Dive into College Football 26 tips and tutorials to elevate your skills to the next level.

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Tips & Tricks

Beginner Tips

Offense Tips

Defense Tips

Ultimate Team Tips

Competitive Tips

Pro Tips

Player Abilities Tips

Playbook Tips

Celebration Tips

Game Modes Tips

Road To Glory Tips

Dynasty Tips

EA SPORTS MVP Bundle

MVP Bundle

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Bundle Exclusive CUT Elite Player Item

College Football 26 Ultimate Team Top Prospect Card Pack

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Top Prospect Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 player item)

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Fresh Faces Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 of 5 player items)

College Football 26 Ultimate Team All Hands Card Pack

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All Hands Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 out of 2 player items)

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Dynasty Coach Points

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Road to Glory Skill Points

College Football 26 Deluxe Edition

Deluxe Edition

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4600 College Football Points

Maximize your College Football 26 rewards* with the Deluxe Edition, or make game day, every day with the MVP Bundle** to get Madden NFL 26 and even more rewards**.

Learn More

MVP Bundle & Deluxe Edition

PlayStation®

Xbox

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Top Prospect Pack

Fresh Faces Ultimate Team Pack

All Hands Ultimate Team Pack

Base Game (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S)

EA SPORTS MVP Bundle (Minus Madden Benefits)

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College Football 26 Standard Edition

College Football athletes Ryan Williams from Alabama Crimson Tide and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State posing in front of a big flag with all the other College Football teams

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Prove your program belongs at the top with enhanced college football gameplay featuring new offensive and defensive mechanics. Experience new stunts and twists, then make dynamic substitutions when it counts. With over 2,800 new plays, 10,000 players, and over 300 real-world coaches with true-to-life schemes, this is the most authentic college football experience yet. 

In game screenshot of College Football athlete Ryan Williams from the Alabama Crimson Tide catching the football mid-air

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True College Football Gameplay

Cement your legacy as one of the best coaches. Assemble an elite staff, upgrade your abilities and then lay it all out on the field. Navigate the now expanded and more unpredictable transfer portal featuring thousands of players each year. Personnel management has never been more important, with new location-based visits having the potential to give your program an advantage in recruiting. Land critical talent for your team by managing new Dynamic Deal Breakers and Traits while trying to retain your favorite playmakers and cement your program’s legacy.

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Dynasty

The ultimate student-athlete journey starts here. Rise from high school recruit to Heisman glory, with every decision shaping your career. Build your highlight tape to earn an offer from your dream school. Rise in class rankings and secure scholarships before other recruits. Earn Coach Trust, build team chemistry, and navigate the competitive recruiting process. Commit early if you've found the perfect fit or enter the portal if a better opportunity arises. Your path to the NFL Draft is yours to define.

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Road to Glory

Immerse yourself in ultimate game day atmospheres with more electrifying sights, sounds, and traditions. Feel the energy of new situation and stadium-specific music, fight songs, and dynamic commentary. Experience new presentation that reflects the importance of each game in the context of your season. Saddle up in Stillwater, hoist The Golden Egg, and raise the sword as the King of Turnovers at Coastal Carolina. We’re surrounding you with authentic, unrivaled school spirit so you always feel right at home.

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More Like Saturday

Build your dream roster with Legends from the past and current college stars. Lead your Ultimate Team to greatness by taking on the competition in H2H matchups and themed challenges meant to put your skills to the test.

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College Football Ultimate Team

EA SPORTS College Football

Sports

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*Conditions &amp; restrictions apply. See [https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-college-football/college-football-26/game-disclaimers](https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-college-football/college-football-26/game-disclaimers) for details.

**Conditions &amp; restrictions apply. See [https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/game-disclaimers](https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/game-disclaimers) for details.

†Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See [EA Play Terms](https://tos.ea.com/legalapp/eaplay/US/en/PC/) for details.

Unless licensed, all names and identifying characteristics are fictitious. For fictitious persons, any similarities to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended.

