EA Sports College Football 26 is coming this summer, and with it, the beloved Team Builder mode is rumored to be even better than last year. Whether you’re itching to resurrect a defunct program, recreate your high school glory days, or craft a powerhouse out of an FCS squad, this mode is your creative playground.
With—hopefully—even greater customization options, the possibilities could be infinite, and fans are already plotting out their dream teams. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with 10 of the most exciting, historic, and just plain cool teams to build from scratch.
10 Teams You Need To Build in EA Sports College Football 26
1. North Dakota State Bison (FCS, Missouri Valley Conference)
North Dakota State is practically a cheat code when it comes to building an FCS program. Since 2011, they’ve captured nine FCS national championships and turned the Missouri Valley Football Conference into their personal stomping ground.
The Bison have also become a factory for NFL talent, producing Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, and Christian Watson. Fresh off an FCS title, there is no better time than now to take the Bison to the next level.
2. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (FCS, Missouri Valley Conference)
South Dakota State has done what once felt impossible—they’ve surpassed NDSU. With back-to-back FCS championships in 2022 and 2023, and a revamped coaching staff that didn’t miss a beat.
If you want to play with a chip on your shoulder and dethrone the Bison yourself, the Jackrabbits are calling your name.
3. Florida A&M Rattlers (FCS, Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Florida A&M isn’t just about football—it’s about culture, history, and swagger. The Rattlers won the Celebration Bowl, also known as the HBCU national championship, just two years ago and are routinely atop the SWAC rankings.
Coach James Colzie III has built a tough, physical program known for tenacious defense and electrifying special teams. Their orange-and-green color scheme pops on the field, and you just know you’ll want to recreate their iconic uniforms. Marching 100 or not, this team is built to shine in Team Builder.
4. North Carolina Central Eagles (FCS, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
North Carolina Central has consistently hovered near the top of the HBCU rankings and earned a banner after winning the 2022 Celebration Bowl.
Coach Trei Oliver’s squad is loaded with talent and has a balanced offensive scheme that makes for fun gameplay. NCCU’s black-and-maroon uniforms also bring the kind of aesthetic fans love to recreate in the game.
5. East Mississippi Community College Lions (NJCAA D1)
If you’ve watched “Last Chance U” on Netflix, you already know about EMCC. Head coach Buddy Stephens has built a JUCO juggernaut with five national titles and dozens of players who transferred to top-tier D1 programs.
The red-and-white uniforms, gritty stadium vibe, and redemption arc make them an ideal team for storytelling in Dynasty mode. And yes, you can make your own version of DeAndre Johnson or Chad Kelly in the process.
6. Iowa Western Community College Reivers (NJCAA D1)
While EMCC gets all the headlines, Iowa Western has quietly dominated since the NJCAA split into two divisions in 2021. The Reivers have appeared in every Division I title game since and crushed EMCC 61–14 in the 2023 championship.
With two consecutive titles under their belt, they’re arguably the top JUCO program in the nation. Their navy-and-white look is sharp, and they give you the chance to build a true national champion from a lesser-known school.
7. Mater Dei Monarchs (High School Football, CA)
Mater Dei isn’t just one of the top high school programs in California—it’s one of the most recognizable football factories in the nation. With alumni like NFL stars Bryce Young, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Domani Jackson, the Monarchs reload every year with elite talent.
In 2024, they boasted four of the top 10 recruits in California. Rebuilding this team as a small-college power allows you to bring your own version of an NFL talent pipeline to the game.
8. IMG Academy Ascenders (High School Football, FL)
If Mater Dei is a factory, IMG is a full-blown football corporation. Located in Bradenton, Florida, the Ascenders don’t compete in state championships—they travel nationwide to beat the best.
Their alumni include J.J. McCarthy, JC Latham, Nolan Smith, and more. With a stadium that rivals some mid-major colleges and a brand that screams elite, IMG is a perfect fit for players looking to create a D1-ready team from the jump.
9. Wichita State Shockers (Defunct D1 Program)
Wichita State discontinued football in 1986, but the dream of bringing the Shockers back has never died. The school explored a return multiple times, most recently in 2023, but cost and logistics have kept it shelved.
RELATED: Will EA Sports College Football 26 Include FCS Teams?
With a unique mascot, strong regional fanbase, and an intriguing “what-if” storyline, the Shockers are perfect for a Team Builder resurrection arc. You can even design a modern stadium to fit Wichita’s growing sports culture.
10. Long Beach State 49ers (Defunct D1 Program)
California has a surprisingly long list of now-defunct football programs. California State Long Beach stands out. Disbanded in 1991, it had notable moments and even fielded a team with NFL legend Terrell Davis.
Reviving the 49ers—now known as the “Long Beach State Beach”—would bring West Coast vibes and a rich recruiting ground to Dynasty Mode. Plus, the black and gold color scheme offers slick customization potential.
Honorable Mentions
- Jackson State Tigers (FCS, SWAC)
- Garden City Community College Broncbusters (NJCAA D1)
- Bishop Gorman Gaels (HS Football, NV)
- Montana Grizzlies (FCS, Big Sky Conference)
- Cal State Fullerton Titans (Defunct D1 Program)
- UT-Arlington Mavericks (Defunct D1 Program)
- Gonzaga Bulldogs (Defunct D1 Program)
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
