Complete Guide to D-Line Stunts in College Football 26

In College Football 26, defensive players got a serious upgrade in tools, from custom zone drops and route committing to one of the most game-changing additions yet: manual defensive line stunts.

These pre-snap stunts, loops, and twists are designed to confuse blocking assignments, open free rush lanes, and make quarterbacks’ lives miserable. When used correctly, they can completely turn a game around. Use them wrong, and you might end up paying the ultimate price.

Here’s your guide to understanding, using, and mastering stunts in CUT.

What Are Defensive Line Stunts?

A defensive line stunt is when two or more defensive linemen swap gap assignments at the snap, crossing paths to mess with the offensive line’s blocking scheme. Instead of rushing straight ahead, one lineman will loop around another, forcing blockers to adjust on the fly.

In real football, this forces hesitation and communication errors. In CUT, it forces the game’s blocking AI to make a decision, and sometimes, that decision is very wrong.

Watch this video of Madden Pro PihCam breaking down how to call stunts:

The Types of Stunts in CUT

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stunt packages currently available in College Football 26 Ultimate Team:

• Left End Exit Two Man – Left end loops outside while the defensive tackle slants inside.
  
• Left Pirate Three Man – Left end and defensive tackle crash inside; nose tackle loops outside.
  
• Left Tempe Four Man – Left end and nose tackle crash into the B-gaps; other rushers loop around.
  
• Left Tex Two Man – Left end and tackle swap lanes, with the tackle looping outside.
  
• Left Tom Two Man – Left end slants inside while the tackle loops to the edge.
  
• Right Exit Two Man – Right end loops outside while the defensive tackle slants inside.
  
• Right Pirate Three Man – Right end and defensive tackle crash inside; nose tackle loops outside.
  
• Right Tempe Four Man – Right end and nose tackle crash into the B-gaps; other rushers loop around.
  
• Right Tex Two Man – Right end and tackle swap lanes, with the tackle looping outside.
  
• Right Tom Two Man – Right end slants inside while the tackle loops to the edge.
  
• El Paso Four Man – Coordinated inside twist from both defensive tackles, creating interior pressure lanes.
  
• Texas Four Man – Aggressive four-man twist with both ends looping inside and tackles crashing to collapse the pocket.
  

When to Use Stunts

• Passing Downs (2nd & Long, 3rd & Long) – Stunts shine when the offense needs time to develop routes.
  
• Against Pocket Passers – Most effective when the QB stays in the pocket.
  
• To Break a Stalemate – If your pass rush isn’t winning one-on-ones, a stunt can change the look without sending extra blitzers.
  

Pro Tip: Insert a 4-DE package or put your fastest DE as the looping defensive lineman to increase the stunt’s effectiveness. For example, substitute your fastest DE into the NT spot in the Left Pirate Three Man stunt.

How NOT to Use Stunts

1. Don’t spam the same stunt repeatedly. Mix them in situationally based on your goal.
   
2. Avoid against heavy runners. Quick-hitting runs can exploit the space stunts create.
   
3. Don’t pair with Cover 0 blitzes. You’ll leave yourself too vulnerable if the stunt doesn’t get home.
   

My Take: Best Stunts in CUT Right Now

Best Formations to Run Stunts From:

1. Nickel Double Mug (Spread D-Line, Spread Linebackers)
   
2. Nickel Single Mug (Spread D-Line)
   
3. 4-3 Even 6-1
   

Best Stunts:

1. 4-Man Texas Stunt – The most consistent at creating free lanes for inside loopers against pocket passers. Downside: Vulnerable if your opponent scrambles quickly to the edge.
   
2. Right Pirate Three Man – Great against rollout-right players; the looping nose tackle often comes free on scrambles.
   
3. Left Tex Two Man (with QB Contain) – Best when your opponent is on the left hash. Comes in slightly less than 4-Man Texas, but the contain on the right side keeps the QB in the pocket.
   
4. Loop Stunt – A solid surprise call, but too slow to be a primary option.
   

Recommendation: Stunts work best from four-down lineman sets. They can still be used from three-down lineman looks, but tend to be less effective.

Final Thoughts

Stunts aren’t a magic bullet, but in a game where forcing mistakes is the only way to get stops, they’re a valuable addition to your defensive toolkit. Mix them into your normal pass rush looks, and you might start seeing more sacks, hurried throws, and turnovers.

What’s been your most successful stunt setup in CUT so far?