The return of college football gaming after an eleven-year hiatus was nothing short of monumental. EA Sports' long-awaited release last year revitalized the genre for both casual fans and competitive players alike. Now, with CUT 26 Coins the release of EA Sports College Football 26, the excitement has only intensified. Our reviewer, Chris Vannini, provided his expert take on the latest installment, breaking down the game's numerous improvements and additions. I've spent countless hours with the game this week, focusing on strategy and updates to expand on last year's gameplay guide.
Whether you're a returning player or a newcomer looking to dominate on the gridiron, these eight essential tips will help you adjust quickly and start stacking wins.
Rely on the Run More Than Ever Before
In last year's title, establishing the run game was often a frustrating endeavor, especially when facing powerhouse programs with elite defensive fronts. My painful 46 rushing yards with UTSA in a playoff loss to Georgia last season proved how unforgiving it could be. However, College Football 26 has taken major strides in addressing this. EA Sports refined the offensive line mechanics, making blockers much more responsive and intelligent. Linemen now shed double teams and advance to the second level more consistently, opening up lanes that simply weren't there before.
You'll notice offensive linemen actively seek out and pancake oncoming defenders, including safeties crashing into stop the run. Although you may still need to guide the defender into your block at times, the overall improvement is undeniable. The enhancements to inside zone runs and dives, specifically, are particularly effective. In the past, linebackers shooting gaps were often ignored by blockers. Now, the offensive line reacts far more appropriately, picking up these threats.
If you're struggling to get your offense rolling, I highly recommend recruiting a talented running back and hammering the inside zone plays from the shotgun formation. Whether playing solo or in online competition, you'll find the run game far more rewarding and effective than before.
Master the Stiff-Arm
With the improved running game, having a reliable move to extend runs is vital. Last year, the spin move reigned supreme, with players like Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins exploiting it with ease. This year, however, the stiff-arm has emerged as the go-to move, offering almost unfair levels of effectiveness.
The stiff-arm can be executed by pressing the A button on Xbox or X on PlayStation when a defender approaches. Depending on your timing, you'll either toss the defender to the ground, break the tackle, or gain crucial extra yardage. Remarkably, even smaller backs can stiff-arm defenders effectively, which might need balancing in cheap CUT 26 Coins a future update.
