall: 69
Offense: 69
Defense: 71

Texas State offers a similar rebuild opportunity to Charlotte and FIU, but with a major geographic advantage: it's in the heart of Texas. That means you'll have your pick of local talent if you can win the recruiting battles.

Head coach G.J. Kinne, whose real-life team is headed to the Pac-12, is considered one of the rising stars in college coaching. In Dynasty Mode, you can follow that trajectory, or forge your own path, by blending his aggressive play-calling with your own recruiting philosophy. A couple of strong classes could quickly turn the Bobcats into a force to be reckoned with.

5. Georgia Southern Eagles

Overall: 72
Offense: 74
Defense: 71

Georgia Southern brings something unique to the G5 table: tradition. Under Clay Helton, they've developed a balanced roster and a competitive presence in the Sun Belt. In College Football 26, they're one of the few G5 rebuilds with a slightly above-average offense right out of the gate, giving you a chance to compete early in your dynasty.


Your main challenge will be recruiting against other Sun Belt programs like Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina. But if you can dominate that conference, you'll be well-positioned to push for a playoff spot in later seasons.

Final Thoughts

No matter which team you choose, building a dynasty in College Football 26 with a G5 school is an exercise in patience, strategy, and creativity. You'll have fewer resources than the blue bloods, meaning recruiting trips and in-season adjustments will be critical.

For players who spend time in Ultimate Team or online modes, College Football 26 Coins can also help enhance your roster-building experience, whether you're collecting special edition players or boosting your team's depth. While coins aren't necessary for success in Dynasty Mode, they can add another layer of fun for those who enjoy experimenting with different player builds. Visit CFB 26 Coins page: https://www.mmoexp.com/Nfl-26/Coins.html

The real magic of choosing a Group of Five school is the satisfaction of watching your program grow. That first win over a ranked Power Five opponent, that first conference championship, that first playoff berth, it all means more when you start from the bottom.

So, whether you go with a proven winner like Boise State, a hidden gem like Charlotte, or a longshot like FIU, the road to glory in College Football 26 is yours to pave. Just remember: in college football, every great dynasty starts with one bold decision.