© 2025 Electronic Arts Inc. Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Officially licensed by CLC.

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College Football 26 Official Reveal Trailer

The playbook is in your hands. Take your career from high school recruit to Heisman or coach your team to the top. With thousands of new plays, players and upgraded abilities, there are more ways than ever to Bring Glory Home.

In game screenshot of College Football athelete Nicholas Singleton running the ball into the endzone whilst being chased by the opposing team

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College Football 26 Gameplay Deep Dive

College Football 26 is available July 10. Pre-order to play 3 days early: http://x.ea.com/84146 
 
The playbook is in your hands. Take your career from high school recruit to Heisman or coach your team to the top. With thousands of new plays, players and upgraded abilities, there are more ways than ever to Bring Glory Home. 

Get #CFB26 news: https://linktr.ee/easportscollege

College Football 26 Official Gameplay Deep Dive

In game screenshot of Coach Ryan Day and the football team from Ohio State University heading out of the tunnel with red spotlights 

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College Football 26 Official Dynasty Deep Dive

College Football 26 is available July 10. Pre-order to play 3 days early: http://x.ea.com/84146 

Cement your legacy as one of the best coaches. Assemble an elite staff, upgrade your abilities and then lay it all out on the field. Navigate the now expanded and more unpredictable transfer portal featuring thousands of players each year. Personnel management has never been more important, with new location-based visits having the potential to give your program an advantage in recruiting. Land critical talent for your team by managing new Dynamic Deal Breakers and Traits while trying to retain your favorite playmakers and cement your program’s legacy.

Get #CFB26 news: https://linktr.ee/easportscollege

CFB 26 College RTG / Madden SS Thumb

CFB 26 & Madden 26: RTG & Superstar Trailer

College Football 26 & Madden 26 | Road to Glory + Superstar Trailer

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CFB 26 gameplay first look thumbnail 16x9

Gameplay First Look

Get a first look at gameplay action in College Football 26.

College Football 26 Official Gameplay First Look

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 EA SPORTS™ College Football 26

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Standard Edition


Bring Glory Home with College Football 26. The playbook is yours today.


Pre-Order Now*

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26

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Make game day, every day. From high school recruit to NFL legend, you can live the entire football journey with EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Deluxe Edition and Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition.


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Make game day, every day. From high school recruit to NFL legend, you can live the entire football journey with EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Deluxe Edition and Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition.

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Bring Glory Home in EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 and experience the world of college football. Whatever path to greatness you choose, from high school recruit to the Heisman, or as a coach, you can forge your legacy. 

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Season 1 is the perfect time to start building your dream roster.

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College Football Ultimate Team Season 1

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Check out our list of the top 100 players in EA SPORTS™ College Football 26.

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Save 10% off EA digital purchases—including game downloads, points packs, and DLC.

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## Challenge Your Friends Across Consoles!

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 supports cross-play between PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Compete with friends and other players in four exciting game modes:

**1. Online Dynasty:**

- Up to 32 players can compete in one league.
- Cross-play is on by default, but commissioners can turn it off.


**2. Road to the College Football Playoff:**

- Head-to-head online action.
- Cross-play is always on.


**3. College Football Ultimate Team:**

- Full cross-play competition as you build and battle with your squad.


**4. Play a Friend:**

- Directly challenge players on a different console.

## Getting Started with Cross-Play

**1. Setup:**

- Ensure you&#39;re connected to the internet.
- Install the latest game update.
- Link your EA Account to your PlayStation® or Xbox profile.


**2. Settings:** 

- Go to the main menu and open **Settings**.  
- Navigate to **Game Settings**, scroll to **Cross-play**, and ensure it&#39;s turned on.  
- It should be enabled by default, but you can change it here if needed.


**3. Adding Friends:**

- Open the **EA Connect Menu** from the bottom right-hand side of the screen.  
- Search for your friend&#39;s EA ID and send a friend request.  
- Once accepted, you&#39;re ready to play!


