Top Vols Player Ratings In EA College Football 26
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Fox Sports
a day ago
- Fox Sports
Top Teams to Build a Dynasty With in EA Sports College Football 26
Ready to etch your name in college football immortality? Well, virtually at least. EA Sports College Football 26 is here, where dynasties are born and legends are made. FOX Sports Research has broken down the best teams to kickstart your gridiron empire—packed with elite talent, iconic traditions, and recruiting firepower to dominate for decades. We identified the best team from each FBS conference, along with picking out a few challenging programs to build success with. Several factors went into determining this list, which are explained below. Criteria QB Room At any level of football, quarterback play is paramount to a team's success. But when building a dynasty, quarterback depth is just as important as having a veteran starter. The schools that cracked our list not only had a starter with ample production, but also talented backups or highly-recruited prospects. Returning Production When building a dynasty, winning in Year 1 and 2 is still essential in order to garner strong recruiting classes and increase your coach's prestige. In order to do that, using teams with significant returning production is key. Returning production is quantified as the number of players who played in over 50% of their team's (or former schools) snaps in the previous season, or players who accounted for a significant portion of a statistical category. For each program, we've listed their overall FBS rank for returning production on both offense and defense. Recruiting Class Rankings The core of building a dynasty lies within recruiting, both in reality and in NCAA 26. Stacking talented recruiting classes year over year is key to not only winning immediately but creating longevity for a program. This is why programs like Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State have had perennial success. We took a look at the 2026 recruiting class rankings (according to 247Sports Composite) and used this data to make our selections. Additionally, we also accounted for transfer portal class rankings for each school, as it has become a crucial method to obtain talent for all programs. Proximity to recruiting hot bed/pipeline A huge part of having recruiting success is being close to the states that are talent-rich hotbeds. High school players tend not to travel far when deciding where to attend college, especially when there's a powerhouse close to where they grew up. Entering the 2024 season, the five states that had produced the most active NFL players were Texas (211), California (151), Florida (149), North Carolina (11) and Alabama (109). Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Louisiana were the only other states that cracked the 100 mark. Most optimal team from every conference ACC Miami The Hurricanes have been the subject of much discussion entering the 2025 season, and for good reason. Miami has a top 10 high school class for 2026 and brings in the third-best transfer class for Year 1 of your dynasty. And, of course, the major recruiting pipelines of South and Central Florida serve as easy access for you to find both blue-chip recruits and hidden gems. You'll also be able to take advantage of a loaded roster in your first season, as the Canes have Carson Beck under center, along with multiple projected first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, like Francis Mauigoa (OT) and Rueben Bain (DE). And to build for the future, you'll have a sleeper in true freshman quarterback Luke Nickel— who was an Elite 11 finalist and four-star recruit. Top-ranked high school class in ACC (10th in FBS) Top-ranked transfer class in ACC (third in FBS) QB room: Carson Beck (RS Sr.), Emory Williams (RS So.), Luke Nickel (Fr.) Returning production: 55% overall (75th in FBS), 51% offense (82nd in FBS), 58% defense (52nd in FBS) Major recruiting pipelines: South Florida, Central Florida, South Georgia, Metro Atlanta, Alabama Odds to win 2026 title: +4000 BIG TEN Michigan This one is simple. Besides being one of the most historic programs in college football history, starting a dynasty with Michigan means you'll have the top-rated freshman in college football for three years. Bryce Underwood has an 81 overall rating with the ability to launch it deep and run people over. The Wolverines also boast the 11th-ranked high school recruiting class in the FBS and bring back 64% of their returning production from the previous year. Winning a national championship with Underwood in Year 2 would be the expectation if you chose to start with them. Fourth-ranked high school class in Big Ten (11th in FBS) 11th-ranked transfer class in Big Ten (35th in