Since the official reveal of Madden 26, EA has been selling quarterback play. Dubbed “QB DNA” by the developers, this all-new system is intended to accurately represent quarterbacks and how they each play differently. In total, there are supposed to be over 500 new animations to reflect this mechanic, as well as a whole bunch of new traits.
Obviously, not every trait is meant to emphasize play in the pocket. But that definitely seems to be an important aspect of the game this year. Here are all of the new traits that will be in Madden 26 when it launches in August.
50 Traits Will Be In Madden 26
In the press release for its gameplay deep dive, EA revealed the 50 new traits that will be in Madden 26. They are as follows:
- Look For Stars – QBs with this trait will look to throw to their star receivers more.
- Risk Taker – QBs with this trait will tend to force the ball downfield and throw it into tight windows.
- Conservative – QBs with this trait will tend to throw shorter passes and avoid forcing passes into tight windows.
- Cannon – QBs with this trait will have a higher tendency to throw bullet passes.
- Up and Over – QBs with this trait will have a higher tendency to throw lob passes.
- Snap Mischief – QBs with this trait often perform fake hikes, especially on late downs in short-yardage situations.
- Seeing Ghosts – After a sack, QBs with this trait will tend to force a pass to their first read for the next three plays, resetting at the end of a drive.
- Quick Trigger – QBs with this trait will quickly attempt throws to their check down, not waiting for the play to develop.
- Throw Away – QBs with this trait will have a higher tendency to throw the ball away when facing pressure.
- Panic Button – QBs with this trait will have a higher tendency to force passes when facing pressure.
- Double Back – QBs with this trait can scramble away from the sideline to keep the play alive.
- Eyes Up – QBs with this trait will keep their eyes up when moving towards the LOS, waiting longer for plays to develop before scrambling.
- Set Up Time – QBs with this trait will tend to set their feet before attempting a pass.
- Hero Ball – QBs with this trait will attempt to scramble for yards if they think they can get the first down.
- Quick Clock – QBs with this trait will tend to escape the pocket after making their first read.
- Happy Feet – QBs with this trait will almost always be moving.
- Paranoid – QBs with this trait react more to nearby defenders, feeling pressured even in less intense situations.
- Oblivious – QBs with this trait remain calm near defenders, feeling less pressure even in intense situations.
- Highlight Reel – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Spectacular catches.
- Possession Receiver – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Possession catches.
- RAC Receiver – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt RAC catches.
- Aggressive Receiver – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Aggressive catches.
- Red Zone Jammer – DBs with this trait will tend to attempt a jam press on press plays in the red zone.
- Play Ball Defender – Players with this trait will be riskier and try for interceptions they may not be able to reach.
- Play Receiver – Players with this trait will be safer and won’t try for interceptions they may be not able to reach.
- Steering Clear – Players with this trait will attempt to avoid hits by performing slides, give-ups, or running out of bounds.
- Showboat – Players with this trait will be able to use Celebration Loco on breakaways.
- Cannonball – Players with this trait will be able to do Celebration Dives into the endzone.
- Run Over – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a truck, and if they are a QB, they are less likely to slide.
- Strong Arm – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a stiff arm, and if they are a QB, they are less likely to slide.
- Whirlwind – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a spin move.
- Elusive Instinct – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a juke move.
- Cover Ball – Players with this trait will attempt to cover the ball on all big hits.
- Big Hitter – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Hit Sticks.
- Safe Tackler – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Conservative tackles.
- Punch It Out – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Strip tackles.
- Knee Biter – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt Cut Sticks.
- Finesse Rusher – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a Finesse Move.
- Power Rusher – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a Power Move.
- Twister – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a Spin Move.
- Bullish – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a Bull Rush.
- Bouncer – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a Club Move.
- Fly Swatter – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to raise their hands to disrupt shallow passes.
- Gas Guzzler – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to use Effort on pass rushes.
- Freestyler – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to attempt a Swim Move.
- Undisciplined – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to commit penalties.
- Disciplined – Players with this trait will have a lower tendency to commit penalties.
- Anchored – QBs with this trait will have a lower tendency to leave the pocket or scramble for yards.
- Throw It Up – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to target outside receivers on deep or contested throws.
- Fortifier – Players with this trait will have a higher tendency to audible into Max Protection against potential pressure.
As you can see, quarterback play is the priority this year, with most new traits being built around that position. And rightfully so — it’s the most important position on the field and is played by some of the best and most exciting players in the game.
That said, there are several traits that aren’t meant for QBs that stick out. For one, “Undisciplined” — a trait that causes players to commit more penalties — caught my eye. And maybe it’s the salty Steelers fan in me, but I couldn’t help but think of George Pickens when I saw it.
Try as I may, I couldn’t find anything that leads me to believe it’s made for offensive linemen. In case you haven’t noticed, the OpSports team and I have grown frustrated with the lack of emphasis placed on building a good O-line in Madden, despite it being one of the most important aspects of a quarterback’s success in real life. Instead, it seems EA has doubled down on prioritizing skill positions in order to encourage a more splash play-centric game. And I get it — that stuff is fun, and blocking in the trenches isn’t nearly as glamorous. But c’mon, is there no possible way we can show the guards some love? I beg you, EA…