**Cross-Play Benefits:**

- More ways to connect, compete, and elevate your game experience.


For more information, subscribe to EA Help.





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CFB 26 How to play with friends

How to Play College Football 26 with Friends


Before you had offers. Before the lights, the crowds, the college dreams. You had this: your high school tape.

Welcome to Year 2 of Road to Glory and the start of your recruiting journey. This tape? It’s your shot to impress. Every snap, every challenge, every play matters. College scouts are watching, so make it count.

If you created a high school team in Team Builder, now’s the time to bring them in. Load up your squad, rep your colors, and make the journey yours, from the very first snap.

Every player&#39;s path starts somewhere. Your first decision? Do you want the stars handed to you or are you ready to fight for them? Elite. Blue Chip. Contributor. Underdog. You set the stakes in the climb that comes with it.

Next, choose your position: Quarterback, halfback, wide receiver, mike linebacker, or cornerback. It&#39;s your game. Play it your way.

Next up, it&#39;s time to define how you play by choosing your archetype. This year, Road to Glory has even more options to match your style. At quarterback, you might stand tall as a Pocket Passer, or keep them guessing running the option as a Pure Scrambler. At cornerback, you can jam routes as a Bump and Run CB, or lock down the edge as a Boundary Corner. Every archetype has its strengths. Pick one that fits how you want to win.

Then it&#39;s time to bring your player to life. Build your look, rep your number, and make the name on the back of your jersey mean something.

Now, it’s time to build your dream board. Your Top 10 colleges. These are the programs you&#39;re chasing. The schools you want to impress. Pick your favorites: the powerhouses, the underdogs, or the schools that just feel like home.

Before each game, your coach sets the tone with a handful of key moments that could define your tape. These aren&#39;t just plays; they&#39;re opportunities. Nail them, and they make your reel. Every moment adds to your Tape Score, and that’s what scouts care about. That&#39;s what gets you seen.

Some schools might want a little extra proof. They’ll ask for a Highlight Moment—a tougher challenge where you’ve only got one shot. Pull it off, and it could boost your offer. Come up short, and their interest might fade.

Every week, things shift. Some schools start showing more interest; others go quiet. As your Tape Score builds, so does the pressure to focus. You’ll cut your school list from ten to your top three.

But here’s the thing: if a school’s not interested, that offer might not look like you expect. Stick with them, and you might end up a walk-on or buried third string. So choose wisely. Play where you’re wanted or prove them wrong.

You&#39;ve narrowed it down to your top three schools. Now pick the one you&#39;ll call home. One hat, one decision, and one step closer to winning a national championship.

And with that, your tape is done and your high school journey is over. Now the real work begins, and your road to glory is just getting started.

Subscribe to EA Help to learn more.


Screenshot from College Football 26 Road To Glory mode showing a player in a gray hoodie pointing to a blue Notre Dame hat.

CFB 26 How to transfer a player High School to College

How to Transfer Your Player from High School to College


Don’t just score — celebrate. Here’s how to hit the best celebrations in CFB 26.
## **Mid-Play Celebrations**

While running, hold both triggers and press the X button to celebrate during the play.
## **Post-Play Celebrations**

After the play, flick the right stick in any direction to trigger one of four unique celebrations. Each direction offers a different move.
## **Advanced Celebrations**

To explore more celebration combos, navigate to the main menu, select “More,” then “Profile,” and finally “Celebration.” Discover all the exciting combinations you can perform.

Enjoy your celebrations!


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a player wearing red and the number 4 for Ohio State celebrating a touchdown with a salute.

CFB 26 how to celebrate

How To Celebrate in College Football 26


Whether you&#39;re just getting started or looking to level up fast, here’s a full breakdown on how to build a top-tier Ultimate Team in **College Football 26**. 
## **College Ultimate team Starter Pack** 

**What It Is:**

- Everyone begins with a starter pack containing a full lineup of base-level players.


