When you think of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t recruiting pipelines or depth chart spreadsheets—but maybe it should be.
In a recent clip from the Barstool Sports “Bussing With The Boys,” Dale Jr. gave us a look under the hood of his NCAA Dynasty obsession—and it’s legendary.
From One-Star Charlotte to National Champs
Dale started his dynasty with Charlotte (UNCC)—a true 1-star rebuild. But through relentless recruiting and smart play-calling, he built the program into a 4.5-star powerhouse and took down a major blue-blood opponent: Michigan. Fun fact? Michigan was coached by his best man, T.J. Majors. That win? Personal.
The Spreadsheet Playbook: Dale’s Secret Weapon
Behind the scenes, Dale doesn’t just wing it. He’s built out a full system to manage his dynasty using Google Sheets on his iPad. Here’s what he tracks:
Depth Chart (Color-Coded by Class)
Red = Seniors
Orange = Juniors
Yellow = Sophomores
Green = Freshmen
This lets him track where he needs to prioritize recruiting—and avoid holes in his roster year to year.
Playbook Management
Organize plays into categories:
Run Plays
Pass Plays
RPOs
Options
Screens
Then rank them by:
Yardage Gained
Effectiveness
Consistency
He calls it a “Connor Stalions Manifesto”—a nod to elite scouting and advanced prep. The result? A customized playbook tuned for peak performance every game.
Final Thoughts
Dale Jr. didn’t just build a team—he built a dynasty using the same attention to detail he brought to the track. Whether you’re rebuilding Charlotte, Navy, or UNLV, the key is discipline, preparation, and a little spreadsheet magic.
Your Dynasty’s Secret Weapon: The Dale Jr.-Inspired Spreadsheet
This spreadsheet isn’t just a tracker; it’s a strategic system to build your NCAA Dynasty into a powerhouse, just like Dale Earnhardt Jr. did.
Core Tabs & Strategic Flow:
Depth Chart: Input your roster (Player Name, Position, Year). The color-coding by class year (Red=Seniors, Orange=Juniors, Yellow=Sophomores, Green=Freshmen) instantly highlights future roster holes, driving your recruiting focus.
Recruiting Tracker: This is where the Depth Chart informs your strategy. Based on the future roster needs identified in your Depth Chart, if the player on your Offensive or Defensive Depth Chart is a JUNIOR or SENIOR, you will see another point added to that position listed on the recruiting tracker. This will let you know that you need to recruit 3 RBs and 2 OTs (If they are a Junior or Senior) for example.
Offensive Play Log: Track every play’s Type, Usage, Avg Yards, and Effectiveness. This data empowers you to build a customized, high-performance playbook based on what truly works for your team. You’ll use a Play Scoring System to evaluate results:
5 = 100% Success
4 = 75-100% Success
3 = 50-75% Success
2 = 25-50% Success
Weekly Results / Game Notes: Use this tab for flexible game planning, opponent tendencies, and overall tracking, applying insights from your data-driven approach.
How to Maximize Your Advantage:
Populate & Maintain: Start by entering your current roster and consistently log play data and recruiting targets.
Strategic Connections: The core is understanding that your Depth Chart’s future needs directly feed into what you prioritize in your Recruiting Tracker. If you see a class heavy on seniors at a certain position, you know to focus recruiting efforts there for the following season.
Data-Driven Decisions: The more you update, the clearer your path to success. You’ll move beyond guesswork, making informed decisions on recruiting, play-calling, and game strategy.
Disclaimer: This article discusses and references publicly available content for commentary and analysis purposes. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.
If you’ve ever dreamed of building a college football dynasty from the ground up, this one’s for you. At Ripping Sticks, we’re all about taking gaming beyond just one-and-done seasons. We wanted something bigger—something that lasted. So we created our own 6-person, 10-year minimum NCAA Dynasty League, and honestly? It’s the most fun we’ve had gaming in years.
Whether you’re here for the strategy, the competition, or just the late-night laughs with your crew, this setup turns a simple season into a full-blown legacy.
Why We Built It: Creativity Meets Commitment
We didn’t want to just pick powerhouses and run up the scoreboard. We wanted a challenge. Every coach in our league committed to starting with a 2-star (or worse!) program, turning the path to national glory into a gritty, uphill battle. The goal? Earn every win, build your team, and forge a dynasty from scratch.
Here are the squads our coaches chose to kick off the ride:
Navy (2 ⭐️)
Fresno State (2 ⭐️)
Purdue (2 ⭐️)
Texas State (2 ⭐️)
Temple (1.5 ⭐️)
UNLV (1.5 ⭐️)
Want to talk Cinderella stories? We’re writing them in real time.
