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College Football 26 October Patch Notes: Gameplay and Uniforms

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 9:58 PM ET

The October patch delivers key gameplay fixes, QB contain tuning, and new uniforms

If you’ve ever watched your quarterback eat turf because the left tackle whiffed on a stunt, this patch is for you. College Football 26 has rolled out its October Title Update, and the changes touch nearly every corner of the gameplay experience. From passing and blocking to QB contain logic, the development team has emphasized competitive balance, while also slipping in new uniforms and equipment. Erik Rayweather also shared some exclusive gameplay footage highlighting these changes, giving fans a first-hand look at what to expect.

The passing game gets a notable tweak with a new three-yard minimum for route stems, giving defensive backs more realistic opportunities to react. Expanded pass protection options also arrive, with players now able to select from the full range of protection types inside Coach Adjustments. That means more control pre-snap and fewer cheap fumbles off broken snaps.

Blocking has been reworked as well. Running backs pick up TEX stunts more effectively, pass rushers trigger moves more frequently, and defenders now have a higher chance of super-win outcomes—even when matched against slightly better-rated linemen. Pocket integrity has also been tuned, creating a more natural collapse around the passer.

Quarterback containment received a major upgrade. On play-action calls, contain defenders no longer drift with the ineffective surf technique. Instead, they stay disciplined and break off blocks at smarter angles, giving mobile quarterbacks less room to extend plays.

In the run game, bugs with direct snaps and veer handoffs have been corrected, while RPO defense coach adjustments now force defenders into seam and flat coverage when set to Conservative. Even post-touchdown celebrations got polish, fixing a teleporting football glitch during the bowling animation.

Key Patch Updates

Passing: Three-yard minimum route stems; expanded protection options.
Blocking: Improved RB stunt pickups; stronger pocket collapse; super-win tuning.
QB Contain: Smarter pursuit angles; play-action logic fixed.
Running Game: Direct snap and veer play issues resolved.
Coverage: RPO defense coach adjustment tuned for seams and flats.
Presentation: New uniforms for Arizona State, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Florida Atlantic, Wisconsin, and more.
Equipment: Nike Vapor cleats and Nike LeBron IV Menace’s included.

Full Breakdown of Updates

Route Stem Logic Change: Defensive backs react more realistically with a three-yard minimum stem.
Expanded Pass Protection: Options now include Base, Empty, Half/Full Left, Half/Full Right, and Default in Coach Adjustments.
Fumble Fixes: Issues with Jet Touch Pass and Alert Bubble plays corrected.
Blocking Tweaks: RBs handle TEX stunts better; O-linemen tuned for pocket realism; blitz pickups improved.
Pass Rush Tuning: Increased frequency of moves, with super-wins possible even vs. slightly stronger blockers.
QB Contain Logic: Defenders stay disciplined vs. Play Action and scramble threats; smarter pursuit angles.
Running Game Fixes: Direct snap and inside veer play handoff bugs addressed.
RPO Defense: Conservative setting now forces seam and flat coverage.
Post-Play Polish: Bowling celebration glitch fixed.
Uniforms:Arizona State black, FAU alternates, James Madison gold, Ole Miss Realtree, Texas Techthrowbacks, Tulane alternate, UAB black, Louisiana black, Virginia 2025 throwback, Wisconsin throwback, and more.
Gear: Nike Vapor Pro 1’s, Nike Vapor Speed 3’s, Nike LeBron IV Menace’s.

For fans chasing authenticity, this patch brings meaningful balance to gameplay while also delivering fresh looks for dozens of programs. College Football 26 just got a little sharper—on the sticks and on the field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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