**Next Steps:**

- You should begin upgrading your team using coins and packs.
- Earning coins consistently becomes key to building a stronger and more competitive roster. 

## **How to Earn College ultimate team Coins** 

There are several reliable ways to make coins early and often:
### **Solo Challenges**

- You can complete objectives to earn stars.
- Earning stars leads to milestone rewards like coins, packs, and player items. 
- More difficult challenges typically offer better rewards. 

#### **Head-to-Head (H2H) Seasons**

- In Solo Seasons, you’ll face the CPU on Freshman, Varsity, or All-American difficulty to earn wins and rewards. 
- In Online Seasons, you’ll compete against real players to climb ranks and earn packs and coins. 
- Winning games and reaching the playoffs will maximize your coin return. 

### **House Rules**

- These are limited-time game modes with custom rule sets, such as an Overtime format. 
- Each win grants rewards like coins or packs. 
- There’s no season record impact, so it’s a great way to play casually while earning.

### **Champs &amp; The Gauntlet**

- These are high-difficulty, high-reward online game modes. 
- In Champs, you aim to win as many games as possible within a 20-game window. 
- In Gauntlet, you try to survive up to 10 games — two losses and you’re out. 
- Both modes offer some of the best rewards available in Ultimate Team. 


## **Field Pass Objectives** 
### **Why It Matters:**

- Completing Field Pass objectives allows you to earn free packs, coins, and XP. 
- As you progress through levels, you unlock increasingly valuable rewards.

### **Types:**

- The Standard Field Pass is earned just by playing any Ultimate Team content. 
- The Premium Field Pass is an optional upgrade that provides bonus rewards at each level.

### **Tips:**

- You should focus on Field Pass objectives to level up quickly and efficiently.
- Earning XP helps you unlock season-long rewards faster and more consistently.

## **Store vs. Auction House**
### **The Store**

- You can spend coins or points on a variety of packs in the Store. 
- This includes base packs, program-specific promo packs, and limited-time offers. 
- Some items in the Store can also be purchased using Trophies or Training.

### **Auction House**

- The Auction House allows you to buy specific players that fit your team goals. 
- It’s the best way to find targeted upgrades that match your playstyle or address gaps in your roster. 

## **Team-Building Tips**

- You don’t need to chase the highest overall player at every position. 
- Focus on building around your preferred offensive and defensive schemes. 
- Mix in budget-friendly players who complement your strategy. 
- Prioritize chemistry, roles, and versatility instead of just ratings. 

## **Final Thoughts**

- Start with solo challenges, focus on Field Pass progress, and spend coins strategically. 
- Play the game consistently, stack your rewards, and build a lineup that fits how you want to play. 
- If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a top-tier squad in no time. 





 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a men screen from Ultimate Team with a roster of players and their headshots on a red background.

CFB 26 build the best team in CUT

How to Build the Best Team in College Ultimate Team


Want to stop fumbling in College Football 26? You’re not alone, because in the new game setting your ball carrier to ‘Conservative’ only affects AI-controlled players — not your user. So, one big hit is all it takes to fumble— and turn it over. 

To protect the ball, just hold the Right Bumper while running. It slows you down a little but makes fumbling way less likely.
## **How to QB Slide**

Protecting the ball is key — but if you’re scrambling with your quarterback, there’s something even more important: sliding. If you take big hits, you&#39;re not just risking a fumble — you&#39;re adding wear and tear that can affect performance over the course of a game or season. 

To slide with your quarterback, tap Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox when your quarterback is past the line of scrimmage.


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a runner for Utah protecting the ball as he runs forward.

CFB 26 Protect the ball tips

How To Prevent Fumbles


Mastering Ball Carrier Moves: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scoring Big

Transforming short plays into game-breaking touchdowns requires mastering ball carrier moves. Whether you&#39;re catching the ball or executing a designed run, these techniques are key to gaining explosive yards.
## **Spin Moves**

- Basic Spin: Tap the Circle button to perform a quick spin in your current direction. 
- Extended Spin: Hold the Turbo button (R2) while tapping Circle for a longer, exaggerated spin. This move is perfect for cutting upfield and evading defenders.

