Go to Settings → Passing Mechanics, and set it to CUT 26 Coins Placement and Accuracy. This gives you maximum control over where the ball goes. Then, adjust Reticle Speed to 7 for quick precision.
There are two main throw types:
Lob Pass: Tap the receiver button. Great for throwing over defenders.
Bullet Pass: Hold the receiver button. Ideal for tight windows and quick slants.
Combine these with pass leading - use the left stick to guide the ball's direction. Push the stick up and outside to throw away from coverage, or down and inside to protect your receiver.
If you're threading the needle in tight coverage, hold Left Bumper (LB/L1) to throw a high pass. It's a pro-level technique that lets tall receivers and tight ends attack the ball in the air.
Finally, learn your catch types:
RAC (Run After Catch): Hold X/Square - great for gaining extra yards.
Possession Catch: Hold A/X - secure short throws or sideline catches.
Aggressive Catch: Hold Y/Triangle - perfect for jump balls and high passes.
These small mechanics separate good players from great ones.
Running the Ball: Control and Patience
Running is incredibly strong in College Football 26, but it requires patience and discipline. The number one mistake? Holding turbo (R2/RT) too early.
When you hold the turbo right away, your blockers shed faster, and you lose control over your cuts. Instead, wait until you find your lane. Once you commit to a direction and hit the open field, then use turbo to explode forward.
Learn to read blocks by holding LT/L2 and flicking the right stick left or right to view your blocking assignments. Runs like Inside Zone, Split Zone, and Power O are great because they let you cut back or bounce outside depending on how the defense reacts.
Remember: patience before acceleration. That's how you turn small gains into breakaway runs.
Option Football: Read, Speed, and Triple Options
Option plays are a staple of college football - and they're deadly when used correctly.
Read Option
In shotgun formations, you'll see an "R" or flame icon above a defender - that's your read key.
If the defender crashes inside, keep the ball (hold A/X).
If he stays wide or squares up, hand it off (do nothing).
This simple read gives you a numbers advantage every play.
Speed Option
This is all about timing your pitch. You'll see a "P" icon above the read man.
Tap LB/L1 for a quick but riskier pitch.
Hold LB/L1 for a slower, more accurate pitch.
Speed options are riskier but can catch aggressive defenses off guard.
Triple Option
A combination of both - you'll read two defenders instead of one. First, decide whether to hand off (like a Read Option). If you keep it, the second read determines whether you pitch it. It's hard to master but extremely rewarding when done right, giving you an unmatched numbers advantage.
Attacking Zone Coverage
Zone defenses can seem confusing until you realize one key concept: every zone has a weakness.
The secret to attacking zone coverage is to isolate a single defender. You can do this by running route combinations that attack different depths of the same area.
Example:
Run a comeback route at 15 yards.
Pair it with an out route underneath.
Now, no matter where the flat defender goes, he's wrong. If he sinks deep, throw the out route. If he stays short, throw the comeback.
You can apply this high-low principle anywhere - the middle, sidelines, or seams. The more you understand where defenders drop, the easier your reads become.
Beating Man Coverage
Man coverage is all about matchups. The key is to use sharp cuts and crossing routes that create natural separation.
Best man-beating routes include:
Drags and Slants – Quick separation underneath.
Posts and Corners – Cut across or away from coverage.
Texas Routes (HB Angle) – Devastating out of the backfield.
Avoid routes with slow or looping breaks - they rarely create space. Combine several man-beating routes on one play to increase your odds. And again, pass lead to CUT 26 Coins for sale open grass - never throw straight at your receiver.