College Football 26 How to Stiff Arm
Written by Michael Owen
To stiff arm in College Football 26, hold A on Xbox or X on PlayStation while running the ball.
This move extends your ball carrier’s arm to shove away an incoming tackler. If timed right, it can knock them off and keep your run alive. If mistimed, you’ll get hit mid-animation and probably dropped on the spot.
How the Stiff Arm Works
Pushes Off a Single Defender
Stiff arm only affects one defender at a time. It won’t save you in a crowd, but it can be perfect for 1-on-1 plays near the sideline or in open space.
It uses your player’s Strength and Break Tackle stats to determine if the move actually works.
It Can Cause a Fall-Forward Tackle
Even if the defender wraps you up after the stiff arm, it often forces a fall-forward tackle. That means you still gain a few extra yards.
You won’t always break free, but it slows the defender down long enough to get pushed forward instead of backward.
Doesn’t Trigger Automatically
This isn’t Madden. You need to press the button at the right time. Hold the button too early, and your player sticks their arm out in the middle of nowhere. Too late, and the animation won’t finish in time to do anything.
Practice the timing until you get the feel of when defenders are just entering tackle range.
Best Times to Use the Stiff Arm
Side-Angled Tackles
If a defender is coming in from the left or right side, stiff arm is the best option. It often throws them off completely or slows them enough for you to keep moving.
It does not work well if the defender is hitting you straight-on.
Short-Yardage Runs
If you're fighting for a first down or trying to score at the goal line, use stiff arm to get those last few inches. Even if it doesn't break the tackle, it might still push you over the line.
When Your Speed Is Already Burned
If you’ve already used a sprint burst and a defender is catching up, stiff arm is your last shot to avoid a guaranteed tackle.
Use it when you know you can’t outrun them anymore.
Which Players Are Good at Stiff Arming
Power Running Backs
Big backs like tank-style HB1s are made for this. Their stiff arms will shrug off most corners and safeties.
Look for high Strength and Trucking stats. If they also have good Stiff Arm rating, they’ll dominate in open field.
Dual-Threat QBs
Some mobile quarterbacks can stiff arm surprisingly well, especially if they’re built more like running backs. It’s a good fallback if they can’t slide in time.
Tight Ends on Short Routes
When catching short curls or slants, tight ends often get tackled right after the catch. A quick stiff arm can give them just enough room to fall forward or shake a smaller defender.
Stiff Arm vs Other Ball Carrier Moves
Compared to Truck
Truck works straight ahead. It’s a momentum-based move, best used when sprinting directly into a defender.
Stiff arm works from the side, giving you more options in space.
Compared to Spin and Juke
Spin and juke are finesse moves. They dodge tackles.
Stiff arm is a power move. It absorbs the tackle and hits back harder.
Use spin or juke for agile players, and stiff arm for bigger players who can't change direction quickly.
Final Blurb
Stiff arm in College Football 26 is your best bet when you want to run through a defender instead of around them. It’s not flashy, but it feels great to send a safety flying and keep your drive alive. Just don’t try it with a 170-pound slot receiver unless you’re aiming for a highlight fail reel.
FAQ
Q: How do you stiff arm in College Football 26?
Hold A on Xbox or X on PlayStation while carrying the ball.
Q: Who is the stiff arm best for?
Power running backs, dual-threat QBs, and strong tight ends.
Q: When should I stiff arm?
Use it right before contact from a defender coming in from the side.
Q: Does the stiff arm always work?
No. It depends on timing, stats, and the angle of the defender.
Q: Can you stiff arm more than one defender?
No. It only affects one defender per use. You’ll need other moves or blocking help for more.
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