Inside zone runs and dive plays have particularly benefited. Last year, there were too many frustrating moments when offensive linemen would inexplicably ignore oncoming defenders. That issue has largely been corrected. If you find yourself struggling to move the ball offensively, I strongly recommend focusing on CUT 26 Coins the inside zone from a shotgun formation and securing a reliable running back. You'll notice a significant improvement in both offline and online matchups compared to the prior edition.

With the improved running game comes the need to master a ball-carrier move that can turn a good run into a great one. Enter the stiff-arm. While the spin move dominated last year's meta, especially with backs like Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins, the stiff-arm takes center stage this year. It's currently so powerful that I expect it may be toned down in future patches, as even smaller backs can pull it off with ease.

To use it, simply press the A button on Xbox or X on PlayStation when a defender closes in. The timing of your input determines whether you'll send the tackler to the ground, break free of the contact, or simply gain extra yardage. The stiff-arm works so reliably that I've developed a habit of using it proactively, even before contact, to ward off would-be tacklers bursting through the line. While you won't succeed every time, the odds are heavily in your favor.

Defense wins championships, and College Football 26 introduces a mechanic that dramatically improves user control: the switch stick. If you're unfamiliar, the switch stick lets you change which defender you control before the ball is thrown, rather than afterward. It's an essential skill for competitive players, as it allows you to bait opposing quarterbacks into bad throws by switching between defenders and closing off passing lanes. It created a notable skill gap last year, and it remains vital for success in this year's game as well.

If you're struggling to slow down high-powered offenses, consider turning to man coverage. I've always favored zone coverage because of its strategic depth and flexibility. However, College Football 26 gives man coverage a meaningful upgrade that makes it a far more viable option. Traditionally, man coverage could be picked apart by spamming corner routes, slants, posts, drags, and whip routes. While special abilities could help defenders, offensive players often had the upper hand.

This year, EA Sports added a feature that allows you to "guess" which route an opposing receiver is going to run. If your prediction is correct, the defender will lock down the receiver and eliminate the route as an option. For example, if you know your opponent loves to send the slot receiver on a slant, you can assign your slot cornerback to buy CFB 26 Coins protect the inside, and the slant will be effectively neutralized. The same applies to routes like whips, posts, and corners.