In EA Sports College Football 26, it's not just about knowing your favorite team or sticking to traditional plays. If you really want to embarrass your friends, outsmart your opponents, and put together a highlight reel that turns heads online, there's one thing you've got to master: trick plays.
These deceptive plays are scattered across various playbooks
CFB 26 Coins, and unless you know where to look, you'll miss out on some of the best plays in the entire game. Whether you're looking to drop jaws in online ranked or mix things up against AI, here's your complete breakdown of the top trick plays in College Football 26, how to use them, where to find them, and how to shut them down.
1. Reverse Flea Flicker (Gun Y Trips Offset Weak)
This is the play that's likely to earn you a touchdown the first time you use it. The ball goes from the QB → to the RB → reversed to a WR → back to the QB → launching a post route downfield.
Why it works:
Destroys zone defenses by pulling defenders toward the motion.
Almost guarantees a wide-open deep route.
Where to find it:
Gun Y Trips Offset Weak formation, available in a variety of playbooks (check your favorites!).
How to stop it:
Send a heavy blitz before the throw-back happens.
If the QB gets hit before the reverse is complete, it'll fall apart.
2. Motion Double Pass (Split Slot Offset)
This one's pure cheese if timed right. The QB throws a lateral to a running back with good throw power (think Arkansas), and then the RB fires a second pass upfield.
Why it's broken:
Defense bites hard on the lateral, leaving deep routes wide open.
Can also run with the RB instead of passing-confuses both AI and humans.
Playbook bonus:
This formation also contains slip screens, regular run plays, and more-all using the same pre-snap motion, making it ideal for setting up a mini offensive scheme.
How to stop it:
Use man coverage (stays with streak routes).
Or, better yet, a Cover 2 with hard flats to lock down the edge-click on to your defender and make a quick tackle.
3. Double Pass Rail (Shotgun Trips Formation)
The slot receiver catches a lateral and throws to a RB running a deep rail. Perfect if the RB has speed and you've got decent timing.
What makes it effective:
Burns zone defenses.
Defense may hesitate and get caught flat-footed.
Also allows a tuck-and-run if needed.
Defensive counter:
Cover 0 blitzes (like Mid Blitz) often force a tackle before the pass.
Timing is critical-force a delay, and you've won.
4. Wildcat Jet Reverse Pass (Wildcat Unbounded Formation)
This is one of the most dangerous trick plays, but it's part of a god-tier formation. The WR motions in, takes the ball, hands it off to the QB, and the QB has two routes wide open over the top.
Why Wildcat Unbounded is elite:
Jet Sweep fakes and motion zone runs disguise the pass perfectly.
Defenses almost always sell out on the fake run.
How to use it:
Mix with the Jet Sweep or Motion Zone runs to keep opponents off-balance.
How to stop it:
Heavy blitzing and good user control are your only real options.
Get pressure in the backfield before the pass can develop.
5. Reverse (Gun Wing Trips Weak & Gun Y Trips Weak)
The classic WR reverse-but in two different formations.
Play mechanics:
RB takes a handoff and reverses it to a slot receiver.
Best used with fast receivers or RBs in the slot (Oklahoma's speedy back, for example).
Strategic bonus:
These reverses are supported by outside zone runs in the same formations, making your entire run game unpredictable.
How to counter:
Look for the reverse motion and crash the edge.
Speedy outside linebackers help tremendously here.
6. DIY Reverses (Multiple Playbooks via Concept > Run > Reverse)
These are next-level trick plays because they give you the option to hand off or not in real-time.
How to use:
When the play starts, either keep the ball or press LB/L1 to hand off.
Best run with practice mode first-it's about feel and timing.
Pro tip:
Let go of the left stick before handing off to allow the AI to control the transition smoothly, then retake control after a few steps.
Best playbooks:
Arizona and Air Force both offer solid reverse setups.
7. Motion Tight End Mid Screen (Trey Open Offset Formation)
Found in Georgia and Colorado State's playbooks, this screen play to the tight end fakes a toss to the RB before the TE slips inside.
Why it works:
Everyone expects the RB to get the ball.
The tight end has multiple blockers and sneaks right through the defense.
Bonus tip:
The same pre-snap motion is used for other plays in the formation, helping you build a layered offensive game.8. Pitch WR Reverse (Singleback Bunch & Bunch Nasty)
Another misdirection play where the toss goes to the WR, not the RB.
Why it hits big:
Play action sells the defense on a run.
WR reverse comes around the edge when the defense is flowing the wrong way.
Pro tip:
Make sure your WR has speed. Without it, this play falls apart.
Supporting plays:
There's a regular toss run that fakes in the same direction, making this a solid two-play combo.
9. Halfback Pass (I Form Pro-Louisville & Wyoming Playbooks)
The OG trick play. You toss it to the HB, who then looks for a cross-field receiver.
How it works:
Better if your HB has some throw power.
Best used against zone defenses.
If no one's open? Just run it.
Stopping it:
Put your defense in contain by pressing RB/R1 twice-this keeps edge defenders home and forces a loss.
How to Defend Trick Plays Consistently
You've now got a full arsenal of the deadliest trick plays in College Football 26. But let's be real-chances are your opponents are reading this guide too.
Here's how to stop the madness:
1.Use Man Coverage for Double Passes-Stick to your assignments and don't bite on the lateral.
2.Cover 2 with Hard Flats-Perfect for killing edge throws and options.
3.Use Blitzes vs. Slow Developing Plays-Blitzes like Mid Blitz or Over Storm Brave are your best friend.
4.Practice Mode DIY-The best way to stop a trick play is knowing how it works. Hit practice mode and learn the mechanics so you recognize them in-game.
Final Thoughts: Trick Your Way to Victory
Whether you're trying to win a high-stakes online match
buy College Football 26 Coins, run up the score on your friends, or just want to feel like the cleverest player on the field-trick plays are your ticket to glory in College Football 26.