What is Untargeting Defenders in the Run Game
Brand new feature EA added to College Football 26. You can tell your blockers to IGNORE specific defenders — letting them come free while redirecting blocks to more dangerous players.
Quick Setup:
- Hold LT/L2 + right stick left = see blocking assignments
- Flick right stick up = flame icon appears
- Move flame to any defender + press X/A = that guy gets zero blocks
Why this matters — most run plays fail because ONE unblocked defender makes the tackle. This feature lets you pick WHO stays unblocked. Instead of some random safety running free, you can let a slow linebacker come while your line double-teams the middle.
Game-changer for inside zone, trap plays, RPOs. Any run concept where you want to manipulate WHO gets blocked and WHO doesn't.
How to Execute Untargeting Pre-Snap
Step 1: See Your Blocking Scheme
- Hold LT/L2
- Hold right stick to the left
- Shows exactly where every blocker is going
- Spot the bad matchups or wasted blocks
Step 2: Bring Up the Flame Icon
- Flick right stick UP (quick motion)
- Flame icon appears on screen
- This is your "untarget selector"
Step 3: Pick Your Victim
- Move flame icon to the defender you want unblocked
- Press X (Xbox) or A (PlayStation)
- That defender now gets ZERO attention from your blockers
Do this BEFORE the snap. Once the ball is hiked, it's too late. Get good at reading blocking schemes fast — you've got maybe 10-15 seconds at the line.
When to Use Untargeting Strategy
Against Slot Corners on Inside Zone
Your slot receiver is blocking a corner 8 yards off the ball. That corner isn't making ANY tackles. Untarget him. Now your receiver blocks the safety instead — the guy who WOULD have made the tackle.
On Trap Plays Going Downhill
Trap play to the left? Your right tackle might be assigned to the backside DE. That DE isn't making the play anyway. Untarget him, let your line get extra double teams in the middle where the run is actually going.
Against Blitzing LBs on RPOs
RPO with a linebacker showing blitz? Why block him when he's running past the play anyway? Untarget the blitzer, get an extra double team somewhere useful.
When DEs Are Getting Kicked Out
If your tackle is kicking a DE outside and that DE can't make the tackle, untarget him. Free up that tackle to help with a double team. More push up front.
What Makes This Feature Deadly
It's all about math. Defenses work because they have enough guys to fill every gap. But some defenders are MORE DANGEROUS than others.
A safety at the second level can tackle your RB after a 3-yard gain AND prevent it from breaking for 20+. A slot corner 8 yards off can't do either. So why waste a block on the corner?
This feature lets you:
- Double-team the most dangerous pass rushers
- Leave slow/out-of-position defenders unblocked
- Create favorable angles for your running back
- Attack where defenses are actually vulnerable
Best part — defenses can't adjust to this mid-play. Once they show their alignment and you untarget someone, they're stuck with whatever happens.
How Defenses Counter Untargeting
Better Pre-Snap Movement
Smart defensive players will shift and move right up until the snap. Makes it harder for you to identify who to untarget. They might show one look, you untarget someone, then they rotate at the last second.
Multiple Run-Stopping Threats
If the defense has 2-3 guys who can all make the tackle, untargeting just one doesn't help much. You can only ignore ONE defender per play.
Delayed Reactions
Some defenders will play disciplined — even if they're unblocked, they won't overcommit. They'll sit back and let the play develop, then make the tackle anyway.
Your Counter to Their Counter:
- Use motion to force defensive movement AFTER you've untargeted
- Pick formation-based concepts where you know who the threats are
- Have multiple run plays from the same look — if one gets stopped, audible to another
Common Mistakes with Untargeting
Untargeting the Wrong Guy
Don't just pick someone random. That slow linebacker might actually be in the perfect spot to make the tackle. Study the blocking scheme FIRST, then decide who's least dangerous.
Taking Too Long
You've got limited time at the line. Don't spend 20 seconds analyzing every defender. Pick one obvious candidate and go with it.
Overusing the Feature
Not every run play needs untargeting. Sometimes the default blocking is already perfect. Don't fix what isn't broken.
Ignoring the Run Direction
Untargeting a guy on the opposite side of where you're running usually doesn't help. Focus on defenders who are actually in your running lane.
Bottom line — this gives you WAY more control over run blocking. But it's a tool, not a magic button. Use it smart and it opens up massive holes. Use it wrong and you're letting dangerous defenders run free for no reason.