I’ve been digging into Madden NFL 26 since launch, and I’ve got to say—it feels like one of the strongest entries in the series in years. It’s not flawless by any stretch, but for the first time in a while, I feel like Madden is actually moving the chains in the right direction. This is the first year that I have actually been playing in few years.
Franchise Mode Finally Feels Fresh
The biggest win for me is Franchise Mode. Coordinators finally matter now, with skill trees and playsheet perks that make a real impact. The new Wear and Tear system forces you to think strategically about player health across the season, which adds a layer of realism that’s been missing for far too long. It finally feels like I’m coaching, not just simming through menus.
Gameplay Improvements You Can Feel
On the field, Madden 26 plays noticeably better. The new QB DNA system makes quarterbacks feel unique—scramblers scramble, pocket passers actually sit in the pocket, and receivers seem more aware of what’s happening around them. I also love how the weather finally feels like it matters; snowy games are messy, rainy games get sloppy, and it all adds to the immersion.
The Presentation Upgrade
Presentation is another bright spot. Thursday Night and Sunday Night Football broadcasts look the part, and the pre-game and halftime touches give me more of that “real football on TV” vibe. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step toward the authenticity I’ve been craving.
But It’s Not All Wins
That said, there are still plenty of rough patches. Load times are sluggish and navigating menus can be painful. Superstar Mode still doesn’t deliver the depth I hoped for—the new Sphere of Influence feature just feels like busywork. And, of course, Ultimate Team is still full of aggressive monetization. Add in some bugs and framerate drops (I’ve seen my fair share already), and it’s clear the polish isn’t all the way there. I cannot put my finger on it but tackling seems to have some issues. Something is just not right, which might be taken card of with a patch. I can overlook some of the Ultimate team issues, and I rarely play on-line. I know, just too old to hang with the youngsters anymore. If you are like me and mostly play against the CPU, Ulitmate team is worth spending some time on. Challenges are aplenty from legends to Game of the week. Some of them can be will, quite challenging.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Madden NFL 26 is the best Madden in years. Franchise players like me finally have a reason to get excited again, and the on-field product is sharper, smoother, and more immersive. Still, the old problems—bugs, grindy modes, and monetization—keep it from being a perfect season.
If you’re a Franchise junkie, Madden 26 is worth the upgrade. If you live for Superstar Mode or MUT, you might be left wanting more. For me, though? This is the first time in a long time I’ve had fun sinking hours into Madden again.