FBS) QB room: Bryce Underwood (Fr.), Mikey Keene (Gr.), Jadyn Davis (So.) Returning production: 64% overall (29th in FBS), 63% offense (47th in FBS), 64% defense (28th in FBS) Major recruiting pipelines: Michigan, Illinois, Metro Atlanta, Central Florida, Southern California Odds to win 2026 title: +2500 BIG 12 Texas Tech The Red Raiders had a busy offseason, throwing around a lot of NIL money to bolster their roster. Their 2026 high school recruiting class is the second-best in the Big 12, while their transfer class is the second-best in the country. Behren Morton can also sling it, having thrown for 3,335 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. More importantly, you'll have a legitimate shot to win the title in Year 1— as Texas Tech's overall rate of returning production of 75% ranks fourth in the FBS. And, of course, you'll have access to the entire lone star state for recruiting— which everyone knows is filled with tons of talent. Second-ranked high school class in Big 12 (22nd in FBS) Top-ranked transfer class in Big 12 (2nd in FBS) QB room: Behren Morton (Sr.), Will Hammond (RS Fr.), Mitch Griffis (Sr.), Lloyd Jones III (Fr.) Returning production: 75% overall (4th in FBS), 68% offense (25th in FBS), 82% defense (1st in FBS) Major recruiting pipelines: East Texas, North Texas, Pacific Northwest, Alabama, Illinois Odds to win 2026 title: +10000 SEC Texas A&M In reality, any of the top teams in the SEC would be ideal to start a dynasty with. But when you take a deep dive into what A&M has to offer, along with the fact that it hasn't won a national title since 1939— it's hard to think of a more fun SEC program to build. The Aggies boast a top-three high school recruiting class along with the 11th-ranked transfer class. You'll have studs all over the field as the rate of returning productions ranks sixth in the country. And just like Tech, you'll have the entire state of Texas to recruit— and also cemented pipelines in other hotbeds like Florida and Georgia. Marcel Reed is rated an 85 overall at quarterback and only a true sophomore. He's a dynamic dual-threat who will be fun to play with. Second-ranked high school class in SEC (3rd in FBS) Sixth-ranked transfer class in SEC (11th in FBS) QB room: Marcel Reed (So.), Jacob Zeno (Sr.), Miles O'Neill (Fr.), Brady Hart (Fr.) Returning production: 71% overall (6th in FBS), 70% offense (19th in FBS), 73% defense (12th in FBS) Major recruiting pipelines: North Texas, East Texas, South Florida, Central Florida, Metro Atlanta Odds to win 2026 title: +4500 AAC South Florida You're probably thinking, "Really? South Florida in the American?" But when dissecting the numbers, it's very clear that the Bulls are the team to build a future with in the AAC. Despite Army, Memphis and Tulane's terrific seasons last year, South Florida has the top-ranked high school recruiting class of all AAC teams along with the fifth-best transfer class. Their returning production ranks 14th in the FBS at 67% and Byrum Brown is a speedy quarterback who should be able to lead you to victory in Year 1. Top-ranked high school class in AAC (56th in FBS) Fifth-ranked transfer class in AAC (82nd in FBS) QB room: Byrum Brown (Sr.), Gaston Moore (Gr.), Locklan Hewlett (Fr.) Returning production: 67% overall (14th in FBS), 66% offense (38th in FBS), 68% defense (17th in FBS) Recruiting pipelines: Central Florida, South Florida, Alabama, Metro Atlanta Odds to make 2025-26 CFP: +2500 C-USA Liberty Despite losing Kaidon Salter to the transfer portal, Liberty brings back a loaded roster in 2025 — with a 66% returning production rate, good for 15th in the country. To replace Salter, you'll have veteran Ethan Vasko— Coastal Carolina's quarterback last year. They bring in the top-ranked high school recruiting class in the conference and have a recruiting footprint in North Carolina as well as other states in the South. Top-ranked high school class in C-USA (84th in FBS) Fifth-ranked transfer class in C-USA (105th in FBS) QB room: Ethan Vasko (RS Jr.), Ryan Burger (RS Jr.), Michael Merdinger (RS Fr.), Ethan Houck (Fr.) Returning production: 66% overall (15th in FBS), 61% offense (56th in FBS), 72% defense (13th in FBS) Recruiting pipelines: North Carolina, Metro Atlanta, South Florida, Alabama Odds to make 2025-26 CFP: +1000 MAC Toledo In last year's version of this, we identified Toledo as a team to consider when building a dynasty because of the upside quarterback Tucker Gleason had. Well, he proved us right, as he threw for 2,793 yards with a TD-INT ratio of 24-to-8 — while also rushing for 364 yards and seven touchdowns, all in just 10 games. The Rockets went 8-5 last season and bring in the second-best high school class in the MAC along with a transfer class that ranks in the top 100 of the FBS. Ohio and Michigan