EA Sports’ College Football 26 is set for release, generating excitement among fans nationwide eager to start their dynasties. A trend from College Football 25 showed fans preferred building from the ground up, often choosing Sun Belt Conference teams.
The highest-rated player from the Sun Belt in College Football 26 is Old Dominion middle linebacker Jason Henderson, rated 91 overall. Henderson, entering his fifth year with Old Dominion after redshirting in 2024, earned All-American honors in each of his first three seasons.
Sun Belt Conference team ratings are as follows:
Appalachian State
Overall Rating: 71
Offensive Rating: 71
Defensive Rating: 71
Top Player: Kanye Roberts (83 Overall)
With several newcomers on offense, Appalachian State aims to rebound from a 5-6 season in 2024. The Mountaineers feature a deep running back group, including Kanye Roberts, Arkansas transfer Rashod Dubinion, and Tennessee transfer Khalifa Keith, alongside new quarterback AJ Swann, formerly of LSU and Vanderbilt. Appalachian State’s offense has the potential to exceed its 71 rating. With live updates throughout the season, the team is a strong contender for starting your dynasty in EA Sports’ College Football 26.
Arkansas State
Overall Rating: 69
Offensive Rating: 69
Defensive Rating: 69
Top Player: Corey Rucker (87 Overall)
Arkansas State may feel overlooked by EA Sports. Returning key playmakers from a 7-5 season in 2024, the Red Wolves are led by wide receiver Corey Rucker, who recorded 1,034 receiving yards last season. The team’s 69 offensive rating seems low given its talent. Arkansas State is not only a potential dynasty team in College Football 26 but also a dark horse for the Sun Belt Conference title in 2025.
Coastal Carolina
Overall Rating: 69
Offensive Rating: 71
Defensive Rating: 66
Top Player: Jameson Tucker (83 Overall)
Led by senior wide receiver Jameson Tucker, Coastal Carolina seeks to return to its winning ways after a 6-6 season in 2024. Running back Jalon John joins the Chanticleers after rushing for 583 yards and five touchdowns at Massachusetts in 2024. With many new faces on defense, predicting the team’s performance is challenging. However, the combination of returning production and new talent could lead to a stronger 2025 season.
Georgia Southern
Overall Rating: 72
Offensive Rating: 74
Defensive Rating: 71
Top Player: Josh Dallas (85 Overall)
EA Sports appears optimistic about Georgia Southern for 2025, and for good reason. The Eagles boast one of the Sun Belt’s best offensive lines and two talented running backs, OJ Arnold and David Mbadinga. With quarterback JC French IV returning, Georgia Southern is poised to be a contender in 2025.
Georgia State
Overall Rating: 65
Offensive Rating: 66
Defensive Rating: 64
Top Player: Ted Hurst (87 Overall)
Georgia State finished 2024 with a 3-9 record but had bright spots, including a victory over Vanderbilt. Wide receiver Ted Hurst, who set a school record with 961 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, returns. The Panthers bolster their veteran offensive line and add running back Rashad Amos from Ole Miss, who rushed for 1,075 yards and 13 touchdowns at Miami (Ohio) in 2023. Expect Georgia State to improve in 2025.
Louisiana
Overall Rating: 70
Offensive Rating: 71
Defensive Rating: 69
Top Player: Jax Harrington (85 Overall)
After a 10-3 season in 2024, Louisiana returns much of its roster and adds talented newcomers. Led by new quarterback Walker Howard and wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr., the Ragin’ Cajuns show no signs of regressing and could surpass their 2024 performance in 2025.
James Madison
Overall Rating: 70
Offensive Rating: 71
Defensive Rating: 69
Top Player: George Pettaway (87 Overall)
James Madison has assembled an intriguing roster with two strong running backs and two talented quarterbacks. Former UNLV quarterback Matt Sluka, who led UNLV to a strong start in 2024 before leaving due to an NIL dispute, seems set to lead the Dukes. He competes with Richmond transfer Camden Coleman, who threw for 2,031 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024, earning third-team All-CAA honors. With a potentially explosive offense, James Madison is a team to watch in 2025. Might be a good idea to start your College Football 26 dynasty in Harrisonburg.
