Explore essential strategies to enhance your gameplay, from mastering the basics of offense and defense to understanding key formations. Learn how to manage your team effectively, ensuring you make the most of player strengths and abilities.

Beginner Tips

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Tips & Tricks

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 Deluxe Edition

Deluxe Edition

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College Football 26 CUT Points bonus incentive icon

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

EA SPORTS MVP Bundle (Minus Madden Benefits)

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College Football 26 Standard Edition

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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. 

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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

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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.

††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). Trial period may vary based on platform, see retailer for details.

^Offers may vary or change. See retailer site 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

cfb-26-features-singleton-run

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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College Football 25 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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EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Standard Edition


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


Pre-Order Now*

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Live the entire football journey with the Kickoff Bundle. Includes the EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Standard Edition and Madden NFL 26 Standard Edition. 


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Live the entire football journey with the Kickoff Bundle. Includes the Madden NFL 26 Standard Edition and EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Standard 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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Check out every player rating in EA SPORTS™ College Football 26.

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Unlimited access to a collection of top EA titles.

Score new rewards every month in the hottest EA titles.

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

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EA Play

## **Ultimate Team Lineup Management!**
### **Access Your Team**

- Begin at the main Ultimate Team landing screen under Game Modes.
- Use R1 or RB to navigate to the &quot;My Team&quot; section.

### **Explore Your Options**

Here, you’ll find the Lineup option where most adjustments are made. The screen is now cleaner and easier to use.
### **Manage Your Team**

Use L and R1 or the Xbox bumpers to switch between Offense, Defense, Special Teams, Specialists, and Playbooks/Visuals.

Customize your team’s uniforms, home stadium, coach, and playbooks in the Playbooks/Visuals tab.
### **Optimize Your Lineup**

On the left, use the vertical column to automatically generate your best lineup.

- Check specific player substitutions with the OVR improvements option.
- Change your active lineup for events requiring specific players, and easily create new theme teams.

### **Enhance Abilities and Chemistry**

Abilities are streamlined above Chemistries, allowing you to track contributions to chemistry boosts. Focus on accumulating chemistries for better ratings boosts.
### **Utilize Strategy Cards**

Access strategy cards easily from the toolbar. Rename your team as needed.



Game interface showing a "Team Manager" screen for College Football 26. Featuring player cards with stats, and lineup options on a textured red background.

CFB 26 Ultimate Team Lineup Management

# **Navigating CUT Improvements**
## **Opening Packs**

- Load into CUT and open your Welcome Pack. You&#39;ll see a screen displaying your new player card, such as Keldric Faulk.


- Notice the new information presented beneath the card’s highlight attributes, showing how your team compares to this potential new addition.

## **Comparing Player** 

- Quickly compare key ratings between the new player and your current team without using the Compare feature in the item binder.


- Determine instantly if the new player is an upgrade for your starter squad.

## **Detailed Player Information**

- Use the right stick to flip the item and reveal more details about the player, including additional attributes, height, weight, abilities, and card chemistry.

## **Challenge Goals**

- After upgrading your squad, enter a challenge and observe the quality of life improvement where challenge goals are displayed directly at the playcall.


- This feature eliminates the need to pause the game to check goals, keeping them front and center for easy tracking.


Follow these steps to make the most of the new CUT features and streamline your Ultimate Team experience.





Screen for 'College Football 26' showing a player card for Keldric Faulk, a LE with an overall rating of 80. The card details his attributes, including power, block shedding, tackle, finesse moves, and speed, all in the 70s range.

College Football 26 Ultimate Team Improvements

## 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.





Image showing a group of football players wearing green and white emerging from a darkened tunnel as they prepare to play a game.

CFB 26 How to play with friends

How to Play College Football 26 with Friends


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 


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


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


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


Learn how to create your own plays using hot routes in College Football 26. 

Hot routes allow you to change a receiver&#39;s route on the fly.  To use them, press Triangle (or Y on Xbox) and select your receiver. This will open the hot route menu, offering up to 14 different options. You can choose these routes by using the left stick, right stick, d-pad, and triggers. The available hot routes vary depending on the receiver you select and their position on the field. Hot routes are essential for enhancing default plays and making them significantly more effective.




In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a hot route marked with a red arrow on the field in a game between Kentucky and Tennessee.

CFB 26 How to hot route

How to Use Hot Routes in College Football 26


Learn how to catch every type of pass in College Football 26 using three catch types: RAC, Possession, and Aggressive: 

- RAC (Run After Catch): Use this when your receiver is wide open and you want to advance the ball after catching it. Press square on PlayStation or X on Xbox. Be cautious, as contact may lead to drops.


