How To Improve School Grades in College Football 26

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-07-16 08:45:44
In College Football 26, your school’s success hinges on its performance across multiple key areas. Each program is graded in 14 different categories, influencing recruiting, player retention, and overall team strength. If you want to build a powerhouse program, you’ll need to strategically improve these grades to attract elite recruits and keep your current roster satisfied.
This guide breaks down every school grade, explains how to boost them, and highlights why they matter for long-term success.

Understanding School Grades in College Football 26


Your school’s grades directly impact:
  • Recruiting success – Higher grades make your program more appealing to top prospects.
  • Player retention – Low grades may lead to transfers at the end of the season.
  • Team performance – Better facilities, prestige, and coaching contribute to on-field success.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each grade and how to improve them.

Full List of School Grades & How to Improve Them


Grade NameHow to Improve
Athletic FacilitiesWin more games to increase funding and upgrade facilities.
Academic PrestigeCannot be improved – Fixed based on the school’s real-world academic reputation.
Campus LifestyleCannot be improved – Determined by the school’s default setting.
Brand ExposureWin high-profile games (Championships, Playoffs, rivalry matchups).
Coach PrestigeMeet all contract goals, hire experienced coordinators, and maintain success.
Championship ContenderRecruit higher-rated players and consistently compete for titles.
Conference PrestigeJoin a stronger conference, but beware—other teams can drag it down.
Coach StabilityStay with the same school long-term by signing extended contracts.
Playing TimeUse the depth chart to ensure all players get snaps during the season.
Playing StyleStick to a consistent offensive/defensive scheme to build stats.
Program TraditionWin bowl games and conference championships to boost legacy.
Pro PotentialDevelop seniors into NFL draft prospects through strong performances.
Stadium AtmosphereWin home games to increase fan attendance and home-field advantage.
Proximity to HomeRecruit players from nearby states (pipelines) to improve appeal.

Why Improving School Grades is Crucial

1. Better Recruiting Results


Top recruits prioritize schools with high grades in Pro Potential, Coach Prestige, and Championship Contender. A strong program reputation makes it easier to win recruiting battles, even against rival schools.

2. Preventing Player Transfers


If your grades drop, players may transfer for better opportunities.Keeping facilities, playing time, and coach stability high ensuresroster continuity.

3. Long-Term Program Success


Schools with high Program Tradition and Brand Exposure attract more TV deals, sponsorships, and elite talent, creating a sustainable winning culture.

Key Strategies for Maximizing School Grades

1. Focus on Winning Big Games


  • Bowl wins, conference titles, and playoff appearances boost Brand Exposure, Program Tradition, and Stadium Atmosphere.
  • Home victories improve fan engagement and stadium upgrades.

2. Develop NFL Talent


  • Train and feature star players to increase Pro Potential.
  • High draft picks make your program more attractive to recruits.

3. Maintain Coaching Consistency


  • Avoid switching schools frequently—Coach Stability matters.
  • Hire top-tier coordinators to improve Coach Prestige.

4. Optimize Recruiting Pipelines

  • Target nearby states to maximize Proximity to Home.
  • Balance recruiting between immediate contributors and long-term prospects.

Final Thoughts


Improving school grades in College Football 26 is essential for building a dynasty. By focusing on winning, playerdevelopment, and smart recruiting, you can elevate your program’sreputation and dominate the competition.


Which grades will you prioritize first? Let us know in the comments!

Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre(s): Sports
Developer(s): EA Orlando
Publisher(s): EA Sports
Engine: Frostbite
Release date: July 10, 2025
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
Video preview



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