ULM
Overall Rating: 66
Offensive Rating: 66
Defensive Rating: 66
Top Player: Carl Fauntroy (84 Overall)
Of ULM’s 22 starters, only four have spent their entire careers with the Warhawks. After a 5-7 season in 2024, team chemistry will be key with so many newcomers in the NIL era. Quarterback Aiden Armenta, who started the final eight games in 2024, takes over as the full-time starter in 2025 and is a player to watch. If you’re looking for a true “program turnaround” challenge in College Football 26, ULM is a good choice. With the change happening in real-life Monroe, La., this could be a fun race to see who can turn the tide first.
Marshall
Overall Rating: 69
Offensive Rating: 69
Defensive Rating: 69
Top Player: Jalen Slappy (84 Overall)
Marshall’s rating is difficult to assess after a 10-3 season in 2024. Head coach Charles Huff led the Herd to a 2024 SBC Championship, bringing Marshall its first conference title since joining the Sun Belt in 2022 and its first 10-win season since 2015. Huff’s contract was not renewed, however, and he traveled to the SBC West to take the helm at Southern Miss– and took 21 of his players with him. New Marshall head coach Tony Gibson added 33 transfer portal players, many from elite programs, but most lacked significant playing time in 2024. Their ratings in College Football 26 appear conservative, and 2025 will be a chance for these players to prove themselves.
Old Dominion
Overall Rating: 64
Offensive Rating: 64
Defensive Rating: 64
Top Player: Jason Henderson (91 Overall)
Led by standout Jason Henderson, Old Dominion returns a veteran roster that should outperform its 64 overall rating. Quarterback Colton Joseph, who showed promise in 2024, faces high expectations. With a seasoned offensive line and experience throughout the roster, the Monarchs are set for a respectable 2025 season.
South Alabama
Overall Rating: 69
Offensive Rating: 69
Defensive Rating: 71
Top Player: Kentrel Bullock (87 Overall)
South Alabama combines a veteran core with new additions, led by Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Zach Pyron. The Jaguars also added 27-year-old freshman Bubba Thompson, a former first-round MLB draft pick. Though his football role is uncertain, his athleticism could make an impact. South Alabama is a compelling choice for a College Football 26 dynasty.
Southern Miss
Overall Rating: 72
Offensive Rating: 74
Defensive Rating: 71
Top Player: Josh Moten (89 Overall)
Now, the other side of the Charles Huff departure from Huntington. Huff takes 21 of his 2024 SBC Championship team with him to Hattiesburg, strengthening a Southern Miss team already on the rise. One of those players: QB Braylon Braxton, who was under center for Huff in 2024 en route to a conference title. Having the quarterback position seemingly set before training camp is certainly a positive for the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss is a strong dynasty option– and a potential dark horse for the Sun Belt title in 2025.
Texas State
Overall Rating: 69
Offensive Rating: 69
Defensive Rating: 71
Top Player: Tellek Lockette (85 Overall)
Texas State enters 2025 with a revamped roster. Running back Lincoln Pare steps in as the feature back after Ismail Mahdi transferred to Arizona. Head coach GJ Kinne oversees a quarterback competition among Oregon State transfer Gevani McCoy, Pitt transfer Nate Yarnell, and Auburn transfer Holden Geriner. Each fits Kinne’s system, and Texas State’s history suggests they’ll thrive at quarterback. While unpredictable, never underestimate a GJ Kinne-coached team.
Troy
Overall Rating: 69
Offensive Rating: 69
Defensive Rating: 71
Top Player: Devin Lafayette (82 Overall)
Troy looks to rebound from a 4-8 season in 2024. Quarterback Goose Crowder returns from a season-ending injury, aiming to regain his form. With returning veterans and new additions, the Trojans are poised to improve in 2025.
The Conference as a Whole
EA Sports appears to favor Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Louisiana, and Southern Miss as conference title contenders.
For dynasty mode, consider Louisiana. The Ragin’ Cajuns feature quarterback Walker Howard, who began his career at LSU as a key recruit under coach Brian Kelly. After transferring to Ole Miss and sitting behind 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart, Howard is poised for his first season as the starting quarterback.
Howard will target former LSU wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. The pair of former Tigers make Louisiana’s offense a strong starting point for dynasty play.
With EA Sports’ College Football 26 released, which Sun Belt Conference team will you choose to start your dynasty?
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