Improve your game with expert tips from pro players in College Football 26. Discover strategies and techniques to elevate your skills and dominate the field.

Pro Tips

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Tips & Tricks

Beginner Tips

Offense Tips

Defense Tips

Ultimate Team Tips

Competitive Tips

Player Abilities Tips

Playbook Tips

Celebration Tips

Game Modes Tips

Road To Glory Tips

Dynasty Tips

EA SPORTS MVP Bundle

MVP Bundle

 Image of a College Football Ultimate Team pack item with the EA SPORTS College Football logo and the letters U.T. on a black and white background.

CFB 26 Generic CUT image 1x1

Bundle Exclusive CUT Elite Player Item

College Football 26 Ultimate Team Top Prospect Card Pack

cfb-26-cut-top-prospect-bonus-items

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

Image of a College Football Ultimate Team pack item with the EA SPORTS College Football logo and the letters U.T. on a black and white background.

College Football 26 Bundle CUT Item 4x3

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

College Football 26 Ultimate Team All Hands Card Pack

cfb-26-cut-all-hands-bonus-items

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

In game currency icon - gold coin with the letter C 

cfb-26-dynasty-coach-bonus-item

Dynasty Coach Points

In game currency - diamond shape coin with the letter S

cfb-26-skill-points-bonus-item

Road to Glory Skill Points

College Football 26 Deluxe Edition

Deluxe Edition

Image showing a stack of green points icons with the letter P, used in College Football Ultimate Team.

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

Image of the EA SPORTS logo in black on a white background

EA Sports logo

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)

A collage asset combining both the official keyart of Madden NFL 26 and College football 26 to promote the combined MVP bundle.

MVP bundle official keyart

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

college-football-26-standard-edition-key-art-updated

Image of various College Football athletes, coaches, mascots, casters, cheerleaders and fans posing for the shot

college-football-26-deluxe-edition-key-art-updated

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

cfb-26-features-1-ryan-williams

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.

A dynamic in-game moment where a player is reaching for the touchdown while evading defenders on the field. 

cfb-26-features-5-reach

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.

An image of 3 hats from University of Alabama (Crimson A) 2. University of Miami (Green U) 3. Penn State University (Nittany Lion logo)

cfb-26-features-4-hat-signing

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.

An image showing a college football stadium at night, filled with excited fans. Bright lights illuminate the field, and fireworks lighting up the sky

cfb-26-features-3-light-show

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.

EA Sports College Football 26 Official Logo Ultimate Team, (UT) in large text, on a dark background with yellow highlights

cfb-26-cut-16x9

College Football Ultimate Team

EA SPORTS College Football

Sports

Image of various College Football athletes, coaches, mascots, cheerleaders and fans posing for the shot

cfb26-dlx-4x3

*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.

Image showing the EA SPORTS College Football 26 Logo in white on a dark background.

cfb-26-logo-light

cfb-26-ryan-williams-1x1

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 

cfb-26-300-real-world-coaches

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

Split image showing Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams celebrating in College Football 26, as well as Williams himself playing the game in a red Alabama hoodie.

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

Image showing the pre-order bonuses included when you purchase the EA SPORTS™ Bundle

Split image showing the words MVP Bundle in gold lettering and the logos of Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, alongside incentives offered when you buy the Bundle.

EA SPORTS MVP Bundle Pre-Order bonuses-post-cfb-launch

cfb-26-screenshot-2-ryan-day

cfb-26-screenshot-3-light-show

cfb-26-screenshot-4-hat-signing

cfb-26-screenshot-5-reach

cfb-26-screenshot-singleton-run

 EA SPORTS™ College Football 26

Image of College Football athletes Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith posing on a football field in front of a banner showing the logos of various NCAA colleges.

college-football-26-standard-edition-packart-art

Standard Edition


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


Pre-Order Now*

EA SPORTS™ College Football 26

Advertising


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

Sales

Buy Now

A collage asset combining both the official keyart of Madden NFL 26 and College football 26 to promote the combined MVP bundle in a square aspect ratio.

MVP bundle official 1x1

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.

Cross Sell

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. 

College Football X

College Football Instagram

College Football Youtube

College Football Facebook

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

Image showing the words Season One embossed on a brown flag over a red background, with the EA SPORTS College Football Ultimate Team logo in the bottom left corner. 

CFB 26 CUT season 1 art

College Football Ultimate Team Season 1

Image showing the College Football 26 logo and the word 

CFB 26 Ratings 16x9

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.

Image of the EA Play logo, featuring the EA logo in a coral-colored circle and the word Play in coral lettering on a blue background with a coral gradient.

EA Play

## 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

## **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.

Pro Tips

Top 5 Run Defense Tips in College Football 26

Defensive Tips: How to Use Switch Stick in College Football 26

Spacing the Field in College Football 26

Passing Settings & Pass Leading

Pro Player Tips - Pass Protection