## **Jukes**

- Basic Juke: Flick the right stick in the direction you want to cut. 
- Enhanced Juke: Hold R2 while flicking the right stick for a more dramatic juke, increasing your chances of outmaneuvering defenders. 
- Double Juke: Quickly flick the right stick one way and then the other. This move is especially effective if your player has a juke move rating of at least 94.

## **Stop-and-Go**

- Execution: Flick the right stick down to decelerate and dodge defenders approaching from the side.  

## **Hurdling**

- Execution: Tap Triangle (or Y) to leap over defenders. Be cautious, as you risk fumbling if hit midair. 

## **Power Moves**

- Trucking: Flick the right stick up to truck through defenders, ideal for short-yardage situations. 
- Stiff Arm: Press the X/A button to fend off defenders, especially useful for power backs.

## **(NEW) Reach and Dive**

- Reach for It: Hold the right stick up when nearing the first down line or end zone to stretch for extra yardage. 
- Dive: Hold Square and aim with the left stick to dive toward your target. It&#39;s straightforward and effective!


By mastering these moves, you’ll be well-equipped to turn ordinary plays into extraordinary touchdowns. Happy gaming! 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a Miami player hurdling a tackle.

CFB 26 Tips Ball Carrier Moves

Ball Carrier Moves Tutorial 


The right audible can win the play before the ball is even snapped — here’s how to use them.  

- Press Square to open the audible menu, and you’ll be greeted with four different options to switch to in your formation. 
- You can now customize these audibles in the playcall menu by selecting your play by formation. 
- Find the formation you want, select it, then press Left Trigger. 
- From there, choose the play you want to replace and swap it with the one you want to use instead. 
- Your changes will save automatically — no need to set them again every game. 
- You can also audible across different formations, not just the one you started in, by opening the audible menu and navigating to selectable formations with the D-pad. But you can only audible to formations with the same personnel — so if you&#39;re in a 3 WR set, you can’t switch to one with 2 WRs.











In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a birds-eye view of a field with playbook and formation arrows in a game between Mississippi and LSU.

CFB 26 How to Audible

How to Audible in College Football 26


Whether you&#39;re executing a speed option or scrambling, here&#39;s how to pitch the ball for big plays. This mechanic can be used in two scenarios: 

- Designed Run Plays: Known as pitches, such as in speed options.
- Any Play: Known as a lateral, where you pass the ball to the player behind you.


Be aware that using a lateral on non-designed plays increases the risk of a fumble.

To perform a pitch or lateral, simply press the Left Bumper to toss the ball to the player behind you. For a stronger and more accurate toss, hold the Left Bumper for a moment longer.


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a quarterback for Air Force throwing a lateral pass.

CFB 26 How to lateral 

How to Perform a Lateral or Pitch


Whether it’s a field goal, kickoff, or punt — here’s how to kick with power and accuracy in College Football 26.

Tap X or A when the icon is as close to the middle green area as possible to lock in your accuracy. 

From there, what happens next depends on your control scheme.

- If you’re using tap and hold, you need to hold and let go of the X/A button to lock in your power. 
- But if you’re using tap and tap, you’re going to tap X/A again to lock in your power. 


Either way, you want to get it as close to the top without getting in the red. If you do get it in the red, the kick will often be inaccurate.


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing the kicking arrow as a kicker for Oklahoma prepares to take a kick.

CFB 26 How to kick

How To Kick in College Football 26

### **Clutch Kicker**

Clutch Kicker is perfect for **two-minute drill situations** in the 4th quarter.

When active, the **kick meter moves slower**, making it *much easier* to drill long, game-winning field goals.