- Possession Catch: Ideal for securing the ball in traffic or near the sidelines. Press X on PlayStation or A on Xbox. This catch offers the best chance to hold onto the ball, though your receiver will usually go down immediately after the catch.


- Aggressive Catch: Press triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox to make your receiver attack the ball at its highest point. Use this for cutting off the ball in coverage or jump balls.





 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a receiver for the Baylor Bears making a leaping catch.

CFB 26 How to catch

How To Catch The Ball In College Football 26


Need help with passing? Here&#39;s a quick guide on how to pass the ball in EA Sports College Football 26

- Bullet Pass: Hold the receiver’s button for quick, tight throws. 
- Lob Pass: Tap the receiver’s button for long, over-the-top routes.
- Touch Pass: Tap and release quickly to arc the ball over defenders.


For more control

- Pass Leading: Push the left stick in the direction you want while holding the receiver’s button.
- Highball: Hold L1 while pressing the receiver’s button to throw over a defender.


If you&#39;re using Classic Passing, this covers it. 

For extra control:

- Placement Setting: Guide passes with a visual reticle using the left trigger. 
- Placement + Accuracy: Control pass lead and accuracy with added timing for optimal bullet pass accuracy. 
- Revamped Passing: Combines classic controls with timing for pass velocity and accuracy, offering more control over arc.

## How to Pump Fake

- Pump Fake: Quickly tap the receiver&#39;s icon to bait the defense.





In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a quarterback for North Carolina throwing a pass.

CFB 26 how to pass 

How to Pass the ball in College Football 26


When you have time with your quarterback and no options are open, Playmaker can help. 

After the snap and a few seconds into the play, hold the left trigger and flick the right stick to guide your receiver to open space. 

This is ideal for improvising and making big gains.


 A football player wearing a purple jersey with the number 14 and a helmet, running on the field during a game with a crowd in the background.

CFB 26 How to playmaker

Playmaker Web Tutorial

## **How to Use Cover 2 Man in College Football 26**

Cover 2 Man is a great defensive play for beginners or anyone looking for a reliable, steady option. It combines tight man-to-man coverage with support over the top, making it a safe and effective choice in many situations. 
## **What is Cover 2 Man?** 

Cover 2 Man is a defensive setup where each defender plays tight man-to-man coverage against the offense’s receivers. The defenders stay close, using a natural trail technique that positions them slightly behind and inside the receiver, ready to react to cuts on routes.

At the same time, two deep safeties provide coverage over the top. Their job is to prevent big plays if a receiver manages to get past the initial man coverage.
## **How to call Cover 2 Man effectively** 

You can call Cover 2 Man from most playbooks under standard defensive formations. It’s often found in Nickel, Dime, or Dollar packages.

To boost its effectiveness:

- User an extra blitzing defender, or the defender who’s responsible for the running back

## **When to use Cover 2 Man** 

Cover 2 Man is safe to use repeatedly during a game. It’s a solid base call that forces your opponent to make good reads and precise throws. While it’s not invincible — like any defense, it can be beaten — it will challenge most players and help you control the game’s pace. 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing Alabama's defensive coverage formation pre-snap.

CFB 26 Cover 2 man defense

Top 5 Pass Defense Tips - Cover 2 Man


Learn how to block every type of blitz in under 45 seconds: 

- Open Pass Protection Menu

    - Hold the left bumper.

- Slide Protection

    - Flick the right stick left or right for half a slide.
    - Use the left stick for full slide to block overload blitzes. 

- Interior Blitzes:

    - Flick the right stick up for empty protection.

- All-Out Blitzes

    - Flick the left stick up for max protection.

- Double Team a Rusher

    - Flick down, move the stick to the rusher, and press X or A.
    - ID the Mike

        - Press X or A to ensure that the player is blocked.


- Untarget a Player 

    - Press Triangle or Y to untarget someone, like a user in the gap.



This method is perfect for managing key pass rushers and optimizing your blocking strategy. 


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a quarterback from Georgia being protected by his offensive line and preparing to make a pass.

CFB 26 How to set pass protection

Pass Protection Tutorial for College Football 26


Transform how your routes beat zone coverage with a technique called custom stemming. To custom stem a route, follow these steps: 

- Press Triangle (or Y) and select your receiver. 
- Hold the Left Bumper. 
- Use the left stick or D-pad to adjust the route&#39;s depth.


Some of the best routes to custom stem are posts, corners, ins, and outs. However, not all routes can be stemmed, so be mindful of which ones you choose.

A practical application of this technique is adjusting a post route to go over deep zones or stem it down to go under them. Similarly, you can modify corner routes: stem them up to bypass flat zones or stem them down to maneuver beneath and outside deep zones.


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing custom running routes marked by red and yellow arrows in a game between Marshall and Washington.