The League Rulebook: Custom-Made for Competitive Fun
We crafted rules that make the league tough, fair, and most of all—addictive. Here’s how we play:
Start from the Bottom
All teams must begin as a 2-star program.
Coaches start at level one—no boosts, no head starts.
Smart Scheduling
Owners can customize out-of-conference games each year.
Conference realignment? Only after Year 1—and it has to make sense (no SEC Temple, sorry).
Gameplay Settings
Difficulty: Heisman Mode
No cheesy play spam—each offensive play can only be called 5 times per game.
Accelerated clock? Off—we’re here for the full chess match.
Game Pacing
48-hour window to get your game in.
Life happens? Let the group know.
Short absence = game pause
Longer absence = sim with forced win (if CPU opponent)
Force Wins & Disputes
No-shows without communication? No force win for you.
Disconnects? Submit a clip and the commissioner will decide what happens next.
Coach Creation
You’re not just playing as Nick Saban. You’re YOU—starting from scratch.
Pick your alma mater, define your recruiting region, and grow your influence with each W.
Why You Should Start Your Own League
There’s nothing quite like building your own traditions with your gaming crew. Whether it’s the trash talk, the revenge games, or the “you just cost me a bowl game” meltdowns—it’s peak gaming culture.
By adding structure, longevity, and the underdog element, you’re not just playing NCAA—you’re living it. So gather your squad. Pick some scrub programs. Fire up NCAA. And see who’s still standing in 2035.
Ready to Build Your Dynasty?
We’ll be sharing updates from our league throughout the year—roster rebuilds, coaching controversies, and maybe even a scandal or two. 👀
Unlock Your Dynasty Potential: Dive into the NCAA 26 Ratings!
Hey College Football Dynasty fanatics!
If you’re anything like me, you live for the thrill of building a powerhouse program in NCAA 26. But let’s be honest, getting started can be overwhelming. You’re thinking about recruiting, coaching, and, most importantly, finding that perfect team to lead to glory. That’s why I’ve put together a comprehensive NCAA 26 Dynasty Ratings Spreadsheet to give you the edge you need!
I know when I’m looking to start a new dynasty, I’m always asking:
What’s the star ranking of a team?
What’s the overall rating of a team?
How does their offense and defense fair against their rivals?
My spreadsheet answers all these questions and more, making your dynasty decisions easier and more informed.
A Glimpse into the Data:
Let’s take a look at some of the teams and what you can expect to find in the spreadsheet:
Top Tier Contenders (5-Star Teams):
Ohio State Buckeyes: A dominant 5-star team with a 91 overall rating, boasting a 94 defense.
Georgia Bulldogs: Another 5-star juggernaut, leading with a 94 overall and an incredible 96 defense.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A strong 5-star contender, rated 92 overall with a 94 offense.
Alabama Crimson Tide: The perennial powerhouse, a 5-star team with a 94 overall rating and balanced 94 offense and 94 defense.
Michigan Wolverines: Rounding out the 5-star elite, with an 89 overall rating and a solid 91 defense.
Rising Stars (4.5-Star Teams):
Texas Longhorns: A 4.5-star team with a 92 overall rating, featuring a stout 94 defense.
Penn State Nittany Lions: Another strong 4.5-star option, with an 89 overall rating.
Oregon Ducks: A high-flying 4.5-star team, 92 overall with a 94 defense.
Clemson Tigers: A formidable 4.5-star squad, 91 overall with a 94 defense.
LSU Tigers: A competitive 4.5-star team, 89 overall with a 91 defense.
Oklahoma Sooners: A 4.5-star team with an 89 overall rating and a 91 defense.
The Reclamation Projects: Bring Them Back to Glory!
This section is for the true dynasty architects – those who yearn to restore a once-great program to its former championship heights. These 3, 3.5, or 4-star teams possess historical prestige but are currently yearning for a new leader to guide them back to national prominence. Their current ratings in NCAA 26 offer a challenging but highly rewarding rebuild.
Florida Gators (4 Stars, 87 Overall, 89 Off, 87 Def): Once a consistent SEC and national contender with multiple titles, the Gators are ready for a resurgence. Can you navigate the tough SEC East and bring “The Swamp” back to championship glory?
USC Trojans (4 Stars, 87 Overall, 89 Off, 87 Def): With a rich history of Heisman winners and national championships, USC has seen its ups and downs. Their solid offensive rating gives you a base to work with as you aim to reclaim West Coast dominance.