If you want to ice close games, this is a must-have.
## **Adrenaline Rush**

Adrenaline helps players **recover wear and tear faster** while on the sideline.

For example, if you sub out a running back with Adrenaline Rush, they’ll **regain stamina quicker**.

This keeps star players fresher late in games, especially for high-volume positions like RB or WR.
## **Instinct**

Instinct allows defenders to **sniff out runs faster**.

When controlled by the CPU (not user), they’ll recognize run plays earlier, fill gaps quickly, and make solo tackles.

It’s perfect for shutting down ground-heavy opponents.
## **Legion**

Legion is all about **creating turnovers**.

It improves your defenders’ chances of catching **contested interceptions**—even off deflections over the middle.

If you want to capitalize on risky throws, Legion is one of the best abilities in the game.
## **Headstrong**

Headstrong is my **#1 Mental Ability** in College Football 26.

It gives your QB way more composure in tough stadium environments.

Even in the loudest places—like Death Valley—you’ll be able to **make hot routes and adjustments** more consistently.

If you’re playing big road games, this is essential for your offense to stay in rhythm.



In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing statistics for Mister Clark, on a red background.

CFB 26 Top 5 Mental Abilities

Top 5 Mental Abilities in College Football 26

## **Choose the Right Passing Mode**

CFB 26 offers four passing modes to match your skill level:

- **Classic**
- **Revamped**
- **Placement**
- **Placement + Accuracy**


If you’re new to the game, **Classic** or **Revamped** provide the most forgiving experience.

If you want complete control over ball location, go with **Placement** or **Placement + Accuracy**.

You can change your passing mode by going to:
**Settings &gt; Gameplay &gt; Passing Controls**
## **Use These Recommended Settings**

For advanced users, **Placement + Accuracy** unlocks full throwing control.

Here’s a strong setup to start with:

- **Pass Accuracy Assist:** None
- **Reticle Speed:** 3–12 (lower is slower and more precise, higher is faster but harder to control)


To access these:

**Settings &gt; Controller Settings &gt; QB Reticle Settings**
## **Learn the Pass Leading Controls**

To pass lead effectively using **Placement** modes:

1. **Hold** the receiver’s button to begin the throw.
2. While holding the button, **aim the left stick** in the direction you want to lead the pass:

    - **Up** = lead the receiver deeper downfield
    - **Down** = throw shorter or back shoulder
    - **Left/Right** = place the ball inside or toward the sideline



You’ll see a **reticle** appear on the field showing where the ball is targeted.
## **Adjust on the Fly**

Use these button inputs to modify your throw style:

- **Tap** the receiver button for a **lob**
- **Hold** for a **bullet pass**
- **Double-tap** for a **touch pass**


You can also **click in the left stick (L3/LS)** to reset your aiming reticle during pre-play reads if needed.
## **Throwing Players Open**

Pass leading helps you throw *away from defenders* and into open space:

- Lead slants slightly **inside** to beat man coverage
- Drop corner routes **toward the sideline** to avoid safeties
- Lead post routes **deep** to hit receivers in stride


This technique is key to converting tough 3rd downs and scoring in tight red zone situations.


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a receiver for Texas Tech preparing to make a catch.

CFB 26 Pass Settings & Pass Leading

Passing Settings & Pass Leading

## **What is Switch Stick?**

Switch Stick is a new feature in CFB 26 that lets you quickly take control of a specific defender using the **right stick**, giving you more control over your defense without relying on auto-switching.

It’s especially effective in zone coverage when you want to anticipate a throw or control a matchup mid-play.
## **How to Use Switch Stick in Zone Coverage**

To Switch Stick onto a defender:

- **Flick the Right Stick (R Stick) in the direction of the defender** you want to control
- A **red circle** will appear under the player you&#39;ve switched to, confirming you&#39;re in control


This works best in **zone coverages** like **Cover 2** or **Cover 3**, where defenders are spaced out in predictable zones.

