EA Sports has delivered its first Gridiron Notes of the year ahead of a release date of 14 August 2025. One of the biggest criticisms of the series every year is the lack of updates beyond a new lick of paint and updated rosters. However, it is the first real chance for players to see what Madden NFL 26 might include.

New details have been released for every area of the game. This includes changes to gameplay across the board, new presentation elements, as well as details of how each of the main modes in the game has been updated. From Franchise Mode, to Superstar and Ultimate Team in Madden NFL 26. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 26.

How Madden NFL Franchise Mode Works

The Career-Based Seasons

Franchise Mode is the longest-standing mode in the Madden series and is one of the most significant areas of interest for fans. It is the traditional core season mode that the majority of sports titles feature year after year. You pick your favorite team, you manage them off the field and control them on it, to lead your franchise to the Super Bowl. However, many fans believe the mode has stagnated over the years.

For Madden NFL 26 to succeed, it must avoid the same Franchise mode mistakes as Madden 25. Further improvements have been made to the game in recent years, adding more options off the field to try and add an extra level of realism to Franchise Mode. However, most fans agree that it doesn't receive the same attention year-on-year as Ultimate Team and Superstar do, instead featuring minor tweaks and simple roster updates to keep everything up to date.

New Madden NFL 26 Franchise Mode Features

A New Presentation But Should We Be Excited?

EA Sports, in their notes, has declared that it has made changes to Franchise Mode following . One of the most significant overhauls is the introduction of new presentations, where Madden NFL 26 truly shines. Halftime shows and weekly recaps are boosted by Scott Hanson from Red Zone, providing custom broadcast packages across the weekend, but we will have to see how unique these are when the game launches.

All the significant gameplay changes in Madden NFL 26 will directly impact how you play in Franchise Mode.

On the field, managing player wear and tear is now a vital part of strategy in the mode, including new trainer abilities to manage your stars as well as possible, to avoid injuries. Playbooks have also changed with the introduction of Play Sheets. This will allow you to add extra plays to your arsenal every week, depending on who it is you are facing off against. It has also been confirmed that this year's Madden NFL 26 cover star will be Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

Madden NFL 26 Franchise Mode Coach Changes

A Huge Overhaul For Coaches

The most significant change to Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 26 is the introduction of Coach Abilities. You can now scout out the opponent each week and customize your game plan to suit the matchup. They can also be used in-game for specific scenarios to improve your team's chances, but the AI-controlled coaches can also use theirs. One of the biggest areas fans were looking for an improvement in was how the AI manages their team off the field, so we will see if the new coach updates change any of this.

There are more options than ever for your custom-made coach when starting out in Franchise Mode, from headgear, new gear, to new styles to help you on the field.

The Coach Abilities add to the new Coach DNA, which is one of the standout updates across all modes in Madden NFL 26. This will help each coach express their unique style and will translate into Franchise Mode when you face off against each of the coaches. This will also include coach suggestions before you snap the ball on both offense and defense, with the options taken from that team's coaches' tendencies.

There are plenty of interesting points in the first Gridiron Notes for those looking to play Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 26, but we will have to wait and see if it is enough to keep players coming back.