EA Sports officially announced that EA Sports College Football 25 is coming this Summer. They released a preview trailer last week on X, confirming the summer release with the full reveal coming this May.
It’s been 11 years since the last iteration of a college football video game. But with the expanding diaspora of name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes, a new game is possible. And EA Sports has agreed to give players and programs compensation for using their likeness in the game.
So with knowledge that the game is now officially coming, I decided to go in-depth about some features that fans have been clamoring about for the past decade. Welcome to the EA Sports College Football 25 wishlist.
General Game Features
EA Sports confirmed the game has been built from scratch and will feature personalized things pertaining to iconic traditions of historic college football programs. But before we get into the glitz and glam of features that would add the icing on the cake, I wanted to cover a few base features we’d like to see.
Since EA Sports will have licensing to players, it would be fun to see a dynamic rating system that changes overalls from a week-to-week basis reflecting the actual college football world.
We’ve seen time and time again some Heisman candidates break out unexpectedly. Honoring them with overall increases as the season goes on would be major.
It would also be very cool if EA Sports was able to incorporate school’s alma maters and fight songs to truly make every home stadium feel different and personal.
A longtime favorite feature of the NCAA Football series is the “mascot mashup” exhibition mode. A return of this fun feature playing as their school’s mascot would be happily welcomed. Especially amongst fans of rival programs.
Lastly for general features, the very popular teambuilder mode played a large role in fun dynasties and giving each player a unique gaming experience. A modified (hopefully in-game) creation suite would certainly be popular in terms of restoring that nostalgic feeling of the older games.
Dynasty Mode General Features
The feature that has kept the college football gaming community alive for the last decade has been the dynasty mode.
Nothing is more fun than taking over as your favorite college football team and building them into a national powerhouse. Or for gamers that want more of a challenge, taking over struggling programs and rebuilding them into greatness.
Dynasty mode will be the single most important piece in the success of EA Sports College Football 25.
First, the NCAA is already moving to a brand-new 12-team playoff system next year in real life. However, I think it would be shortsighted to have the 12-team playoff as the only playoff option in dynasty mode.
Including multiple playoff options would create a multitude of unique experiences in each dynasty mode. The inclusion of the traditional four-team playoff, an eight-team playoff, even a 16-team playoff would create fun outcomes for each gamer.
EA Sports has already had success with online cross-platform franchise modes in Madden 24 this year. So I think users should have the expectation of an online crossplay dynasty mode in EA Sports College Football 25.
Getting a group of friends all competing against each other to establish dynasties in this new era? Undoubtedly a fun experience that would would satisfy the fanbase. Especially if they can create a feature to export draft classes to Madden each year.
Seeing star players built from literally the ground up and playing out the entirety of their football careers alongside your friends would encourage the sales of both games.
Dynasty Offseason
One of the biggest changes over the last 11 years has been the expansion of the transfer portal. I think it would be very well-received if there is a transfer portal recruiting system in the beginning of the offseason.
Portal season has now gotten so big it tends to start before the playoffs now. Having a ability to see which players have entered the portal allows users to gameplan replacements for their teams.
I think that the offseason in EA Sports College Football 25 should have a stronger focus on both player and coaching development. Having coaching trees including some positional coaches would make the coaching carousel more entertaining. It would also provide users the opportunity to develop their program identity more in-depth.
As for the players, having the ability to participate in playable training camps much like gamers have in Madden, would give gamers a sense of familiarity with new recruits. It would also help development by allowing users to specifically choose what they want their players to work on.
Inclusion of NIL
Another major introduction to the college football world has been the introduction of NIL and player sponsorships. Seeing an inclusion of NIL at some level in the game would be huge for establishing realism in the EA College Football series.
Perhaps a feature like negotiating branding deals for your current players could grow your “NIL Collective” to use for recruiting high school prospects.
Presentation
EA Sports has confirmed that ESPN’s College GameDay will feature in the game this year. And I think leaning into presentation should be a major focus of the game.
Having Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and of course Lee Corso traveling and doing a show at each “game of the week” in dynasty mode would create a fun and immersive experience. Especially for users looking to build a program from the ground up.
Who doesn’t want to see Corso put their mascot’s head on before a big game?
Beyond the weekly presentation, a “selection show” before the college football playoff would be another way to create immersion in dynasty mode.
Another immersive feature that could be included is the notorious field stormings that usually happen after major upsets. It would be a major crowning moment for gamers that are engaged in a long-term rebuild.
Road to Glory
EA Sports has confirmed the return of the single-player “Road to Glory” career mode in EA Sports College Football 25.
There isn’t too much that wasn’t already included in the older iterations of the video game. But an increased focus on the recruiting process could go a long way.
Having in-house visits, taking official visits to programs, and perhaps even getting NIL deals that could go towards upgrading your player could be a fun way to get more users involved.
Allowing the option to enter the transfer portal should also be included in this year’s game.
New Feature Request: Heisman Moments Mode
In the absence of college football in the video game market, gamers have missed out on 11 Heisman winners. These players have legacies that should be immortalized in the game.
A “Heisman Moments Mode” including key games of each Heisman winner would be a great way to honor the 11 winners. Not to mention, giving their fans an opportunity to relive legendary moments.
Imagine playing in the National Championship as Jameis Winston. Or playing against him the following year as Marcus Mariota in the Rose Bowl.
Imagine setting the SEC rushing record with Derrick Henry in the 2015 National Championship. Or playing Lamar Jackson’s breakout game against Florida State.
Baker Mayfield dominating Bedlam. Kyler Murray winning the Big 12 title. Joe Burrow’s historic season. The possibilities are endless. And they deserve to be honored.
What features do you hope make it to EA Sports College Football 25?
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