are also sneaky good recruiting pipelines you'll have access to. Second-ranked high school class in MAC (81st in FBS) Fourth-ranked transfer class in MAC (98th in FBS) QB room: Tucker Gleason (Sr.), John Alan Richter (Jr.), Walter Moses (Fr.) Returning production: 60% overall (48th in FBS), 75% offense (11th in FBS), 46% defense (100th in FBS) Recruiting pipelines: Ohio, Michigan, Central Florida, South Florida Odds to make 2025-26 CFP: +1800 MWC, PAC-12 San Diego State UNLV had a great case to be our Mountain West/Pac-12 selection, but San Diego State edged them out with its top-ranked high school recruiting class in the conference along with Jayden Denegal under center. While he might not be the highest-rated player or have much game experience, Denegal spent three years at Michigan and was a top 20 quarterback in his class coming out of high school— also exhibiting several physical tools at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds. You'll also have access to a plethora of recruits in the Golden State. Top-ranked high school class in MWC/Pac-12 (66th in FBS) Sixth-ranked transfer class in MWC/Pac-12 (104th in FBS) QB room: Jayden Denegal (Jr.), Bert Emanuel Jr. (Jr.), Kyle Crum (Jr.), J.P Mialovski (Fr.) Returning production: 52% overall (82nd in FBS), 33% offense (123rd in FBS), 72% defense (14th in FBS) Recruiting pipelines: Southern California, Arizona, Northern California, North Texas Odds to make 2025-26 CFP: +15000 SUN BELT South Alabama This was arguably the toughest conference to choose a team from, as the "Fun Belt" has tons of parity with schools like Louisiana, Old Dominion, James Madison and Coastal Carolina all being viable options. But we went with the Jaguars, as they brought in the second-best high school class in the conference along with returning over 50% of their production on both sides of the ball. Zach Pyron started two games at QB for Georgia Tech last season. Second-ranked high school class in Sun Belt (83rd in FBS) Twelfth-ranked transfer class in Sun Belt (110th in FBS) QB room: Zach Pyron (RS Jr.), Bishop Davenport (RS Jr.), Jared Hollins (RS Fr.), Bubba Thompson (Fr.) Returning production: 57% (68th in FBS), 63% (50th in FBS), 51% (79th in FBS) Recruiting pipelines: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Metro Atlanta Odds to make 2025-26 CFP: +2500 Fun Rebuilds You'll Keep Coming Back To If you like a challenge, the schools below will definitely present you one. You'll need to be dominant on the sticks, as wins will be really hard to come by given the situations each school below is in. Let's take a look: Delaware or Missouri State There are two new schools in the FBS this season, upping the total to 136 programs in 2025. Welcome the Blue Hens and Bears to the big show! What better story would there be then to lead a former FCS school to a title at the next level? Both programs join Conference USA, which also welcomed Kennesaw State from the FCS level last season. The Owls finished 2-10 in their first FBS campaign, which highlights just how difficult a dynasty with either Delaware or Missouri State would be. Still, C-USA is one of the weaker conferences in the FBS, and you're always just a recruit away from changing it all. Southern Miss The Golden Eagles went 1-11 last season and have tough competition in the Sun Belt. But this might be one of the more interesting teams to start a dynasty with, as the roster is completely different from last year. Southern Miss has 54 incoming transfers in 2025, with 21 hailing from Marshall and four from West Virginia. That includes Braylon Braxton, who put up over 2,200 yards of total offense for the Herd along with 23 total touchdowns and just two interceptions. Can you be the coach to put all the pieces together in Hattiesburg? Kent State This might be the hardest rebuild of them all, as the Golden Flashes were the only FBS team to go winless in 2024. That's right, they went 0-12. Their high school recruiting class ranks 95th in the FBS, their transfer class is 121st and their rate of returning production is 43%— which ranks 110th nationally. A dynasty rebuild with Kent State is truly for the brave, skilled and fearless. Mississippi State You're probably thinking, "an SEC team as a tough dynasty rebuild?" But the fact that the Bulldogs are an SEC program is exactly why this task would be so difficult. You wouldn't even be the best program in your own state! Going 2-10 last season, they also revamped their 2025 roster— bringing in 34 players in the transfer portal (17th-ranked transfer class in the FBS), while also still hauling in the 28th best high school class in the FBS. Their rate of returning production ranks 37th in the country at 62%, and you'll need it— as the Year 1 schedule includes the likes of Arizona State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, and of course the Egg Bowl. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Josh Heupel details Tennessee's quarterback competition at 2025 SEC media days
