The run pass option (RPO) is one of the most valuable plays in football as it allows you to adjust to the defense’s positioning and movements on the fly, helping you gain yards downfield. This guide details controls and tips for the RPO play in Madden NFL 25.

Table of contents

• What is a run pass option (RPO) in Madden NFL 25?
• Tips for RPO in Madden 25
  • When to run the ball
  • When to keep the ball for a pass
  • When to keep the ball and run with the QB
• Controls for RPO in Madden 25

What is a run pass option (RPO) in Madden NFL 25?

On a run pass option play, there are three choices you can make. You can either hand the ball off to the running back, keep the ball to make a pass, or keep the ball and run with the QB. This decision needs to be made on the fly and during the play. Let’s discuss some tips on how you can effectively run the RPO in Madden NFL 25.

Tips for RPO in Madden 25

Madden NFL 25 has tons of RPO plays available, depending on which team you are using. I recommend selecting the Eagles or Panthers in training mode to practice the RPO since both teams have a ton of RPO plays in their offensive playbook.

The first thing you should do after selecting an RPO is read the defense before hiking the ball. This can give you an idea of whether the gap your running back is supposed to hit has a good chance of being open or not. For example, if it’s overloaded with Linebackers or the Linebackers are inching toward the gap, then most likely you’ll be keeping the ball for a pass. This will prevent your running back from getting stopped at the line.

Keep in mind though that the defense can adjust once the play starts. This means it’s important to read the defense movements during the play to make a final decision on the run-pass option in Madden 25. Here are some examples.

When to run the ball

Check out the image attached. Notice how the gap is wide open and defenders have followed the quarterback to the right? This is the best time to hand the ball off and follow the run route. The same principle applies to outside run routes, where if you notice fewer defenders toward the sideline, then you may want to hand it off to the running back.

When to keep the ball for a pass

There may be times when the defense notices you’re running an RPO play and shifts to the gap. Or maybe the defense was already planning a blitz in the gap where the run route is headed. Either way, this is the best time to keep the ball for a pass. The image attached shows the line collapsing and defenders attacking the gap where my running back is headed. In this case, keep the ball and pass it. It’s a quick read you need to make, but look out for a handful of defenders or a blitzing Linebacker seizing the gap.

When to keep the ball and run with the QB

After reading the defense and keeping the ball, there’s a chance that none of your receivers will be open. If you find yourself in this situation, then it may be best to run the ball with the QB. The best way to do this is to roll out of the pocket during the pass play, read your receivers, and run toward an opening in the field if all receivers are covered by defenders. Running with your QB is a last resort.

Controls for RPO in Madden 25

The controls for an RPO in Madden 25 are similar to College Football 25, except there are different control schemes depending on what type of RPO you’re running.

For an RPO Read play, you can hand the ball off by not pressing anything. To keep the ball on an RPO Read, hold down A/X on your controller. Keep in mind that you must hold down the button before the running back crosses your QB, or else he will automatically hand it off.

For all other RPO plays, that are not RPO Read, you must get the pass off quickly before the running back crosses your QB. Otherwise, the QB will automatically hand it off to the running back. You don’t hold down A/X on these run pass option plays.

Now that you understand how RPO works in Madden 25, make sure to check out our other guides to improve your game. For example, we have a guide on the best pre-order players to choose in Ultimate Team.