Pro Player Tips - Pass Protection

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'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.