College Football 26 How to Reach for Extra Yards
Written by Michael Owen
Reach For It (aka reaching for extra yards) is one of the most overlooked ball carrier moves in College Football 26, but it can decide close games. This mechanic lets your player stretch the ball forward during a fall or tackle to gain extra yardage. You can use it to grab a first down, break the plane for a touchdown, or make the most out of a short run.
To activate Reach For It, hold up on the right stick (R-stick) when your player begins to fall. The game only allows this move during the start of the falling animation, so you need to time it right.
When to Use Reach For It
This move only works if your ball carrier is falling or being tackled. If you are still upright, it will not trigger. If you are already on the ground, it is too late.
The best time to use it is during that first half-second after contact, when your runner is still going down.
Useful moments include:
Right at the goal line to break the plane
On third or fourth and short when inches matter
After contact when you are falling forward
On QB sneaks or dive plays for short yardage
Which Players Use It Best
The effectiveness of this move depends on player stats.
High Carrying helps reduce fumbles during the stretch
Good Awareness helps trigger the animation more often
Strong players maintain control better while falling
Ball Carrier Vision may help with accuracy when reaching
Power backs and strong quarterbacks are usually better at this move than smaller players. However, any player can attempt it if the animation starts clean and they are not swarmed.
What to Avoid
Reach For It is not always safe or effective.
If your player is falling sideways or backward, the stretch might not gain much
Triggering it too early does nothing, and triggering it too late will miss the chance
You can fumble if hit while reaching, especially from the side
It may not work well in pileups or when multiple defenders are involved
Try to use it in open space or when falling forward with one clear tackler.
Advanced Use: Mid-Dive Reach
If you dive using X or Square, you can still activate Reach For It at the end of the dive. Hold up on the right stick as the animation finishes. This can help you get just a bit further, especially near the end zone.
Practice It First
Go into Practice Mode and test it on goal line or first down plays. Run the same play and try reaching at different times. Learn the timing window so you can get it right in real games. It only takes one or two extra yards to swing a close drive.
Final Blurb
Reach For It is not flashy, but it is clutch. If you master the timing, you can grab key first downs and touchdowns without needing to break a big play. Just hold up on that stick and stretch for greatness.
FAQ
Q: How do you reach for extra yards in College Football 26?
Hold up on the right stick while falling during a tackle.
Q: When should I use Reach For It?
Use it near the goal line or first down line when falling forward.
Q: Can any player do this move?
Yes, but players with higher strength and awareness do it more effectively.
Q: Can I fumble while using Reach For It?
Yes, especially if you are hit from the side while reaching forward.
Q: Does it work during a dive?
Yes, hold up on the right stick at the end of a dive to extend the ball further.
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