Practice this in:

**Play Now &gt; Practice Mode &gt; Defense &gt; Cover 2 Zone**
## **Use the D-Pad When Blitzing**

If you&#39;re controlling a defender at the line of scrimmage or sending pressure:

- **Use the D-Pad** to switch between defenders quickly
- This method avoids flicking the stick and helps maintain gap assignments on the blitz


D-Pad switching is faster when your eyes are already locked onto the box.
## **Be Careful with Deep Coverage**

One of the biggest mistakes players make with Switch Stick is switching onto **deep zone defenders** — especially safeties in **Cover 2** or **Cover 4**.

If you pull a deep blue out of position, it often results in:

- Wide-open deep posts
- One-play touchdowns
- No recovery time


Instead, focus on switching to **underneath defenders** (like hook/curl zones or flat defenders), where you can make a play without breaking the structure of your defense.
## **Practice with Basic Zone Concepts**

The best way to learn Switch Stick is by starting with **Cover 2 Zone**:

- Flat defenders (cornerbacks or OLBs) are easy to switch to
- You’ll quickly get used to switching laterally or underneath without risking big plays


Mastering this mechanic will let you:

- Jump passing lanes
- Shade toward hot reads
- Bait QBs into risky throws


Once you’re confident, expand into more complex coverages like Cover 3 Cloud or Match coverage.





In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a player for Clemson preparing to sprint with a crowd clad in orange behind him.

CFB 26 Switch Stick on Defense

Defensive Tips: How to Use Switch Stick 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 &gt; Receiver Icon &gt; Right Stick Left
- **Dig:** Triangle/Y &gt; Receiver Icon &gt; Right Stick Right
- **Post:** Triangle/Y &gt; Receiver Icon &gt; 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&#39;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 &gt; Concepts &gt; 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.



In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing the Oregon Ducks offensive line preparing for a snap.

CFB 26 Spacing the Field

Spacing the Field in College Football 26

## Choose the Right Front

Stopping the run starts with the right personnel.

Avoid lighter formations with just three down linemen — they’ll struggle against power and stretch runs.

Instead, use formations like:

- 4-3 Under / Over
- 4-2-5 Nickel
- 5-2 or Bear fronts in short-yardage


These give you more beef up front to occupy blockers and control gaps.

To call formations:

D-Pad Down &gt; Formation Select &gt; Choose Run Defense Sets (e.g., 4-2-5, 4-3)
## Use D-Line Slants for Leverage

Slanting your defensive line helps you gain leverage and defeat blocks.
 To slant your D-line:

- Press Left on the D-Pad (Defense Adjustments)
- Use Right Stick Left or Right to slant the line in that direction
- Use Right Stick Down to pinch inside


Example:

- Right Stick Down = Slant Inside
- Right Stick Right = Slant Right (great vs. outside zone or stretch)


Slants shift your linemen’s assignments to cut off lanes and contain quicker.
## Match Slants to Offensive Formation

Read the offense’s formation and run tendencies pre-snap.

If you expect a stretch right, slant your line right to meet the ball at the edge.

General rule:

- Slant Inside = Good vs. Inside Zone / Dives
- Slant Outside = Good vs. Stretch / Toss / Outside Zone


To diagnose plays quicker:
 Look for tight ends, strong side overloads, or heavy I-Form setups.
## Take Calculated Risks

Defensive slants are a game of risk and reward.

If you slant the wrong way, you may open up huge cutback lanes.

But if you guess correctly, you can blow up the play in the backfield and force 2nd-and-long.

Use Game Planning or Film Room Scouting (if available) to anticipate opponents’ run tendencies.
## Force the Offense to Get One-Dimensional

Shutting down the run early forces your opponent into passing situations.

That lets you switch into more aggressive coverages, bring pressure, and take away their play-action game.

Bonus tip: Use Conservative Tackling (flick Right Stick Down) to reduce missed tackles when crashing the backfield.



In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a player for Michigan State being tackled by two opponents from Wisconsin. 