Strengthen your line to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Master zone coverage to intercept passes and shut down opponents. Learn tackling techniques to prevent big plays. Adapt your defensive schemes to counter varied offensive strategies. 
Discover how to lock down the field and secure your path to victory!

Defense Tips

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Tips & Tricks

Beginner Tips

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

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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

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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.

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.

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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

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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

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CFB 26 & Madden 26: RTG & Superstar Trailer

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

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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*

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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.


Buy the MVP Bundle

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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.

Play trials of select new games for up to 10 hours.

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

## 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

## **How to Use the Switch Stick in College Football 26** 

If you want to take your defense to the next level in College Football 26, mastering the Switch Stick is essential. This feature gives you fast, precise control over your defenders — and it can be the difference between giving up a big play and forcing a turnover. 
## **What is the Switch Stick?** 

The Switch Stick was introduced in last year’s game, and it allows you to instantly switch to any coverage defender by flicking the right stick in the direction of the player.

This tool is huge for:

- Cutting off routes mid-play
- Jumping passing lanes
- Covering a weak spot in your defense before your opponent can exploit it

## **How to use the Switch Stick** 

To switch:

- Simply flick the right stick toward the defender you want to control at any point during the play.
- The game will immediately switch you to that player, letting you take over and react faster to what’s happening on the field.

## **Tip: Practice makes perfect** 

Get comfortable using the Switch Stick in practice mode before trying it in games. Once it becomes second nature, you’ll find yourself winning more often by shutting down key routes and making big plays on defense. 


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a defender for Toledo preparing for a snap, with a receiver on the opposing side wearing white in the background.

CFB 26 Switch Stick defense Beginners

Pass Defense Tips - Switch Stick

## **How to Use Block Steering in College Football 26** 

A brand-new feature in College Football 26 that can take your run defense to the next level is **block steering**. This mechanic lets you control the flow of blocks, giving both users and AI defenders the power to influence run lanes — even without shedding blocks. 
## **What is block steering?** 

Block steering allows engaged defenders to **redirect the blocker** they’re locked onto. Instead of always trying to shed the block, you can now use leverage and positioning to **squeeze gaps** and **clog up running lanes**.

It’s all about **momentum and control** — pushing the blocker into a space that helps your defense collapse the play. 
## **How to use block steering** 

Once your defender is engaged with a blocker:

- **Hold Right Trigger (Xbox) or R2 (Playstation)** to activate the mechanic
- **Use the Left Stick** to steer the blocker in the direction you want


The strength of the interaction is affected by your player’s:

- Strength
- Weight
- Block Shedding
- Impact Blocking
- Run Blocking


Even if you don’t beat the block outright, you can still impact the play by **controlling space** and **closing running lanes**. 
## **Tip: Think beyond the block shed** 

You don’t always need a clean win to make a difference. Sometimes just **nudging a blocker into the lane** or **plugging the gap** is all it takes to blow up a run. 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a defender for Notre Dame blocking an opponent.

CFB 26 block steering

Defense Tips - Block Steering

## **How to Defend the Option in College Football 26** 

The option and RPO game is a huge part of college football — and if you don’t prepare for it, it can tear your defense apart. Thankfully, College Football 26 gives you tools to control exactly how your defense reacts. 
## **What is option defense?** 

When your opponent runs option plays — like zone read, triple option, or RPOs — the offense is trying to **put your defenders in conflict**. But you can fight back by telling your defense exactly **how to respond**. 
## **How to adjust your option defense** 

Go into your **coaching adjustments** during a game. You’ll see **four settings** that directly impact how your defense plays against options and RPOs:

- **Option Read Key** – Tells read key defender to play quarterback or running back.
- **Option Pitch Key** – Tells pitch key defender to play quarterback or pitch man.
- **RPO Read Key** *(new this year)* – Tells read key defender to play quarterback or running back
- **RPO Pass Key** *(new this year)* – Tells pass key defender to fill run gap or defend pass option


You can set each to either **Conservative** or **Aggressive**, depending on how you want your defense to prioritize the QB, the handoff, or the pass. 
## **When to adjust option settings** 

Use these adjustments if you know your opponent loves option-style offense. Adjust on the fly if you’re getting burned by read plays or RPOs.  


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a defender knocking for Air Force knocking the ball out of an opponent's hand during a tackle.

CFB 26 Defend the option

Defense Tips - Option Defense

## **How to Stop Over-pursuing the Run in College Football 26** 

If you want to shut down the ground game in College Football 26, you need to stay disciplined. Overpursuing the run, especially on outside plays like stretch or outside zone, can open up huge cutback lanes for the offense. 
## **What is overpursuing?** 

Overpursuing happens when you **run too far past the ball carrier** on a given play.

When this happens:

- You **leave the gap** you were supposed to cover.
- The running back can easily **cut back inside** into open space. 

## **How to stay disciplined as a user**  

Here’s a simple trick:

- When chasing runs to the sideline, **stay on the backside shoulder of the running back**.
- This keeps you in position to **contain the outside**, while still being ready to **close off any inside cutbacks**. 

## **When to apply this** 

Use this technique any time your opponent runs outside zone, toss, or stretch plays — especially if they are good at cutting back inside. Staying disciplined will keep them bottled up and force them into negative or short gains. 
## **Tip: Don’t do too much** 

Let your teammates help. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying too hard to do everything on their own. 


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a defender for TCU tracking a runner and preparing to make a tackle.

CFB 26 Not over pursuing

Defense Tips - Not Over Pursuing 

## **How to Use Run Fits in College Football 26** 

Run fits are a critical part of maintaining a strong run defense in College Football 26. They help your team stay sound and close down the running lanes your opponent wants to attack.
## **What are run fits?** 

Run fits are the **individual responsibilities for each defender** to fill a specific gap on a run play.

