With the launch of Season 2 in College Football 26, we’ve been introduced to the first major alumni drop of the year. Just like “Legend Weekends” in other Ultimate Team-style modes, this update brings a wave of powerful cards, exciting abilities, and plenty of team-building options. For players looking to strengthen their roster quickly, it’s often helpful to buy College Football 26 Coins so you can secure top-tier alumni without waiting on the market to crash. Knowing which players to prioritize can make all the difference between building a competitive squad or overspending on hype. Below, we’ll walk through the most notable cards in this drop, break down their strengths, and highlight which are true must-haves for your roster.

Understanding the Alumni Drop Structure

Each season in College Football 26 is expected to start with a large alumni drop. This ensures a big injection of talent, helping players refresh their rosters and chase fan-favorite names. While some cards are geared toward budget players, others stand out as cornerstone pieces for elite squads. The trick is knowing when to buy-prices are inflated on release day but tend to stabilize within a week.

Early Value Picks: 84-86 Overalls

If you’re newer to the game or building a team on a tighter budget, the lower-tier alumni can still provide excellent value. For example:

· Marshall Faulk (84 OVR) offers strong all-around stats at a very manageable price point, especially in pass-blocking.

· Carlos Dansby (86 OVR) brings balanced defensive stats and size, making him a strong pickup for around 80K.

· “Y” (86 OVR Right Guard) is arguably usable on even top-tier squads. With 80+ ratings across key categories, he’s an outstanding buy at his price.

· Cards in this range also unlock silver abilities, making them much more impactful than their bronze-equipped predecessors.

Stepping Up: The 88 Overalls

The 88 OVR tier is where the alumni drop really starts to shine. These cards represent some of the best at their positions and are built to last into future content drops. Notable standouts include:

· Marshal Yanda (88 OVR Right Guard) - With 85+ in every blocking stat, Yanda is the best right guard currently in the game. Once his price dips to around 150K, he becomes a long-term set-and-forget option for any offensive line.

· Golden Tate (88 OVR WR) - Tate is a fan-favorite with excellent route running and an 88 speed rating. While his 5’10” frame limits him against taller corners, he’s shifty, reliable, and will eventually settle into a very affordable price tier.

· Hugh Green (88 OVR EDGE) - Featuring 88 finesse move and discounted Quick Jump, Green is a sneaky value pick. He may not have the full trait arsenal of Demarcus Ware, but he’s nearly as effective for a fraction of the cost.

· Carlos Dansby (88 OVR MLB) - With 86 speed and strong block shedding, Dansby is debatably the best user linebacker in the game. He compares favorably with Jacq, but at a cheaper price point, making him a strong investment.

· Martellus Bennett (88 OVR TE) - At 6’7”, 277 lbs, and with 85 speed, Bennett is the best tight end currently available. His discounted silver abilities, including Cutter and Jackpot, make him a matchup nightmare. He’s arguably the single biggest must-have from this alumni drop.

Limited-Time Cards and Special Cases

The alumni program also introduces some limited-time and progression-based players:

· Rod Woodson (LTD CB, 89 speed) - While strong across the board, his price will likely remain high due to rarity rather than unmatched performance. Solid, but not a must-have given other CB options like Travis Hunter and Demani Jackson.

· Jalen Hurts (QB) - With 89 accuracy, 88 throw power, and elite mobility, Hurts is the fastest quarterback in the game right now. However, lackluster discounted abilities mean he’s not an automatic must-buy, especially with other viable options like Drew Aller offering smoother releases and better synergy with Dot.

· Melvin Gordon (RB, Vol. 10 Reward) - Not immediately obtainable, Gordon boasts 89 speed, 90 acceleration, and elite elusiveness. Once available, he could be an RB1 contender, though we’ll need to see how his abilities stack up.

Buying Strategy and Market Timing

The most important thing to remember: don’t overpay on release day. Alumni cards historically drop significantly in price after the first week. For example, Yanda is expected to settle near 150K, and Golden Tate will likely fall into the same range. Waiting a few days can save you hundreds of thousands of coins.

If you’re a budget player, focus on the 86 OVR range-especially Y and Dansby-as they deliver elite performance without breaking the bank. If you’re chasing top-tier talent, Martellus Bennett and Hugh Green are the crown jewels of this drop.

Final Thoughts

The Season 2 alumni drop in College Football 26 sets a strong tone for the year. With a mix of affordable role players and top-tier stars, it provides options for every type of roster. The must-haves? Martellus Bennett for his unmatched tight end presence, Marshal Yanda for his long-term stability on the offensive line, and Hugh Green as a disruptive pass rusher. If you’re planning to scoop these players up quickly, picking up some cheap NCAA 26 Coins can give you the flexibility to act before prices rise again. Play it smart, monitor the market, and target these alumni once prices dip-you’ll be set up for success well into Season 2.