New Positions in CFB 27: Tight End, Edge Rusher, and Free Safety

Three New Positions in Road to Glory

EA Sports College Football 27 expands Road to Glory with three highly requested new positions: Tight End, Edge Rusher, and Free Safety. Each brings unique gameplay mechanics, storylines, and development paths that add fresh depth to the RTG experience.

Whether you want to be a versatile offensive weapon, a devastating pass rusher, or a ball-hawking center fielder, these new positions offer exciting new ways to experience college football.

Tight End (TE)

Position Overview

The Tight End is the most versatile weapon on offense. Part receiver, part blocker, the TE in CFB 27 demands a diverse skill set and offers a unique dual-role experience that no other position matches.

Gameplay Mechanics

As a Tight End, you're involved in every phase of the offense:

• Run blocking — Line up inline and drive block defensive ends and linebackers
• Pass blocking — Stay in to chip rushers before releasing into your route
• Route running — Run tree routes, seam routes, and out routes from various alignments
• Catching — Make contested catches in traffic with your size advantage

Key Attributes to Develop

• Blocking — The foundation of TE play; improves your snap count and role in the offense
• Route Running — Creates separation against linebackers and safeties
• Catch in Traffic — TEs face more contact than any receiver
• Stiff Arm — Use your size advantage after the catch
• Break Tackle — Shed arm tackles from defensive backs

Unique Storyline Elements

The Tight End RTG storyline features:

• Blocking vs. Receiving conflict — Coaches may want more blocking; you may want more targets
• Position versatility narrative — Media storylines about your "hybrid" role
• Red zone hero moments — TEs are primary targets in scoring territory
• NFL draft questions — Are you a "Y" (inline) or "F" (flex) tight end at the next level?

Best Programs for TE

• Georgia — History of elite tight ends (Brock Bowers legacy)
• Alabama — Features TEs heavily in the red zone
• Ohio State — Uses TEs creatively in the passing game
• Oregon — Spread offenses create open lanes for TE seams

Tips for TE Success

• Don't neglect blocking — Coaches will bench you if your blocking grade is low
• Master the seam route — It's the TE's most devastating weapon against zone coverage
• Use your size — Box out smaller defenders on contested catches
• Find the soft spots — Sit down in zone windows and present a big target
• Capitalise on red zone targets — Your value peaks inside the 20-yard line

Edge Rusher (OLB/DE)

Position Overview

The Edge Rusher is the defense's most destructive playmaker. Lining up on the outside of the defensive line, your primary mission is to get to the quarterback — but you'll also set the edge against the run and occasionally drop into coverage.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Pass rush — Use swim, rip, spin, and bull-rush moves to beat offensive tackles
• Run defense — Maintain outside contain and string runs laterally
• Coverage drops — Occasionally drop into flat or hook zones on zone blitzes
• Pursuit — Chase down plays from the backside with speed and effort

Key Attributes to Develop

• Power Moves — Bull rush and rip moves for overpowering blockers
• Finesse Moves — Swim and spin moves for speed-based rushes
• Block Shedding — Disengage quickly from blockers in the run game
• Pursuit — Closing speed to finish plays
• Play Recognition — Read run vs. pass quickly to avoid over-pursuing

Unique Storyline Elements

The Edge Rusher RTG storyline features:

• Sack chase narrative — Media tracks your sack race against other pass rushers
• Run defense criticism — Labels like "pass rush specialist" if you ignore the run
• Versatility questions — Can you play standing up or with your hand in the dirt?
• Signature sack celebrations — Unlock celebration animations as you rack up sacks

Best Programs for Edge Rusher

• Alabama — Legacy of dominant pass rushers and development
• Georgia — Elite defensive coaching and exposure
• Ohio State — Aggressive defensive schemes create sack opportunities
• Oregon — Speed-based defense that lets edge rushers attack

Tips for Edge Rusher Success

• Master two pass rush moves — Having a primary and counter move makes you unpredictable
• Don't over-pursue — Staying home on run plays prevents huge cutback lanes
• Time the snap — A great jump off the line gives you a step on the tackle
• Use the spin move — The most effective counter when the OT oversets to your speed
• Read the screen — Don't rush yourself out of position on screen passes

Free Safety (FS)

Position Overview

The Free Safety is the eraser on defense. Roaming the deep middle of the field, the FS reads the quarterback, breaks on the ball, and makes game-changing interceptions. It's the most cerebral defensive position and requires excellent anticipation.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Deep coverage — Cover the deep half or deep third based on the called coverage
• Route recognition — Read the quarterback's eyes and break on throws
• Interceptions — Ball skills separate great free safeties from good ones
• Open-field tackling — As the last line of defense, missed tackles become touchdowns

Key Attributes to Develop

• Zone Coverage — The most important attribute for a free safety
• Play Recognition — Read routes and react faster than the offense
• Ball Skills — Catch interceptions instead of just breaking up passes
• Speed — Range to cover sideline to sideline
• Tackling — Can't afford to miss as the last defender

Unique Storyline Elements

The Free Safety RTG storyline features:

• Ball hawk narrative — Media tracks your interception totals
• Center fielder identity — Storylines about your range and playmaking
• Big hit vs. ball hawk — Coaches may want you to play more aggressively vs. conservatively
• Return specialist — Interception returns add to your highlight reel

Best Programs for Free Safety

• Alabama — Ball-hawking safety tradition
• Ohio State — Defensive back development is elite
• Georgia — Disciplined secondary play with smart coaching
• Oregon — Speed-based defense lets safeties make plays in space

Tips for Free Safety Success

• Read the QB's eyes — Break on the throw, not the route
• Don't bite on double moves — Stay disciplined on play-action and double moves
• Keep everything in front — Your job is to prevent deep balls, not jump short routes
• Angle your tackles — Take proper pursuit angles; missed tackles are back-breaking
• Communicate pre-snap — Help your corners with coverage calls when possible

Comparing the New Positions

All three positions bring something unique to Road to Glory. Pick the one that matches your playstyle and enjoy the fresh perspectives these new roles bring to CFB 27.