When everyone on your defense is in the right spot:

- It limits the space the offense has to work with.
- It forces the ball carrier into tough spots where your defenders are waiting.

## **How to check run fits** 

You can view your team’s run fits **before the snap**.

- **Hold Right Trigger (Xbox)** or **R2 (PlayStation)**
- **Press X (Xbox)** or **Square (PlayStation)** to view fits for runs to the left.
- **Press B (Xbox)** or **Circle (PlayStation)** to view fits for runs to the right.


When viewing your run fits, you’ll also see:

- The **force defender**, whose job is to force the ball back inside.
- The **cutback defender**, who’s responsible for stopping the runner if they reverse field. 

## **When to use run fit checks**  

Check your run fits any time you expect your opponent to run, especially if you don’t know your individual responsibility on a play. 
## **Tip: Trust your run fits** 

Once you know your fits, stay disciplined. Let the force and cutback defenders do their jobs, and as a user, focus on filling your assigned gap or cleaning up the play. 


 In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a Wisconsin defender wearing 22 preparing to engage in a play.

CFB 26 run fits

Defense Tips - Run Fits

## **How to Use Cover 4 Defense Against the Run in College Football 26** 

Cover 4 isn’t just a pass defense — it’s one of the most effective ways to slow down the run in College Football 26. If you want to lock up your opponent’s ground game, this coverage can give you the numbers and positioning you need. 
## **What makes Cover 4 strong vs the run?** 

In Cover 4, your safeties play a major role. They start deeper but are programmed to aggressively support the run as soon as they read it.  
## **How to call Cover 4 effectively** 

To maximize it’s ability to stop the run:

- **Pinch your defensive line** or **shift your linebackers** if you know exactly where the run is going 

## **When to use Cover 4 vs the run** 

Cover 4 is a great call when you want to defend against balanced attacks — it helps against both deep passes *and* the run. It’s especially effective on early downs when your opponent might try to stay on schedule with their ground game. 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing four defenders for Michigan preparing for a play.

CFB 26 how to use cover 4

Run Defense Tips - Cover 4


One of the easiest ways to get better on defense is to control the right player. The defender you choose to use can make a huge difference in shutting down your opponent’s offense and creating game-changing plays. 
## **Who should you use?** 

Avoid controlling a defensive lineman. Instead, focus on using a linebacker or safety — ideally someone assigned to a hook zone over the middle of the field.

This position gives you the best opportunity to:

- Disrupt passing lanes
- Take away routes that target vulnerable spots in your defense
- Create confusion for the quarterback

## **Why use the middle defender?**

When you patrol the middle of the field:

- You can take away quick throws and force your opponent into tougher decisions.
- You’ll make the QB hesitate, second-guessing throws that might otherwise look open.
- You put yourself in position to jump different routes based on what you see

## **Tip: Stay patient and read the play** 

Don’t overcommit too early. Let the routes develop, read the quarterback, and react to what unfolds. The more comfortable you get using the right player, the more havoc you’ll cause on defense. 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a defender for Florida State tackling a player from University of Texas El Paso.

CFB 26 how to use right defender

How to Use the Right Defender in College Football 26

## **How to Find a Blitz in College Football 26** 

No matter how strong your coverage is, it won’t hold up forever if the quarterback has all day to throw. That’s why adding a reliable blitz or pressure scheme is key to throwing off your opponent’s rhythm and forcing mistakes. 
## **Mike Will 2**  

Mike Will 2 is a consistent blitz play found in the **3-3-5 Stack formation**. It’s designed to bring quick B-gap pressure from the right side, helping you get fast sacks and force the quarterback into rushed decisions. 
## **How to set up Mike Will 2** 

To run this blitz effectively:

- **Turn off Auto Flip** in your coaching adjustments before the play.
- **Call Mike Will 2** from the 3-3-5 Stack formation.
- **Show blitz**
- **Spread the defensive line**
- **Blitz all linebackers**.
- (Optional) **Back off your outside corners** if you want extra cushion against quick throws.


As the user:

- Control the left of screen linebacker and all him to run forward at the snap for a few steps to sell the blitz, then drop into coverage over the middle to help against quick passes.

## **Tip: Mix it into your gameplan**  

Don’t rely on this blitz every down — but work it into your defensive scheme to keep your opponent on their heels. The more pressure they feel, the more likely they are to make a mistake. 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a player for the Pittsburgh Panthers in action.

CFB 26 find a blitz

Pass Defense Tips - Finding a Blitz


Custom zones are a brand-new feature in this year’s game — and they’re a true game changer. For the first time, you can fully control the depth and placement of your zone defenders, helping you anticipate and counter specific routes. 
## **What are custom zones?** 

Custom zones let you manually adjust where your defenders drop in zone coverage. This means you can fine-tune your defense to take away routes your opponent relies on.

For example, you can set up a custom zone to cover the exact depth of a corner route, leading to game-changing plays like interceptions or forced incompletions.
## **How to set a custom zone** 

To create a custom zone:

- **Select a defender** using the pre-snap adjustments menu.
- **Hold the LB button (Xbox)** or **L1 (PlayStation)**.
- **Drag the zone** with the left stick or D-pad to position it where you want.
- **Set the depth** — for example, place your outside corner in a cloud flat zone at 20 yards to shut down corner routes.


You can apply this to any defender in zone coverage to match up against specific offensive concepts.
## **Tip: Get creative with combinations** 

Don’t hesitate to pair custom zones with man coverage or blitz looks. The more you mix things up, the harder it is for your opponent to predict and attack your defense. 


In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing defensive custom zones marked my arrows and circles in a game between Iowa and UCLA.

CFB 26 Custom Zones defense

How to Use Custom Zones in College Football 26

## **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.