College Football 26 Ultimate Team: Essential First Steps

If you’re just starting out in College Football 26 Ultimate Team (CFB 26 UT), the beginning can feel overwhelming. There are menus, challenges, rewards, and tons of different ways to spend your time. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the first nine things you should do to set yourself up for success. Follow these steps, and you’ll have Coins, free players, and a strong team in no time without spending a dime.

1. Start With the Playbook Challenges for Easy Coins

The best way to kick things off is by farming CUT 26 Coins through the “What’s Your Offense” and “What’s Your Defense” solo challenges. These are extremely fast, one-play solos that reward you with playbooks.

Each sequence requires just three solos to unlock a playbook fantasy pack.

Many of these playbooks sell consistently for 5,000–10,000 coins on the auction house.

You can complete one sequence in about a minute, meaning this is one of the fastest coin-making methods available early on.

For example, completing the Multiple Offense sequence and selecting the Oregon State playbook will net you a quick 5k. Do a few of these, and you’ll have a healthy coin base to start making moves.

2. Don’t Forget Your Daily Objectives

Next, head to the Field Pass section under Season 1 and focus on your daily objectives. This is the most efficient way to earn XP and progress through the season rewards.

The good news? These are simple tasks, like completing a game or making a pass attempt, and they can be finished during normal gameplay. Check them off before logging out each day. Over time, the XP you rack up will snowball into big rewards.

3. Play the Standout Solos for Free Elite Players

If there’s one sequence that every single player should complete, it’s the Standout Solos. These are non-negotiable.

Why? Because they reward the Standout BND Opportunity Pack, which has a chance to give you:

85+ overall players

Champions

Even LTDs

No other free pack in the game is this strong. On top of that, you’ll pick up an additional 80+ overall rewards as you progress. Keep grinding these solos regularly, and you’ll build out a competitive squad quickly.

4. Log in Daily for Season Rewards

The Season 1 Login Pass is another hidden gem. Simply logging in each day counts toward milestones that eventually reward you with high-value items, including:

Packs at earlier milestones

An 87 OVR BND player after 30 days

Pro tip: The tracker resets at 1:30 p.m. EST. If you log in just before that and then stay on a bit longer, you can sometimes earn credit for two days in one sitting. That’s an easy way to stay on pace without logging in every single day.

5. Start Grinding the Season Field Pass

The Season Field Pass ties into almost everything you do. Completing its objectives earns XP, coins, and packs. Don’t stress about grinding every single task—many will happen naturally while you play.

However, keep the missions in the back of your mind. If you notice a goal requiring interceptions or rushing yards, pick a playstyle that helps you chip away at it. And if you need faster progress, try House Rules, especially the Overtime version. It’s a quick way to complete objectives that don’t track in standard modes.

6. Chip Away at the Tower Solos for AJ Harris

The Tower Solos are some of the strangest challenges in the game—sometimes you’ll win by letting your opponent score. They take time, but the reward is worth it: an 85 OVR AJ Harris, one of the best free cornerbacks available.

These solos will take a few hours in total, so don’t rush them all at once. Instead, work on them in short sessions. Within a couple of days, you’ll have one of the best defensive players in the game slotted into your lineup.

7. Sell Off Extra Players Immediately

As your binder starts to fill up, it’s time to manage your collection. Cards that aren’t in your lineup should be sold as soon as possible. Early in the season, prices are at their peak. Waiting even a few days could cut the value of your cards in half.

Check your binder, use the lineup tool to see who’s in play, and flip the rest for coins. This quick housekeeping will give you resources to invest where it matters.

8. Upgrade With Promo-Specific Cards

When you’re ready to spend coins on upgrades, focus on promo cards instead of core elites. Because promos come from reroll packs and have a higher supply, they’re almost always cheaper.

For example:

A promo 85 OVR safety might cost 150k.

A core elite at the same position could cost 300k–400k.

The stat difference is negligible, but the price difference is massive. Always shop the promo market first to stretch your coins further.

9. Test Your Team in Events

Finally, once you’ve built a squad, it’s time to jump online. Don’t head straight into standard head-to-head. Instead, check the Events tab, where special modes offer much better rewards.

Right now, the Top Dogs event is the best option. Rewards include:

An 83+ pack at 30 wins

An 85 OVR player at 40 wins

These games start in the third quarter, so they’re faster than full matches. Plus, the rewards stack up quickly, making events far more efficient than regular play.

Final Thoughts

Starting out in CFB 26 Ultimate Team doesn’t have to be a grind. By following these nine steps—earning CFB 26 Coins through playbook solos, hitting your dailies, grinding the Standout and Tower solos, and smartly managing your binder—you’ll have a strong, competitive team in just a few days.

From there, focus on promo upgrades, log in consistently for rewards, and dive into events for online fun. The path to building your dream team isn’t about spending money—it’s about working smarter.

So log in, knock out those early objectives, and start your journey toward dominating the gridiron in College Football 26.