Florida State Seminoles (4 Stars, 88 Overall, 89 Off, 87 Def): From dynasty to contender, FSU has a storied past. With strong offensive and defensive ratings, they’re poised for a quicker turnaround under the right leadership.
Miami Hurricanes (4 Stars, 87 Overall, 87 Off, 88 Def): “The U” was a national powerhouse for decades. While still a 4-star program, they’re looking to recapture the swagger and win national titles again. Can you bring “The U” back?
Nebraska Cornhuskers (3.5 Stars, 83 Overall, 83 Off, 84 Def): A true blue-blood program with a legendary past, Nebraska is perhaps the quintessential “fallen giant.” Their 3.5-star rating means you’ll have a real project on your hands to revive Big Red. Imagine the satisfaction of bringing a national championship back to Lincoln!
Texas A&M Aggies (4 Stars, 88 Overall, 87 Off, 89 Def): With immense resources and passionate fans, A&M always feels on the cusp. Take over and mold this talented, yet sometimes inconsistent, 4-star team into a consistent SEC West threat and beyond.
Tennessee Volunteers (4 Stars, 88 Overall, 89 Off, 87 Def): Another SEC East program with a proud history that’s been searching for its next national contender phase. The Vols offer a great challenge to rebuild a passionate fanbase’s hopes.
Auburn Tigers (4 Stars, 87 Overall, 87 Off, 88 Def): Often battling for supremacy in the brutal SEC West, Auburn has had moments of brilliance but longs for sustained excellence. Can you make them a consistent top-tier program year in and year out?
Illinois Fighting Illini (3.5 Stars, 82 Overall, 84 Defense): While not always a national powerhouse, Illinois has a Big Ten history and periods of strong performance. They offer a solid defensive foundation and a challenge to rise within a tough conference.
Colorado Buffaloes (3.5 Stars, 86 Overall): A national champion in the 90s, Colorado has a significant “fallen from glory” narrative. Their 86 overall rating for a 3.5-star team means there’s talent to work with as you aim to restore pride to Boulder.
Kansas Jayhawks (3.5 Stars, 82 Overall, 82 Off, 82 Def): While primarily known for basketball, Kansas has had moments in football and offers a unique “turnaround” story. Taking the Jayhawks to the top of the Big 12 would be a monumental achievement.
Beyond the Top: Hidden Gems, 2-Star Dynasty Builders, and Project Teams
For those who love a challenge or want to unearth a diamond in the rough, my spreadsheet is your ultimate guide. It details every team from 0.5 stars up, giving you insights into their overall ratings, offensive and defensive strengths, and, of course, their mascots.
Hidden Gems (3 or 3.5-Star Teams with Current Potential): These teams might not have the same “fallen from glory” narrative, but they offer solid current ratings for their star level, making them excellent choices for a rewarding dynasty experience without a massive historical rebuild burden. They often have specific strengths you can leverage.
Arizona Wildcats (3 Stars, 80 Overall, 80 Off, 80 Def): A balanced team with a good base to build from, perfect for a West Coast dynasty builder looking for a solid program with room to grow.
Baylor Bears (3 Stars, 81 Overall, 81 Off, 81 Def): A solid 3-star program with recent Big 12 success, the Bears offer a good foundation for a dynasty looking to quickly climb back into contention.
Oklahoma State Cowboys (3.5 Stars, 84 Overall, 86 Offense): A strong offensive presence, ready to put up points and compete in the Big 12 from day one.
UCF Knights (3.5 Stars, 85 Overall, 87 Off, 85 Def): Boasting a very high overall for a 3.5-star, the Knights are a prime candidate to quickly ascend and make noise in their conference.
Wisconsin Badgers (3.5 Stars, 84 Overall, 86 Def): Known for their defense and run game, the Badgers offer a strong identity to build upon in the Big Ten.
BYU Cougars (3 Stars, 81 Overall, 81 Off, 81 Def): A balanced 3-star team with a loyal fanbase, perfect for a disciplined builder.
2 or 2.5-Star Dynasty Builders: Looking for a significant challenge but still want a recognizable program? These 2 or 2.5-star teams offer a true rebuild opportunity where every recruit and every win feels earned.
Oregon State Beavers (2.5 Stars, 78 Overall, 78 Off, 78 Def): A balanced team at 2.5 stars, the Beavers offer a great opportunity to build a consistent winner in a competitive conference.
