College Football 26 continues to push the boundaries of competitive play with its ever-evolving Ultimate Team system, and this week we took a deep dive into the gameplay potential of one of the top-ranked players in the game: Caleb Cunningham. Selling for around 10 million CFB 26 Coins, Cunningham isn't just an investment for your team's value-he's a game-changer on the field, and today we're breaking down why.

 

Why Caleb Cunningham Stands Out

 

Caleb Cunningham is a powerhouse in CFB 26. On paper, he's nearly untouchable: 97 speed, which can jump to 98 on the theme team, combined with a set of abilities designed to dominate the gridiron. His Gold Takeoff (5 AP), Shifty (4 AP), and Sure Hands (4 AP) make him incredibly versatile, allowing for explosive plays both in the air and on the ground. This combination turns him into a player who can consistently break defenses apart and rack up yards after the catch.

 

We structured our gameplay around Cunningham as our primary offensive weapon. By subbing him in at running back using the Kansas State gadget playbook, we maximized touches, giving him opportunities to showcase his elite speed and agility. The results? Explosive plays across the field and top-tier efficiency that any top 100 player would envy.

 

The Supporting Cast

 

While Cunningham took center stage, the team was bolstered by a few crucial additions:

 

 Ronnie Lot (Season 6 Ultimate Alumni): A free safety who arguably is the best in the game. With 6'9" speed, strong zone and man coverage, and the Gold Ball Hawk ability (6 AP), Lot was instrumental in allowing Travis Hunter to slide back to corner, maximizing defensive efficiency.

 

 Michael James (Running Back/Receiver): Many questioned the utility of Ultimate Alumni, but James proved himself. Playing as a gadget option in running back sets, he offered a reliable alternative for distributing the ball, especially when Cunningham needed a breather. His presence ensured that the offense maintained multiple threats, keeping opposing defenses guessing.

 

Other supporting players contributed in smaller but impactful ways, like Kenyon Sadiq at tight end, who helped stretch the field and offered reliable receiving options on mid-to-long range plays. The synergy between Cunningham and his teammates was key to consistently exploiting mismatches and keeping defenses off balance.

 

Gameplay Highlights: Pushing Cunningham to the Limit

 

From kickoff, it was clear that Cunningham's speed and abilities translated into real-game dominance. Running under-center gadget plays, we managed to get him significant touches. His combination of Shifty and Sure Hands allowed him to turn short passes into huge gains, repeatedly outrunning defenders.

 

Even in high-pressure situations like fourth downs, Cunningham's agility and elite ratings allowed for consistent yardage. For example, on a crucial fourth-and-inches scenario, we utilized his speed to escape defenders and convert, proving his reliability under pressure. This highlights one of the often-overlooked aspects of top-tier CFB 26 players: their ability to influence the outcome of a game on a play-by-play basis.

 

The passing game also saw Cunningham's abilities shine. Using stem curls and streak patterns, he consistently created separation, making him a preferred target even against aggressive coverage. Whether it was a short, quick pass or a deep throw downfield, his Sure Hands ability ensured minimal drops, maximizing offensive efficiency. Even when slightly underthrown, Cunningham's speed and positioning allowed him to make contested catches that would stump most other receivers.

 

Strategy and Playcalling

 

One of the key takeaways from our session was the strategic depth Cunningham allows. By positioning him at running back for gadget plays, we were able to diversify the offense and keep opponents guessing. Pairing him with Michael James and Kenyon Sadiq allowed for a mix of inside and outside runs, screens, and vertical passing options.

 

We also leveraged defensive matchups by utilizing Ronnie Lot in the secondary. His Gold Ball Hawk ability allowed us to shift Travis Hunter back to corner, increasing coverage efficiency. This not only supported the passing game by limiting turnovers but also allowed for more aggressive offensive playcalling since we trusted our secondary to handle deep threats.For those looking to replicate this strategy, the key is touch economy-get Cunningham the ball as often as possible while mixing in supporting players to prevent defenses from predicting every move. Use gadget formations creatively and don't be afraid to exploit mismatches; Cunningham's top-tier ratings allow for versatility rarely seen in other top 100 players.

 

Player Performance Metrics

 

Throughout the gameplay session, Cunningham consistently outperformed expectations. Highlights include:

 

 Explosive Runs: Multiple 30+ yard gains on designed gadget plays.

 

 Reliable Catches: Near-perfect catch rate on deep balls, aided by Sure Hands.

 

 Fourth-Down Conversions: Maintained composure under pressure, converting critical downs that kept drives alive.

 

 Defensive Evasion: Frequent escapes from defenders using Shifty and speed advantage.

 

Michael James and Kenyon Sadiq played supporting roles effectively, ensuring defenses couldn't key in solely on Cunningham. Ronnie Lot anchored the defense, preventing deep threats and creating turnovers that fueled additional scoring opportunities.

 

Tactical Adjustments and Observations

 

During the session, a few tactical insights became apparent:

 

1.Force Feeding Top Players: Giving Cunningham the ball consistently created optimal results. While others on the field contributed, his ability to turn small openings into huge gains meant focusing the offense around him was a winning strategy.

 

2.Flexibility with Formation: Using gadget sets allowed us to sub Cunningham in at running back without losing offensive integrity. This provided unpredictable play-calling that opponents struggled to counter.

 

3.Secondary Adjustments: Moving Travis Hunter to corner after activating Ronnie Lot's Gold Ball Hawk ability was a small but crucial adjustment. It stabilized the defense while letting our offensive stars shine.

 

4.Adapting to Defensive Schemes: Against aggressive coverage or unexpected defensive alignments, Cunningham's combination of speed and abilities allowed for quick adaptation-whether it was a quick bubble screen, a slant, or a deep streak.

 

Selling and Roster Strategy

 

Interestingly, while Cunningham remained a central offensive piece, we made the decision to sell off other high-value cards. Here's why:

 Michael James Replacement: We planned to bring in Kiwan Lacy, a cost-effective alternative for running back rotation.

 

 Defense Recalibration: With star-of-the-season and champion-level cards entering the game soon, selling Bruce Smith and Antonio Kmarti freed up coins while maintaining future competitive potential.

 

This strategic roster management ensures both short-term competitiveness and long-term team growth, allowing for flexibility as the game evolves.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Caleb Cunningham's performance in this session proves that investing in top 100 players isn't just about owning a flashy card-it's about transforming your team's overall offensive potential. With the right supporting cast, strategic gadget formations, and smart playcalling, Cunningham consistently created explosive plays that turned games in our favor.

 

The combination of speed, agility, and abilities like Gold Takeoff, Shifty, and Sure Hands make him a must-have for anyone aiming to compete at the highest level. Supporting players like Michael James, Kenyon Sadiq, and Ronnie Lot ensured that the team operated efficiently across all phases of play, from offense to defense.

 

Finally, thoughtful roster management-selling high-value cards to make room for future stars-demonstrates that CFB 26 isn't just about gameplay skill but also long-term strategic planning. Whether you're aiming for top 100 gameplay, make NCAA 26 Coins, dominating your friends in head-to-head matches, or streaming for an audience, understanding how to maximize players like Caleb Cunningham is essential.

 

For anyone looking to replicate this success, the formula is clear: load your team with high-impact players, optimize touches for your star player, adjust your defense strategically, and remain adaptable to opponent schemes. Follow these principles, and you'll not only enjoy the gameplay experience but also consistently outperform the competition.Caleb Cunningham isn't just a card in CFB 26; he's an offensive and strategic asset capable of changing the trajectory of any ga his impact and how to best utilize him will remain a critical advantage for any serious player.