TL;DR: Run Baylor for one reason — Gun Empty Bunch Tight. No other playbook has it. Start with Gun Tight Open if you're new (Inside Zone + Mesh Spot). When ready, Empty Bunch Tight with Clear Deep is MONEY. Put speed at X receiver, corner route, stem it down, drag the slot. That's it.
Why Run Baylor's Playbook
One formation. That's it.
Gun Empty Bunch Tight doesn't exist anywhere else in College Football 26. If you want it, you run Baylor.
Everything else in this playbook? Fine. Whatever. But that one formation makes it worth running.
What to Run Day One (Gun Tight Open)
Brand new? Start here.
Inside Zone — Your run play
Mesh Spot — Your pass play
That's it. Two plays. Master these before touching anything else.
How to Set Up Mesh Spot
- Press Y/Triangle
- Select B receiver
- Push up on left stick to see the play art
Done. No adjustments needed.
How to Read Mesh Spot
Simple progression:
- Look underneath first — Either drag route. Take what's there
- Drags covered? — Work to the in route (takes longer to develop)
- Optional tweak — Custom stem the in route down slightly: Y/Triangle, select receiver, hold LB, down on left stick
Why do drags work? CPU can't defend them. Most users don't know how either. Plus you get YAC, hurdles, broken ankles — the fun stuff.
The MONEY Formation: Empty Bunch Tight
This is why you're here.
Key plays from Empty Bunch Tight:
- QB Draw — Great when they're playing pass
- Bunch Trail — Sick play
- Clear Deep — THE money play
- QB Sweep — Underrated run option
How to Set Up Clear Deep (The Money Play)
Four steps. That's it.
- Put SPEED at X receiver (outside right). Need a guy with Takeoff ability
- Corner route him — Y/Triangle, select outside right receiver, corner route
- Stem him DOWN — While still in hot route menu, hold LB, spam D-pad down. ALL THE WAY down
- Drag your slot — That's the underneath option
How to Read Clear Deep
Same as before — simple progression:
- ALWAYS check the drag first — Take it if it's there. Don't be a hero
- Vertical shots — Seam route and fade are your home runs downfield
- Backside corner — Mostly a decoy, but sometimes it's there
Speed is KING here. That Takeoff ability on the fade? Game-changer. These verticals open up way more than they should.
When to Use Empty Bunch Tight
Start with your base stuff (Gun Tight Open). Get comfortable.
Then bring out Empty Bunch Tight when:
- You need explosive plays
- Defense is sitting on your short stuff
- You've got speed mismatches outside
- Third and long situations
What Counters This Formation
Good players will:
- User the middle to take away drags
- Play Cover 4 or Cover 2 to bracket the verticals
- Bring pressure since you're in empty
Your counter? Have answers ready. QB Draw when they bring heat. Quick drag when they play deep. Mix it up.
Common Mistakes Running Baylor
Biggest mistake — forcing the deep ball.
The drag is there for a reason. TAKE IT. Move the chains. The home run will come.
Second mistake — not putting speed at X receiver in Clear Deep. Without Takeoff ability, the play doesn't hit the same.
Third — overcomplicating it. You don't need 50 hot routes. Stock plays work. Trust them.
Other Stuff Worth Mentioning
Gun Budge Wide — Branch Return is solid. Been around all year. Still works.
But honestly? Master the Empty Bunch Tight stuff first. That's where the money is.
This is one free tip on the Baylor playbook. Members get the full offensive scheme with more plays and setups, updated weekly. → civil.gg/become-a-member