Mastering the Classic Option in College Football 26: Speed, Triple, and Counter Reads Outrunning RPOs with traditional QB-or-pitch option plays in Dynasty and Play Now mode

If you’re the type who prefers controlling tempo with ground games, College Football 26 gives you the Classic Option—a set of plays where you decide: keep it with the quarterback or pitch to the running back. These plays can dominate teams focused on pass-heavy schemes.

🔄 Classic Option vs RPO: Know the Difference

• RPO gives you the choice to pass (based on a read player) or hand off to the RB—quick read at the LOS.
• The Classic Option has no passing option—just QB-run or RB-pitch.
• In a Speed Option, you observe the defender’s movement:
  • If he commits to the QB, pitch it.
  • If he branches toward the RB, keep it and run.
• The Triple Option adds an early handoff read—if you keep it, it becomes a speed-option play.

🎮 How to Run Option Plays

1. Open the playbook, select Play Type → Option, and pick from speed, triple, or counter option setups. 2. To keep with the QB: Hold X (PlayStation) or A (Xbox) post-snap. 3. To pitch to the back: Press L1 (PlayStation) or LB (Xbox) at the designated read point. 4. To hand it off (if applicable): Do nothing—you’ll automatically give it to the RB. 5. Use spin or jukes for breakaway yards if keeping the ball, based on your team’s athlete traits.

🏈 Best Teams for Running the Option

Teams ideal for Classic Option runs typically feature QBs with decent speed and awareness plus strong backs:

• Traditional service academies: Air Force, Army, Navy
• Playbooks set up for ground-heavy offense: Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, UCLA

Look for schools with high RB ratings and option-ready quarterback builds.

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✅ TL;DR

• The Classic Option in CFB 26 is dedicated to QB-or-pitch run plays—no throwing involved.
• Handball-style QB mechanics let you keep, pitch, or hand off based on defender reads.
• Works best with service academies or schools loaded with mobile QBs and strong RBs.
• Master timing and target your read defender early—use spin or jukes post-snap for efficiency.