Dynasty Mode in College Football 26 has received a much-needed overhaul, bringing more depth and strategy to one of the series’ most beloved modes. The biggest improvement? Recruiting. It’s no longer just about chasing the highest-rated players—you’ll need to think like a real college coach, balancing star power with depth, and using the transfer portal to CFB 26 Coins your advantage. Done right, recruiting can turn a mediocre program into a championship contender.
This guide covers everything you need to know about recruiting in Dynasty Mode—from choosing your coach’s backstory to managing your recruiting board week by week. Whether you’re running a powerhouse or a small-school underdog, these strategies will help you land future stars.
Step 1: Choose the Right Coaching Backstory
Before you even look at recruits, you’ll need to create your coach and select one of three backstories:
Motivator – Focuses on player development and team culture, improving performance as the season progresses.
Recruiter – Attracts better talent and speeds up commitment times.
Tactician – Boosts player ratings on gameday.
While Recruiter may seem like the obvious choice, it’s not always the best for smaller schools. Without a winning track record, elite prospects won’t commit easily no matter how good your recruiting skills are. For most programs—especially underdogs—starting with Motivator is the smarter move. Develop your current roster, prove you can win, and then transition into Recruiter later.
Step 2: Understand the Weekly Recruiting Actions
Recruiting isn’t a one-time task—it’s a season-long effort. Each week, you’ll need to spend your limited recruiting hours wisely. Available actions include:
Schedule Visit – Invite recruits to visit campus before midseason.
Search Social Media – Learn more about prospects.
DM Player – Direct contact for building interest.
Contact Family and Friends – A softer personal approach.
Send the House – Full-scale recruitment push (best for top targets).
Sway / Soft Sell / Hard Sell – Persuasion tactics available when in a prospect’s top 5.
For your highest-priority recruits, start with “Send the House” to show serious interest. Once you make their top five, use “Hard Sell”—but make sure your school has at least three A-grade motivations to pitch. Motivations include Academic Prestige, Championship Contender status, Stadium Atmosphere, and more. The stronger your ratings, the easier the sell.
Step 3: Schedule Visits Strategically
Scheduling a recruit’s visit isn’t just about convenience—it’s about timing. Choose big home games against strong opponents to impress prospects. Winning these games boosts your chances dramatically, while losing can sink your chances. Plan visits for games you’re confident you can win, but that also have a high-profile feel.
Step 4: Manage the Recruiting Board and Weekly Checks
In the recruiting menu, you’ll have access to five tabs:
Recruiting Board – Your current targets.
Prospect List – Every available recruit and their details.
Transfer Portal – Postseason player transfers.
My School – Key info about your program.
Top Classes – Recruiting rankings across all schools.
Pay attention to three key metrics at the top right:
Targets – You can track up to 35 prospects at a time.
Hours – Weekly recruiting time based on your school and coach level.
Scholarships – Up to 35 can be offered in total.
Check your board weekly. If you’re falling far behind on a prospect—especially if they’re close to committing elsewhere—drop them and focus your hours on other players. Likewise, look for under-the-radar prospects with no offers; they might have great attributes and be easy to sign.
Step 5: Use the Transfer Portal Like a Pro
After the season, the transfer portal works just like high school recruiting: offer scholarships, pitch your program, and try to win commitments. The portal is a great way to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately, especially if you missed out on certain positions during the regular recruiting cycle.
Step 6: Build Your Recruiting Strategy by School Size
Small Schools – In year one, focus on two- to four-star recruits, especially those close to home. Use the “Proximity to Home” pitch and build relationships in-state. Once you’ve proven you can win, target some five-stars in year two.
Large Schools – You can chase five-star talent immediately, but don’t ignore hidden gems. A mix of top-rated and mid-tier prospects will give you both depth and star power.
Step 7: Offer Scholarships Early
Once you’ve identified your 35 targets, offer scholarships right away. Early offers keep your school in the running from day one and can even land you early commitments. From there, use your recruiting hours to scout and evaluate each player. If a prospect turns out to be overrated, remove them and replace them with a better fit.
Step 8: Scout for Hidden Gems
Not every future star will have five stars next to their name. Some three- and four-star recruits have the potential to outperform their rankings. Spend time scouting attributes rather than just chasing ratings—especially if you’re building a roster for the long term.
Final Thoughts
Recruiting in College Football 26’s Dynasty Mode is as much about strategy as it is about star power. Choose the right coach backstory, manage your board weekly, schedule visits carefully, and don’t be afraid to buy Buy Coins CUT NCAA 26 pivot when a recruit slips away.
For smaller schools, patience and development are key. For bigger programs, balancing elite talent with reliable depth will keep you competitive year after year. Whether through high school prospects or the transfer portal, building a strong recruiting class is the foundation for a championship run.
Win the recruiting battles, and the wins on the field will follow.