SEC media days is taking place, Monday-Thursday, at Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park and the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Fifth-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel took part in SEC media days on Tuesday. He discussed the Vols' upcoming season from the main stage. Heupel ended his opening statement discussing Tennessee's quarterback competition in fall training camp between Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre. "I know, when I open it up for questions, the first one will be about our quarterback situation, so I'm going to touch on that a little bit here as I get started," Heupel said. "We will have a competition at the quarterback position, three guys inside of that room, really proud of what they've done. Joey, since he got there in May, Merklinger and George MacIntyre, what those three guys have done since they've been on campus. They've taken the summer, developed relationships, rapport with the guys around them, their ability to compete in a positive way with each other in the meeting room and on the field. Their ability to have leadership traits and to continue to grow in that. I'm really excited about getting on the field with those guys. "We've found a way to win with a lot of different quarterbacks throughout my career on the offensive side of the ball, and we're going to find a way to win with the guy that earns a starting spot as we go through training camp here in August." More: Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar ranked as No. 50 college football player in 2025 More: Tennessee versus Syracuse ranked as third best football game in 2025 Tennessee will kick off its 2025 season on Aug. 30 versus Syracuse. The season opener is the Aflac Kickoff Game and will be contested at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Josh Heupel discusses Tennessee's quarterback competition in 2025
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
2025 Tennessee football returning starters preview
Tennessee will begin preparation for its 2025 football season July 30 when the Vols open fall training camp at Haslam Field. The Vols have 13 returning starters in 2025, based on who were primary starters last season. Three returning starters are on offense, eight defensively and two specialists. Redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, junior offensive lineman Lance Heard and senior tight end Miles Kitselman are returning starters for Tennessee's offense. Heard has appeared in 23 games during his collegiate career, 12 at LSU and 11 with the Vols, including 12 starts. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound left tackle transferred from the Tigers following the 2023 season. Brazzell II played in all 13 games, including nine starts, in his first season with the Vols in 2024 after transferring from Tulane. He recorded 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound wide receiver's longest reception last season was 53 yards. Kitselman appeared in all 13 games during his first season at Tennessee in 2024 after transferring from Alabama. He recorded 22 receptions for 301 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound tight end also scored one rushing touchdown. More: 2025 Tennessee football projected starting lineup for offense Redshirt senior defensive end Dominic Bailey, junior linebacker Arion Carter, sophomore defensive back Boo Carter, redshirt senior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, junior defensive back Rickey Gibson III, junior defensive back Jermod McCoy, junior linebacker Jeremiah Telander and defensive back Andre Turrentine are Tennessee's returning defensive starters. Arion Carter led Tennessee in tackles (68), McCoy was the Vols' leader in pass deflections (7) and interceptions (4), while Telander led Tennessee for fumble recoveries (3) in 2024. More: Jermod McCoy ranked No. 23 player in college football, projected as first-round pick Redshirt sophomore punter Jackson Ross and redshirt sophomore placekicker Max Gilbert also return as specialists in 2025. Gilbert converted 20-of-26 field goal attempts and 54-of-54 extra point attempts last season, while Ross averaged 43.2 yards per punt from 2023-24 at Tennessee. More: Tennessee quarterbacks positional breakdown for 2025 football season More: Tennessee running backs positional breakdown for 2025 football season More: Where Tennessee football is predicted to finish in 2025 SEC standings Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Previewing Tennessee's returning starters for 2025 football season
