Written by Michael Owen

Browse all College Football 26 To execute a pump fake in College Football 26, simply double tap the button assigned to the receiver you're aiming to fake towards.

This action will cause your quarterback to begin a throwing motion without actually releasing the ball. It's an effective technique to deceive defenders and alter coverage before delivering the ball to your intended target.

How Pump Fake Works

Simulate a Throw to Any Receiver

Each available receiver corresponds to a specific button. By double tapping that button, the QB will mimic a throw in that direction.

This can cause defensive backs to lose their positioning, particularly when facing a user-controlled defense.

The fake doesn't restrict your vision or lock you into a specific route, giving you full control over the play.

Stop a Poor Throw

If you mistakenly press a receiver’s button, hitting it again rapidly converts the action into a pump fake rather than a completed pass.

It serves as an efficient way to avoid risky throws if your initial read falls apart too quickly.

Optimal Moments for Using Pump Fake

Facing Live Opponents

Pump fakes are most effective against human opponents. Players often fall for quick throws, especially on slants, corners, and posts.

Faking a short route and then launching deep is an excellent strategy to create mismatches and force poor coverage.

The CPU typically doesn’t respond well to pump fakes, even on easier settings, so don’t expect much impact in those cases.

During Rollouts or Long Plays

Pump fakes are particularly useful during rollouts. Faking toward a covered receiver can draw a safety or cornerback toward the sideline, creating space elsewhere.

Deep routes such as fly patterns and deep posts benefit greatly from this. Use the fake to gain an extra second or two, allowing your receiver to separate from defenders.

While in the Pocket

If you’re staying upright in the pocket and scanning the field, a quick pump fake can shift zone defenders and expose tight passing lanes.

Try faking toward the flat or a drag route, then follow up with a slant or seam behind the linebackers.

It works especially well on plays that feature multiple layers of routes.

What to Avoid

Attempting Under Pressure

The animation takes time. Trying to pump fake while being rushed will likely result in a sack.

Only use it when you have protection in the pocket or while moving with open space.

Overuse

Repeatedly using pump fakes slows down your QB and makes your intentions predictable.

Use them strategically, particularly on third downs or inside the red zone.

Final Thoughts

In College Football 26, mastering pump fakes is all about timing and reading your opponent. They won’t save you every time from pressure, but they can move a defender just enough to turn a tightly covered route into a wide-open opportunity. Use them wisely and make smarter decisions with the ball.

FAQ

Q: How do you pump fake in College Football 26?

Double tap the button of the receiver you want to fake toward.

Q: Does pump fake cancel a throw?

Yes, it lets you cancel a throw if you react fast enough.

Q: Is pump fake useful against CPU?

Not really. It works best against human opponents.

Q: Can you pump fake on the run?

Yes, but only if you’re not about to get hit.

Q: When should you pump fake?

When you want to move user-controlled defenders or reset your throwing window.

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