This allows you to fix "broken" recruits. For example, moving a gritty possession tight end to running back and then back to tight end can convert him into a physical route-running tight end, instantly boosting his overall by five to CUT 26 Coins six points and unlocking better abilities.

This trick works for many positions and is one of the best ways to optimize recruits early.

Athlete Dual-Threat QBs Are Archetype Gold

Athlete dual-threat quarterbacks are some of the most valuable recruits in the game-especially if they have a high playing time dealbreaker.

By scouting only athletes with strong playing-time grades, you can identify elite prospects with excellent speed, throw power, and accuracy. Even better, you can manipulate their archetype.

Move the athlete QB to running back, then switch him back to quarterback. This often converts him into a pocket passer, which has far better abilities than the standard dual-threat archetype.

This method can turn a three-star athlete into the best quarterback in an entire recruiting class.

Traits Are Hidden-but Extremely Important

Traits still exist in College Football 26, even though many players assume they were removed. The key difference is that NIL players don't have traits, but generated recruits do.

You can find traits by:

Viewing the player

Navigating to Stats

Scrolling down to Traits

Examples include:

Quick Trigger (QBs throw checkdowns faster in sim/coach mode)

Possession Catch (receivers attempt possession catches more often)

Paranoid (QBs react poorly to pressure)

Cover Ball (reduced fumble chance)

Traits are especially impactful in simulated games or coach mode. If a player is outperforming or underperforming expectations, traits may be the reason.

Personality Traits Might Matter More Than We Think

Players also have personality traits like Leader, Charismatic, Intense, or Spontaneous. While their effects aren't clearly explained, it's unlikely these exist for no reason.

They may influence development, chemistry, or team performance subtly over time. While not fully understood, it's worth monitoring how players with certain personalities progress throughout your Dynasty.

Instinct Is a Sneaky Defensive Ability

The Instinct mental ability is available to linebackers and safeties and provides faster reactions to run plays.

While simple, it dramatically improves run defense. Linebackers with Instinct fill gaps faster and are far more reliable against inside zone and power schemes. This is an ability worth prioritizing when developing defenders.

Team Player Prevents Out-of-Position Penalties

The Team Player ability is critical if you move players around your depth chart. Without it, players suffer hidden penalties when playing out of position.

These penalties are most noticeable on offense-receivers dropping wide-open passes or skill players failing basic actions. With Team Player, those hidden overall drops disappear.

If you're running two-way players or experimenting with position changes, Team Player is mandatory.

The Draft XP Snowball Exploit

One of the most powerful Dynasty tricks involves converting a low-overall offensive lineman into a tight end purely to boost draft value.

By upgrading an offensive lineman's blocking, awareness, and IQ over multiple seasons, then switching him to CUT 26 Coins for sale tight end, you can inflate his overall into the mid-to-high 90s. He'll likely become a first-round draft pick.