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

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EA SPORTS MVP Bundle

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Bundle Exclusive CUT Elite Player Item

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**.

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MVP Bundle & Deluxe Edition

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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 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. 

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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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 EA SPORTS™ College Football 26

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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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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

## **Understand the New Protection System**

CFB 26 introduces a revamped pass protection system with built-in rules for every play.

For example, if you send all five receivers out, you&#39;ll default to **empty protection** — meaning defenders with flame icons may come in untouched if they blitz.
## **Open the Protection Menu**

Hold **Left Bumper (LB)** to access the pass protection menu.

From here, you can change to **base protection** or other schemes that give your offensive line better angles and assignments, especially against aggressive defenses.
## **ID the Mike (or Blitzer)**

A must-use feature: **ID the Mike** or any defender you think is blitzing.

If a linebacker or defensive end looks like a threat, highlight them to shift blocking focus and buy your QB more time in the pocket.
## **Use OnTarget to De-target Lurkers**

The **OnTarget** feature helps with pre-snap adjustments.

If a user-controlled defender is hovering in a blitz lane, open the protection menu and press **Triangle (PlayStation)** or **Y (Xbox)** to **de-target** them.

This prevents your O-line from keying on a non-blitzing player, allowing them to handle other pressure more efficiently.
## **Stay One Step Ahead**

Mastering pass protection is a game-changer.

Reading defenses, adjusting your scheme, and reacting to user lurkers gives you more time, cleaner pockets, and better chances to hit deep throws.

It’s not just about calling the right play — it’s about protecting it.





In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a Georgia quarterback preparing to throw a pass.

 CFB 26 Tips Pro Pass Protection 16x9

Pro Player Tips - Pass Protection

### **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 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. 

CFB26 Top 5 Run Defense Tips

Top 5 Run Defense Tips in College Football 26

## **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 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


We’re covering all of your favorite topics in *EA Sports College Football 26*!

Speaking of which, coach trust is back in Road To Glory this year, but this time, it’s way more than just your ticket to moving up the depth chart.

In *CFB25*, coach trust helped you get on the field more quickly. But once you won the starting job, that was pretty much the end of it. Now, it’s evolved into a long-term progression system that grows along with you, from pimple-faced freshman to dominant all-American.

As your coach trust increases, so does your control. You’ll unlock access to more plays, audibles, hot routes, line protection, and defensive shifts, true leadership tools that reflect your growth and reliability.

And it’s not just about keeping your job. Position battles are significantly tougher now, especially if you&#39;re gunning for that starting spot. You&#39;ll need to earn it this year, along with the faith of your coaches.

But trust isn’t everything. Coach happiness is brand new in *College Football 26*, a week-to-week reflection of how your coach feels about you right now.

Coach happiness reacts to everything, your in-game performance, your GPA, leadership, off-field choices, and even your practice effort. Win games, stay sharp, lead your team, and you’ll be golden. Blow off class or turn in some lackluster practices, and don’t be shocked if you get benched for the next few weeks.

Coach trust is your long-term path to greatness. Whereas coach happiness is more like your weekly report card. In *EA Sports College Football 26*, every snap, every decision, every practice rep counts. So not only do you have to earn your spot this year, you’ll have to put in the work to keep it.


In-game College Football 26 Dynasty Mode screenshot showing Trayce Hopson for Virginia Tech and his trust rating with his coaches.

CFB 26 Dynasty Mode Coach Happiness Tips

Coach Trust & Happiness


Looking for the best defensive playbook in College Football 26? Here are the top 5 favorites:
## **#5 – 3-4 Playbook**

The 3-4 playbook is a solid choice with a strong selection of **Nickel formations** — six in total, including:

- **3-3 Mint**
- **2-4 Double Mug**


Both of these were highly effective last year and should be good again this year. While there’s not a ton of variety outside of Nickel, this playbook offers solid options to mix in coverage and pressure.
## **#4 – 3-3-5 Tight**

This playbook thrives off its **3-3-5 personnel**, offering flexibility and disguise. It includes:

- Mint
- Over Flex *(a brand-new formation this year)*
- Penny
- Split


Additionally, it provides a couple of unique Nickel looks to keep opponents guessing.
## **#3 – 4-2-5 Defensive Playbook**

For those who favor **four down linemen**, this book is ideal. It starts with:

- **Over G** and **Under**, both offering strong pass rush angles and versatile coverage options.


It also includes six Nickel formations, such as:

- 3-3
- Double Mug


Plus a couple of 3-3-5 formations with:

- 3-3-5 Penny
- Over Flex *(a brand-new formation this year)*

## **#2 – 3-2-6 Playbook**

The only playbook in the game with access to the **3-2-6 Odd formation**, which is loaded with different coverage options. This playbook also provides:

- Five Nickel formations, including **3-3 Mint**
- 3-3-5 options like **3 High Odd** and **Stack**

## **Blitz Spotlight – Hot Blitz Bail (Nickel 3-3 Mint)**

- Turn off **Auto Flip** in coaching adjustments.
- **Flip the play call**, shift DL **left**, and **spread LBs**.
- Zone out the **slot corner** and **left-side edge rusher** into curl flats or hard flats.
- Optional: Use QB contain if needed.