Boston College Eagles (2 Stars, 77 Overall): Another solid 2-star option for a dedicated rebuild.
Indiana Hoosiers (2 Stars, 77 Overall): With a 78 Defense, you can focus on building up the offense.
Purdue Boilermakers (2 Stars, 77 Overall): A balanced team to start your journey.
Project Teams (0.5-1.5 Star Teams for the Ultimate Challenge): For the most dedicated dynasty players who want to start from the absolute bottom and build a national champion, these teams are your ultimate test.
Akron Zips (0.5 Stars, 61 Overall): The lowest rated team, a true blank slate.
Arkansas State Red Wolves (1 Star, 69 Overall): A slightly higher starting point, but still a major project.
Bowling Green Falcons (1 Star, 69 Overall): Another low-rated team ready for a complete overhaul.
You’ll find every team listed, from the Air Force Falcons to the Wyoming Cowboys, complete with their star rating, overall, offense, and defense ratings.
Why This Spreadsheet is a Game-Changer:
Strategic Planning: Quickly identify teams that fit your playstyle, whether you prefer a defensive juggernaut or an offensive powerhouse.
Dynasty Building: Easily scout potential programs based on their current star ranking and overall talent.
Mascot Mania: Find your favorite mascots and build a dynasty around them!
Ready to dominate your NCAA 26 dynasty? Download the full spreadsheet here: NCAA 26 Dynasty Ratings
School
Mascot
Star
Overall
Offense
Defense
Top 25 Ranking
Texas
Longhorns
4.5
92
91
94
1
Penn State
Nittany Lions
4.5
89
89
89
2
Ohio State
Buckeyes
5
91
89
94
3
Georgia
Bulldogs
5
94
94
96
4
Notre Dame
Fighting Irish
5
92
94
91
5
Oregon
Ducks
4.5
92
91
94
6
Clemson
Tigers
4.5
91
89
94
7
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Tigers
4.5
89
89
91
8
Alabama
Crimson Tide
5
94
94
94
9
Illinois
Fighting Illini
3.5
82
81
84
10
Florida
Gators
4
89
89
91
11
South Carolina
Gamecocks
3.5
84
84
86
12
Miami
Hurricanes
4
91
91
91
13
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Cougars
3
79
79
81
14
Arizona State
Sun Devils
3.5
84
84
86
15
Michigan
Wolverines
5
89
89
91
16
Kansas State
Wildcats
3.5
80
81
79
17
Iowa State
Cyclones
3
80
81
79
18
Ole Miss
Rebels
4
86
86
86
19
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Mustangs
3.5
85
86
84
20
Texas A&M
Aggies
4
92
94
91
21
Tennessee
Volunteers
4
86
86
86
22
Oklahoma
Sooners
4.5
89
89
91
23
Louisville
Cardinals
3
82
81
84
24
Texas Tech
Red Raiders
3.5
86
86
86
25
Air Force
Falcons
1.5
70
74
66
Akron
Zips
0.5
61
61
61
App State
Mountaineers
2
71
71
71
Arizona
Wildcats
3
77
79
76
Arkansas
Razorbacks
3.5
84
84
84
Arkansas State
Red Wolves
1
69
69
69
Army
Black Knights
2.5
70
71
69
Auburn
Tigers
3.5
87
86
89
Ball State
Cardinals
1
62
64
61
Baylor
Bears
3.5
84
84
84
Boise State
Broncos
3.5
79
79
79
Boston College
Eagles
3
79
79
79
Bowling Green
Falcons
1.5
67
69
66
Buffalo
Bulls
1
69
69
71
California (Cal)
Golden Bears
3
79
79
81
Central Carolina
Chanticleers
1.5
69
71
66
Central Michigan
Chippewas
1.5
66
66
66
Charlotte
49ers
1
69
69
71
Cincinnati
Bearcats
3
79
79
79
Colorado
Buffaloes
3.5
86
86
86
Colorado State
Rams
1.5
71
71
71
Delaware
Blue Hens
1
67
69
66
Duke
Blue Devils
2.5
79
79
79
East Carolina
Pirates
1.5
71
71
71
Eastern Michigan
Eagles
1.5
67
69
66
Florida Atlantic
Owls
1.5
69
69
71
Florida International University (FIU)
Panthers
1
69
69
69
Florida State
Seminoles
4
85
86
84
Fresno State
Bulldogs
