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College Football 26

CFB 26 Top 5 Running Plays

Master the ground game with the most effective rushing plays in College Football 26

CFBLabs users have been rating their favorite running plays in CFB 26, and these are the top performers. Users rate their favorite running plays and it appears outside toss style plays dominated season 1. More ratings coming in during season 2 will change these ratings over time.

You can influence these ratings by creating an account and rating your favorite and least favorite plays. Help the community discover the most effective running concepts in College Football 26.

Best Running Plays

Top 5 Ranked Running Plays

Arkansas logo#1

CRACK TOSS

Arkansas • Toss Play

CRACK TOSS play diagram
SHOTGUN
BUNCH STR NASTY

A devastating outside running play that uses crack blocking to seal the edge and create big play potential.

Key Strengths
Edge AttackSpeed SweepMisdirection
Penn State logo#2

HB DIRECT SNAP

Penn State • Power Run

HB DIRECT SNAP play diagram
WILDCAT
WING FLEX

Direct snap to the running back in Wildcat formation creates an extra blocker and powerful running attack.

Key Strengths
Goal LineShort YardagePower Formation
Ohio State logo#3

PIN PULL TOSS

Ohio State • Outside Zone

PIN PULL TOSS play diagram
SHOTGUN
BUNCH STR OFFSET

Pin and pull blocking scheme gets the running back to the edge quickly with lead blockers creating running lanes.

Key Strengths
Pulling GuardsEdge SpeedGap Scheme
Florida State logo#4

QB DRAW

Florida State • QB Run

QB DRAW play diagram
SHOTGUN
5WR TRIO

Five-wide receiver set keeps the defense honest while the QB draws up the middle for consistent yardage.

Key Strengths
Spread FormationMobile QBRun/Pass Option
Michigan logo#5

DBL MTN HB TOSS

Michigan • Stretch Toss

DBL MTN HB TOSS play diagram
SHOTGUN
WING SLOT OFFSET

Double motion creates confusion while the toss gets the ball to the edge with excellent blocking angles.

Key Strengths
Stretch DefenseSideline AttackMotion Fake

Honorable Mention

Michigan logoHM

Z CLOSE TOSS

Michigan • Edge Toss

Z CLOSE TOSS play diagram
SHOTGUN
WING SLOT OFFSET

Compact formation with quick toss action gets the ball outside fast with excellent blocking schemes.

Key Strengths
Quick EdgeTight FormationSeal Blocking

Running Play Categories

Each running play serves a specific purpose in your ground game strategy:

  • Toss Plays: Get to the edge quickly with speed and misdirection
  • Power Runs: Dominate short-yardage and goal-line situations
  • Outside Zone: Stretch the defense horizontally with gap schemes
  • QB Runs: Keep defenses honest with mobile quarterback threats
  • Stretch Concepts: Attack the sidelines with disciplined blocking

Formation Strategy

Most elite running plays come from versatile formations:

  • Shotgun: Most common formation, allows for quick decisions
  • Wildcat: Direct snap creates extra blocker advantage
  • Bunch Formations: Compressed receivers create blocking angles
  • Wing/Slot Sets: Additional tight ends provide power blocking

Master these formations and their corresponding run concepts to build an unstoppable ground attack in CFB 26.

Ready to Dominate the Ground Game?

Explore more running plays and build your perfect rushing attack

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