College Football 26 How to Set Pass Protection
Written by Michael Owen
Learning how to block in College Football 26 is key if you don’t want your quarterback eating dirt every drive. This guide breaks down how to handle blitzes, assign blockers, and give your QB enough time to throw.
How to Open the Pass Protection Menu
Hold L1 (on PlayStation) or LB (on Xbox) before the snap. This pulls up the full blocking controls.
You need to hold this the entire time while you adjust the line.
Slide Protection
Flick the right stick left or right to shift the protection partially. This is good for handling edge rushes on one side.
Use the left stick left or right to fully slide the line. This works better against heavy blitzes coming from one side.
Use this if you notice the defense stacking one end.
Blocking Interior Blitzes
If the pressure is coming up the middle, flick the right stick up while holding the protection button.
This sets up empty protection, which helps pick up inside blitzers or disguised rushes.
Only use this if you’re sending out a lot of receivers and expecting heat through the middle.
Blocking All-Out Blitzes
For max protection, flick the left stick up.
This brings in tight ends and running backs to help block. You lose some receivers, but it buys time against heavy pressure.
This is your go-to when you see a full house blitz or the defense crowding the box.
How to Double Team a Defender
While in the pass protection menu, flick the right stick down, then aim the stick toward the defender you want to double team.
Press X (PlayStation) or A (Xbox) to lock it in.
Use this on dominant pass rushers like star defensive ends or linebackers lined up on the edge.
How to ID the Mike
Press X or A on the linebacker you want the offensive line to treat as the "Mike."
This helps with assigning blocking logic and making sure the right player gets picked up.
Use this when a blitz is likely, or if the middle linebacker is lined up aggressively.
Untargeting a Defender
If you made a mistake or want to unassign someone, press Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox).
This clears a target, like if you accidentally selected a user-controlled defender or someone dropping into coverage.
Final Blurb
Getting pass protection right in College Football 26 is the difference between a clean pocket and a drive-ending sack. Use slide protection for edge pressure, double-team star rushers, and never forget to ID the Mike. A few seconds of pre-snap prep can save your entire drive.
FAQ
Q: How do I open the pass protection menu?
Hold L1 or LB before the snap.
Q: How do I slide the offensive line?
Flick the right stick for partial slides or the left stick for full slides.
Q: How do I double team a defender?
Flick the stick down, point to the defender, and press X or A.
Q: What does ID the Mike do?
It helps the line block the correct players on blitzes.
Q: When should I use max protection?
When facing an all-out blitz or sending fewer receivers.