EA Sports College Football 25 officially releases this Friday, and we anticipate Dynasty Mode being where most spend their time—particularly the millennials that have been waiting for a college football game since NCAA 14. And just like those choosing a school in Road to Glory face a difficult decision, the starting point in Dynasty Mode features plenty of different options.
Perhaps you simply want to go right to a powerhouse like Alabama or Georgia as the head coach, but I prefer taking the more realistic path by starting as the offensive or defensive coordinator at a college with lower prestige. With that in mind, this article will rank ten of the best schools (and roles, whether OC or DC) to consider for those who want to start at the bottom in CFB 25.
10. South Alabama defensive coordinator
South Alabama won their first bowl game last season and went 10-3 in 2022, but the defense is only rated at 70 OVR, so it’s a good spot to come in as a defensive coordinator to help build on the turnaround after former real-life head coach Kane Wommack left for Alabama to be their co-DC.
9. Troy offensive coordinator
Staying in the Sun Belt, Troy is another university that has a new head coach in real life, so you can step in as the offensive coordinator to keep the momentum going after a combined 23-5 record for the Trojans over the past two years. Also, it’d be awesome to see Troy crack the Top 25 after finishing at the No. 24 team in the final CFP Playoff rankings in 2022.
8. Vanderbilt offensive coordinator
Vanderbilt is the only Power 4 school to make this list, and it might not be much fun getting pounded in the SEC as a 71 OVR squad facing all teams rated from 83-95. That said, it would be an obvious challenge and immediately put you in some awesome college football environments.
7. Wyoming offensive coordinator
The Cowboys promoted former defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel to head coach last December, so stepping in as his offensive coordinator makes a ton of sense. Maybe you will even stumble upon the next Josh Allen by hitting on a quarterback recruit.
6. Nevada defensive coordinator
Nevada has fallen on tough times with a 2-10 record in back-to-back years since Jay Norvell left for Colorado State—so the goal here is to right the ship in a really cool atmosphere with Mackay Stadium being a great homefield advantage in the Mountain West.
5. Air Force offensive coordinator
The revamped option offense is a ton of fun in CFB 25, so Air Force would provide an opportunity to run the scheme efficiently and prove yourself worthy for other jobs when they open. Of course, there will also be intense matchups versus Navy and Army on the schedule.
4. Kennesaw State offensive coordinator
Kennesaw State seems to be the most popular low-prestige school that those wanting the tougher path have been choosing, and they have the worst-rated unit in the game—offense or defense—at 60 overall that you’d control as OC. We’d say that gives users free reign to run things how they see fit.
3. Northern Illinois defensive coordinator
Northern Illinois is the lone representative from the MAC, but anyone from Ball State to Miami (OH) is a school worth considering. Something about the Huskies and their branding makes them a favorite, and you can really go either side of the ball here.
2. Temple defensive coordinator
Are the Owls a little too mainstream to rank this high? Perhaps; but they are the worst team in the American conference, have gone 1-6, 3-9, 3-9, and 3-9 over the past four seasons, and are located in the heart of Philadelphia. Sounds like an ideal situation to build up.
1. UMass offensive coordinator
UMass might lack on-field success, but they are one of the oldest schools in the country and have former Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown as head coach—allowing you to focus on getting the job done offensively. Plus, they are one of three independents (along with Notre Dame and UConn), and facing Missouri, Mississippi State, and Georgia on the 2024 schedule will give users a taste of what’s to come if they get hired elsewhere after the season.