This setup creates a **looping blitz** that brings quick heat from the middle linebacker, excellent for forcing hurried throws or sacks.
## **#1 – 3-3-5 Playbook**

The top spot belongs to the 3-3-5 playbook due to its combination of personnel flexibility and pressure variety. It includes:

- Multiple Nickel formations
- Dime look
- A stacked list of 3-3-5 personnel formations such as:
- **Three High**
- **Three High Odd**
- **Split**
- **Stack**
- **Over Flex** *(a brand-new formation this year)*


These offer unique alignments and numerous options to disguise coverage or send pressure.
## **Blitz Spotlight – Fire zone 3 (3-3-5 Split)**

- Turn **Auto Flip OFF** in coaching adjustments.
- Simply **spread the defensive line** — that’s all.
- Optionally drop the **left edge rusher** into a **vert hook** to add coverage.
- Shade coverage **down or up** to turn it into a spot drop Cover 3, if preferred over matching principles.






In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing defensive playbooks and formations for the Georgia Bulldogs.

CFB 26 Top 5 Defensive Playbooks

Top 5 Defensive Playbooks in College Football 26


College Football 26 features over 130 playbooks, 2,800+ new plays, and 45 brand-new formations. Here are five playbooks that will help players dominate this year.
## **TCU Playbook**

Starting at number five, the TCU playbook offers a variety of gun formations. A standout formation is Gun Normal Y Off Close, great for mixing in gimmick plays. A notable play is Flood H Post, with a simple, effective setup: tight end on a streak, running back on a flat, and outside receiver on a drag. In man coverage, the corner route can easily beat defenders for a big gain.
## **BYU Playbook**

At number four is the BYU playbook, featuring brand-new formations for CFB26. Gun Y Off Trio Close is particularly strong, with cheat plays and built-in auto-motion. A recommended setup includes the slot WR on a streak, tight end on a drag, and outside WR on a post. Auto-motion is perfect for beating Cover 2 and is highly effective.
## **Minnesota Playbook**

Number three is the Minnesota Golden Gophers playbook. The go-to formation is Trips TE Y Slot, which uses a starting tight end at receiver—players can swap in a faster option if desired. Curl Flat is a favored play, with an easy setup: running back on a streak and backside receiver on a drag. Trips formations excel due to their spacing and flexibility, offering unique routes and solid run plays.
## **UCLA Playbook**

At number two is the UCLA playbook, featuring two favorite formations: Gun Bunch and Wing Trips Weak. Gun Bunch Verticals requires no hot routes, with the RB as a perfect checkdown and effective crossing routes. Wing Trips Weak is excellent near the goal line, with a setup involving a tight end on a post, slot receiver on a streak, solo receiver on a streak, and running back on a flat.
## **Oregon State Playbook**

Finally, at number one is Oregon State. This playbook offers the widest variety of popular and meta gun formations. It’s ideal for single-back users and includes community-favorite formations. Bunch Nasty is a favored formation, with Motion Spot Extra as a go-to play. It features a short corner route that consistently finds open windows and includes tight end motion for customization. A simple setup tip is to put the tight end on a drag for reliability against man and zone coverage.
## **Conclusion**

These top five playbooks for College Football 26—TCU, BYU, Minnesota, UCLA, and Oregon State—offer unique formations, easy setups, and big-play potential to help players win more games this year.



In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a Makai Lemon headshot as well as some playbook formations for USC

CFB 26 Tips Top 5 Offensive Playbooks

Top 5 Offensive Playbooks in College Football 26

## **Jammer**

Jammer gives DBs **better press animations** at the line of scrimmage.

It makes it harder for receivers to get a clean release, disrupting quick routes and timing-based offenses.
## **Blanket Coverage**

Blanket Coverage helps DBs **stick with receivers better**, especially through cuts.

When the WR breaks, your defender mirrors them more tightly, reducing separation and making completions tougher.
## **Takeoff**

Takeoff is amazing for **burning defenders** off the line.

It boosts first-step acceleration on fade routes, making it easier to get behind coverage for big, one-play touchdowns.

It’s especially deadly in press coverage matchups.
## **Extender**

Extender is all about **keeping plays alive**.

QBs with this ability are better at **breaking sacks** and avoiding quick pressures.

It gives you extra time to find an open receiver, even with a free rusher coming off the edge.
## **Shifty**

Shifty is my **#1 Physical Ability** in the game.

It makes your ball carrier **far more responsive**, with quicker cuts and speed boosts.

Perfect for RBs who want to juke defenders out of their shoes and turn small gains into big plays.



In-game College Football 26 screenshot showing a player card and stats for Texas A & M quarterback Johnny Manziel.

CFB 26 Top 5 Physical Abilities

Top 5 Physical Abilities in College Football 26


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


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.

CFB 26 Custom Stem Routes

How to Enhance Your Routes with Custom Stemming


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.