2
74
74
74
Georgia Southern
Eagles
1
72
74
71
Georgia State
Panthers
1
65
66
64
Georgia Tech
Yellow Jackets
3
79
79
79
Hawai’i
Rainbow Warriors
1
68
66
71
Houston
Cougars
3
77
76
79
Indiana
Hoosiers
3.5
84
84
84
Iowa
Hawkeyes
3.5
82
84
81
James Madison
Dukes
1.5
70
71
69
Jax State
Gamecocks
1
67
69
66
Kansas
Jayhawks
3
80
81
79
Kennesaw State
Owls
1
66
66
66
Kent State
Golden Flashes
0.5
64
64
64
Kentucky
Wildcats
3.5
82
84
81
Liberty
Flames
1.5
74
74
76
Louisana
Ragin Cajuns
1.5
70
71
69
Louisana Tech
Bulldogs
1.5
67
66
69
Marshall
Thundering Herd
2
69
69
69
Maryland
Terrapins
3
76
76
76
Memphis
Tigers
2.5
77
76
79
Miami (OH)
Redhawks
2
67
66
69
Michigan State
Spartans
3
84
84
84
Middle Tennessee
Blue Raiders
1.5
69
69
69
Minnesota
Golden Gophers
3
79
79
81
Mississippi State
Bulldogs
2.5
84
84
84
Missouri
Tigers
3
86
86
86
Missouri State
Bears
1
65
66
64
Navy
Midshipmen
2
69
69
69
NC State
Wolfpack
3.5
82
81
84
Nebraska
Cornhuskers
3.5
84
84
84
Nevada
Wolf Pack
1.5
69
69
69
New Mexico
Lobos
1
67
69
66
New Mexico State
Aggies
1
67
66
69
North Carolina
Tar Heels
3.5
81
81
81
North Texas
Mean Green
2
72
71
74
Northern Illinois
Huskies
1.5
67
66
69
Northwestern
Wildcats
2.5
79
79
81
Ohio
Bobcats
1.5
67
69
64
Oklahoma State
Cowboys
3.5
79
79
81
Old Dominion
Monarchs
1
64
64
64
Oregon State
Beavers
2.5
77
76
79
Pittsburgh
Panthers
3.5
79
79
81
Purdue
Boilermakers
2
77
79
76
Rice
Owls
1
69
69
71
Rutgers
Scarlet Knights
2.5
81
81
81
Sam Houston
Bearkats
1.5
67
69
66
San Diego State
Aztecs
2
76
76
76
San Jose State
Spartans
2.5
69
69
71
Southern Alabama
Jaguars
1.5
69
69
71
Southern Miss
Golden Eagles
2
72
74
71
Stanford
Cardinal
2.5
79
79
79
Syracuse
Orange
3
81
81
81
Texas Christian University (TCU)
Horned Frogs
3.5
79
79
81
Temple
Owls
1.5
69
69
69
Texas State
Bobcats
2
69
69
71
Toledo
Rockets
1.5
72
71
74
Troy
Trojans
2
69
69
71
Tulane
Green Wave
2.5
77
76
79
Tulsa
Golden Hurricane
2
71
71
71
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Blazers
1.5
69
69
71
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Bruins
3.5
84
84
84
University of Connecticut (UCONN)
Huskies
1.5
71
71
71
University of Louisiana (UL) Monroe
Warhawks
1.5
66
66
66
University of Massachusetts (UMASS)
Minutemen
1.5
66
66
66
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Knights
3
81
79
84
University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)
Rebels
1.5
74
74
76
University of Southern California (USC)
Trojans
4
84
84
84
University of South Florida (USF)
Bulls
1.5
79
79
79
Utah
Utes
3.5
84
84
84
Utah State
Aggies
2
71
69
74
University of Texas El Paso (UTEP)
Miners
1.5
64
64
66
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
Roadrunners
1.5
77
79
76
Vanderbilt
Commodores
2.5
84
84
84
Virginia
Cavaliers
2.5
84
84
84
Virginia Tech
Hokies
3
82
81
84
Wake Forest
Demon Deacons
2.5
79
79
81
Washington
Huskies
4
82
81
84
Washington State
Cougars
3
77
79
76
West Virginia
Mountaineers
3
82
81
84
Western Kentucky
Hilltoppers
2
71
71
71
Western Michigan
Broncos
1.5
67
66
69
Wisconsin
Badgers
3.5
85
86
84
Wyoming
Cowboys
2
69
69
69
Let me know in the comments which team you’re starting your dynasty with and why! Happy gaming!
About Us:
Just a group of friends who love to dig deep into the data to influence our decision making process. This website is meant to share our approach with others for the benefit of the college football fanatics.
