October 17, 2025
CFB 26 Nightmares Vol. 1 Brings DJ Pickett, Ryan Shazier, Bryant Wesco Jr. & More The first Nightmares drop in CFB 26 arrives with LTDs, upgradeable players, a new cross-game system, and exclusive Halloween events
Halloween has officially come to College Football 26. On October 17th at 1:30 PM ET, EA Sports released Nightmares Vol. 1, the first major Halloween program packed with new player items, crossover upgrades, events, and alternate currencies.
This update marks a major milestone — for the first time ever, players can upgrade cards across both CUT and MUT, with progress transferring between the two.
Here’s everything you need to know about Nightmares Vol. 1, from Nightmare Fuel to locker sets, cross-game rewards, and the full lineup of terrifying new players.
💀 Nightmare Fuel Explained
Nightmare Fuel is the new limited-time currency for this event. You can earn it by playing Nightmares challenges and events, then spend it to:
- Upgrade players (like Ryan Shazier)
- Purchase upgrade tokens
- Unlock special items in the Nightmare Fuel Shop
This currency is key to powering up the stars of the program — and unlocking exclusive content available only during the Halloween event.
🔁 MUT & CUT Cross-Game Player System
For the first time, a player can be upgraded in both College Ultimate Team (CUT) and Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) — with progress carrying over between games.
🧠 Ryan Shazier – Cross-Game Hybrid Player
- Base Card: 82 OVR Ryan Shazier
- Max Upgrade: 92 OVR using Upgrade Tokens
- How to Earn Tokens: Buy them with Nightmare Fuel or complete in-game objectives
- Event Duration: Ends November 6th
Fully upgrading Shazier by Halloween will also earn you a bonus reward in MUT.
92 Ryan Shazier | MIKE | Ohio State | 3-3-5
👻 Nightmares Vol. 1 Player Lineup
All Nightmares LTDs and Champions can be upgraded using 1,000 Nightmare Fuel to unlock an additional ability bucket featuring Gold Abilities.
🩸 Limited Editions (LTDs)**
Available in packs until October 24
- 92 Pat White | QB | West Virginia | Option
- 92 DJ Pickett | CB | LSU | 4-2-5
🕸️ Champions**
- 91 Michael Taaffe | FS | Texas | Multiple D
- 91 Maraad Watson | DT | Texas | 3-4
- 91 Bryant Wesco Jr. | WR | Clemson | Pistol
- 91 Jordan Seaton | LT | Colorado | Air Raid
- 91 Dylan Stewart | REDG | South Carolina | 3-2-6
💀 Nightmare Fuel Champion**
- Exclusive to the Nightmare Fuel Store for 2,200 Fuel
🧟 Heroes (89 OVR)**
- Chance Carroll | C | Georgia Southern | Air Raid
- Seth Anderson | WR | Iowa | Pro Style
- Wayshawn Parker | HB | Utah | Pro Style
- Keli Lawson | WILL | UCF | 3-3-5
- Austin Harnetiaux | WILL | Nevada | 3-2-6
- Gage Summers | MIKE | Akron | 4-3
🪦 Elites (87 OVR)**
- Boo Carter | FS | Tennessee | 4-2-5
- Davon Banks | CB | Boise State | 3-4
- Joah Cash | REDG | Tulsa | 3-3-5
- Max Stege | LEDG | Boise State | 3-2-6
- Logan Howland | LT | Oklahoma | Multiple O
- Jacob Sexton | LT | Oklahoma | Pro Style
🧟♂️ Fright Night Event
Fright Night is a head-to-head event where players battle for an exclusive rotating reward each week.
This week’s reward:
- 91 Jerome Bettis | HB | Notre Dame | Pro Style
Compete, win, and claim The Bus before he’s gone!
🧩 Strategy Items
Earned through objectives or the Nightmare Fuel Shop, these items modify specific ratings — some boost key stats while others apply tradeoffs for better customization.
Examples include:
-1 COD, +4 RUN, +1 ACC-3 JKM, -3 SPM, +3 TRK, +3 SFA+3 JKM, +3 SPM, -3 TRK, -3 SFA-4 STA, +2 CTH, +2 SPC, +2 CIT
Strategic use of these items can dramatically alter player performance — ideal for fine-tuning your lineup.
🎁 Nightmares Locker Sets
Lockers earned during this event will open on Halloween, containing exclusive player rewards called Monstrosities.
Each locker tier guarantees higher OVR rewards, with XL Lockers guaranteeing a 91 OVR Monstrosity.
How to complete locker sets:
Use Dream Fragments, which can be earned from the Sweet Dreams OT Event or by completing objectives.
- Small Locker: 2 Fragments → 83+ OVR
- Medium Locker: 5 Fragments → 86+ OVR
- Large Locker: 12 Fragments → 89+ OVR
- Extra Large Locker: 25 Fragments → 91+ OVR
⚔️ Descent of Madness (CPU Event)
Take on the AI in this special CPU challenge mode to earn Nightmare Fuel.
At 13 wins, players receive two 87+ OVR BND Nightmares Reward Packs.
🌙 Sweet Dreams OT Event
In this eerie overtime showdown, both teams get one drive to score under special Nightmares rules.
Event Rewards:
- 0 Wins: 1,000 Coins
- 1 Win: 2,000 Coins
- 2 Wins: 5,000 Coins
- 3 Wins: 83+ OVR Nightmare Locker (S)
- 4 Wins: Dream Fragment
🏆 Final Thoughts
The Nightmares Vol. 1 program is one of the most ambitious events yet in CFB 26, introducing crossover upgrades, unique Halloween rewards, and plenty of content to grind.
Whether you’re chasing DJ Pickett, upgrading Shazier, or filling XL lockers with Monstrosities, there’s no shortage of ways to earn spooky rewards before the crossover ends on November 6th.