College football 26 beta gameplay update: 5 biggest changes fans will get to see in new EA Sports game edition

EA Sports College Football 26 is set to be launched on July 10. However, a closed beta to assess the technical performance of the game took place from June 6 to June 8. The results from the test will help EA polish the game according to the feedback they receive from gamers.

On Sunday, Madden and CFB content creator Joe Bruin shared his notes from the College Football 26 closed beta test. He talked about some issues and quality of life changes that needed to be implemented before the final release next month.

"Most issues have to do with QBs being a** and rating across the board being low, which are typical beta things. Lots of pre snap bugs with alignment when running zone," Bruin wrote.

Cook

@@iJoebruin

CFB26 Beta Gameplay Notes

Most issues have to do with QBs being ass and ratings across the board being low, which are typical beta things. Lots of pre snap bugs with alignment when running zone.

Biggest Changes

- No Speed Outs make offense harder, especially in long distance 3rd/4th downs (Big W for defensive balance)

- Acceleration feels slower, combined with tackling being easier makes running still good, but explosive plays will be a lot harder (accel might be a beta thing)

- Every DB is Prime Revis in MCV atm, zigs (the man killer in 25) get SUPER CAGED by MCV, I expect MCV to be worse in the full game

- DBs in general feel like they react better in ZCV, and knockout passes consistently if they make contact right when you try to catch a pass. However, catching INTs, good luck LMAO

- Playbooks to me still feel underwhelming, there’s like 5/6 really good ones that everyone will run, really not a lot of variety for passers

- Stemmed Zones are awesome, you will need to be really really fast adjusting to get them out there though (Another Quick Snap Incentive)

- QB releases are faster, really feels like everyone has slinger

- QB jukes/spins in the pocket will be useless until they maybe get good abilities, juke could be good

- New O Line feature of marking them as “Unblocked” is really good to counter 6-1 and 3/4 odd forms (until the user manually blitzes)

- Only notice the “No Eyes no INT” if you never click on the DB and let the CPU do something on a jump ball

- Pursuit feels better but I think that has to do with tackling, just way easier to trigger a tackle animation

- New Safety pre play alignment stuff is a Big Big Big W as long as takeoff is gone or a lot of AP

- D Line stunts feel useless in a H2H scene, cool for realism in the sim community

- Subbing in game is cool for the offense, defense you can’t really do it because you’ll get quick snapped

- Dynamic Abilities are a W

Final Thoughts, if this version of the game released right now, the casual H2H/CUT community would hate it because Offense is hard, polar opposite of 25. But that’s why I’m a fan.

https://x.com/iJoebruin/status/1931760678454653394

According to Bruin's tweet, here are the five biggest changes that fans can look forward to in College Football 26.

5 biggest beta gameplay updates in College Football 26

1- Change in player acceleration

Unlike last year, College Football 26 has a slower rate of player acceleration. This means that gamers will find it easier to make tackles against offensive players, and it also limits the functionality of explosive plays. However, the developers could potentially make tweaks to acceleration before the final release.

2- Changes in quarterback plays

EA Sports has made some quality-of-life changes to quarterbacks in College Football 26. According to Bruin, passes now feel quicker on release, thus giving gamers a smoother playmaking experience.

However, quarterback skills like juking and spin moves are more dependent on the traits possessed by the signal-callers in the game.

3- New offensive line features

One of the new features added to College Football 26 takes place in offensive line tactics. Gamers now have the option of tagging a player 'unmarked', giving them a better understanding of counter plays to odd forms apart from manual blitzing.

4- Defense is easier than offense

As per Bruin, playing defense in CFB 26 is easier compared to CFB 25. This means that the developers will have to find a balance in making both offense and defense playable without over-encumbering one play style. This will help the head-to-head and the CUT community, who are more reliant on making offensive plays.

5- Variety in Playbook options

Just like CFB 25, the new iteration still lacks variable power in playbooks. This means that gamers will tend to rely on the 5 or so meta playbooks, which are going to dominate online plays. Bruin believes that playbooks need a polish in order for them not to feel underwhelming during the final release.

Fans can get the standard edition of CFB 26 for $69.99. However, those who buy the Deluxe edition get extra benefits and a few more perks. This edition of CFB 26 is priced at $99.99. But if you want to play both Madden 26 and CFB 26, the MVP Bundle is the best option, which costs $149.99.