Spacing the Field in College Football 26

Avoid Stacking Routes at the Same Depth

In CFB 26, stacking multiple routes that break at the same depth (e.g. two routes breaking at 5 yards) makes your offense easier to defend.

Zone and user defenders can sit in one spot and cover multiple options — especially over the middle.

For example, pairing a slant and drag on the same side creates a traffic jam in the short zone, which makes reads harder and throws riskier.

Layer Your Routes at Different Depths

To keep defenders stressed, mix route depths across the same side of the field.

Try this concept:

• Drag (5 yards)
• Dig (10 yards)
• Post (15+ yards)

These layered combinations force defenders to commit to one level, opening up easy completions elsewhere.

Look for these plays in your playbook or hot route individual receivers using:

• Drag: Triangle/Y > Receiver Icon > Right Stick Left
• Dig: Triangle/Y > Receiver Icon > Right Stick Right
• Post: Triangle/Y > Receiver Icon > Right Stick Up

Use Timing to Spread the Defense

It’s not just where routes break — it’s when.

Stagger the timing of breaks so defenders can't jump two routes at once.

Examples:

• Send a drag underneath that develops quickly
• Follow with a deep cross that breaks later
• Finish with a delayed corner route or backside post

This keeps user defenders guessing and AI defenders occupied.

Use Concepts Like Flood and Levels

Some of the best built-in spacing concepts are already in your playbook:

• Flood: Combines a flat, corner, and streak on the same side
• Levels: Staggers short, medium, and deep routes across the middle

Both stress multiple zones and isolate defenders.

Look for these under:

Play Type > Concepts > Flood / Levels

Force Defenders into Tough Decisions

Good spacing makes it nearly impossible to cover everything.

When you stretch the defense both horizontally and vertically, defenders must pick — and when they do, someone is usually open.

Mastering spacing lets you throw with confidence, keep drives alive, and make smarter reads.