The first major title update in College Football 26 brought more than just minor bug fixes-it finally overhauled and fixed many broken option plays, particularly those involving orbit motion and slot receiver triple options. If you’re a fan of running complex, multi-read offensive schemes, this update has unlocked a new level of strategic play. For players looking to fully upgrade their rosters and experiment with these new plays, it’s often helpful to buy College Football 26 Coins to unlock additional playbooks and star players.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 of the best option plays to run post-update, highlighting what makes them effective and how to execute them properly. These plays are drawn from various formations and playbooks and have been tested extensively in-game since the patch.

1. Motion Triple Option Weak - Pistol Flexbone Tight (Rice Playbook)

This play capitalizes on misdirection. With arc motion going one way and the triple option running the opposite direction, you’ll keep defenders guessing. Sub in a halfback for the dive man to increase speed. Your keys: read the defensive end (R), and then the pitch defender (P). Hand off, keep, or pitch based on those reactions. This is one of the most reliable post-update plays for yardage and confusion.

2. Load Option - Wingbone Split Wing X (Generic Option Playbook)

Unlike the speed option, the load option gives you extra blocking support. It’s particularly effective when you need to break the QB loose for a longer gain. The read is simpler-just one pitch read-and you usually get more time to make your decision. It’s a must-have in your option rotation.

3. Motion Lead Triple Option - Shotgun Wingback Tight (Rice Playbook)

With both slot receivers acting as wingbacks, this play gives you excellent blocking and flexibility. One of the wings becomes the pitch man after motioning into the backfield, while the other leads as a blocker. This setup creates big play potential, especially with fast receivers in those roles.

4. Motion Triple Option Arc - Shotgun Wingback Tight (Rice Playbook)

This one uses the same motion as the previous play but flips which wingback gets the ball. That visual similarity helps mask your intentions and keep defenses honest. The key to success is making the right pitch-read quickly and leveraging your slot receiver’s speed.

5. Orbit Lead Triple Option - Shotgun Split Twins (Georgia Tech/Kansas Playbook)

Orbit motion plays were broken pre-patch, but now they're fully functional-and deadly. The orbiting slot receiver sets up a lead blocker role, creating big opportunities on the edge. Make sure to sub in a speedy backfield and react to your pitch-read quickly to capitalize.

6. Motion WR Option - Shotgun Doubles Y-Off (Kansas Playbook)

One of the more complex plays, this option includes double motion-tight end first, then a slot receiver. It’s tricky but incredibly effective once mastered. Use this play to keep your opponent guessing between run, option, and potential play-action passes.

7. Motion Slot Option - Shotgun Wing Stack Weak (Rice Playbook)

This play uses a motioning slot receiver to set up a read option followed by a pitch read. While it looks like a standard triple, the subtle stop-motion of the slot makes it harder to diagnose. If the edge crashes, your QB can break out for big gains or pitch it wide.

8. Motion Lead Triple Option Left - Shotgun Wing Stack Weak (Rice Playbook)

Identical pre-snap motion to the previous play but a different backfield dynamic-the tight end becomes the pitch man here. Make sure your tight end has decent speed, or this play may stall out. The deception from identical motion makes this a great addition to a scheme-based attack.

9. Return Speed Option - Shotgun Wing Trips (Pitt/UConn/Virginia Tech Playbooks)

Speed options are always risky but high-reward. This one adds a twist: the tight end motions and leads the play as a blocker. Practice pitch timing here-it’s crucial. You can hold for a hard pitch or tap for a quick release depending on how fast the defense reacts.

10. Motion Speed Option - Singleback Y-Trips X-Off (Oklahoma State Playbook)

One of the few under-center options worth running. This play benefits from earlier jet sweep usage in the same formation-your opponent will bite on the fake. Motion adds numbers to the strong side and, when executed right, opens up massive lanes.

Final Thoughts

These option plays offer variety, deception, and big-play potential in College Football 26. Thanks to the title update, orbit motions, triple options, and wing formations are now fully viable. To maximize their effectiveness, many players also choose to use cheap NCAA 26 Coins to unlock additional formations and top-tier players, giving them more options when running these plays. Practice reads before using them in competitive play. Sub in faster backs or receivers for better execution. Mix up your motion plays to confuse defenders.