EA Sports College Football 25: From Air Force to Wyoming, why you should play as all 134 teams in video game
It’s finally back! After 11 long years, EA Sports releases “College Football 25” this week, the newest version of its video game that previously went under the “NCAA Football” title until its demise in the wake of college athletics’ changing legal landscape. This edition of the video game franchise will look different, namely because it will feature real college football players instead of using their likenesses.
What hasn’t changed is the passion, pageantry, and detail that makes college football special, and it’s all captured in the game. From blue bloods like Alabama and Texas to upstarts like Charlotte and New Mexico State, there’s a team for everyone looking to start a dynasty or play a one-off game.
Our CBS Sports college football staff took that to heart. Below, you’ll find at least one reason — and, in many cases, several reasons — to play as each team in the game as we slog through the dog days of summer before real toe meets real leather this fall.
- EA Sports College Football 25 is back after 11 years, featuring real college football players and capturing the passion and pageantry of the sport.
- Players can choose from all 134 teams in the game, from traditional powerhouses like Alabama to underdogs like Charlotte.
- Each team in the game offers unique reasons to play, whether it’s showcasing exciting playmakers like Thomas Castellanos at Boston College or utilizing star players like Jaydn Ott at Cal.
- The ACC conference in the game includes teams with strong football programs and passionate fan bases, such as Clemson known for its pageantry and high ratings in the game.
- Players can enjoy various features specific to each team, like Clemson’s pregame cinematics featuring iconic traditions like Howard’s Rock and running down the hill in Death Valley.
ACC
Let’s kick off our journey through the 134 teams with the ACC, a conference known for its strong football programs and passionate fan bases. Whether you’re a fan of the storied traditions of Clemson, the up-and-coming talent of Miami, or the underdog spirit of Boston College, the ACC has something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the reasons why you should play as each ACC team in EA Sports College Football 25.
Boston College: The pint-sized Thomas Castellanos is an exciting playmaker. Showcasing his talents in an underdog role is worth playing a game or two as Boston College.
Cal: As long as you don’t get caught behind the sticks, running back Jaydn Ott should be your first, second, and third option when playing with Cal. He scored a dozen touchdowns last season and finished with 1,305 yards on the ground.
Clemson: Plus one for pageantry. Pregame cinematics should look great for the Tigers, from touching Howard’s Rock to running down the hill in Death Valley. The added bonus? Clemson is one of the highest-rated teams in the game.
Duke: Uniform options were limited for the Blue Devils last go-around, but not anymore. You can pick from various alternate helmets to several jersey and pants combinations. Plus, Texas transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy should make you look good in your new digs.
Florida State: Seminoles fans have it good. FSU was one of “NCAA Football 14’s” top teams with 91 or better across the board. More than a decade later, the program is still touting its placement among the elites, with conference-leading talent on offense and defense.
American
Now, let’s shift gears and explore the American Athletic Conference, a conference known for its competitive spirit and exciting offensive styles. From the triple-option mastery of Army to the high-octane offense of UCF, the American offers a diverse range of gameplay experiences. Let’s delve into the reasons why you should play as each American team in EA Sports College Football 25.
Army: Be honest. You’re a novice when it comes to running the triple option — especially from the Flexbone formation. We’ve all tinkered with it, but now you can try and master the misdirection run game with Army, just like Jeff Monken has accomplished during his tenure. It’ll take many hours in the lab, but it can be done.
Charlotte: Charlotte was not included in “NCAA Football 14” since the 49ers were FCS at the time, so this is a real treat for fans. Its location in the middle of a prep recruiting hotbed is great news for you recruiters out there.
ECU: Purple. Gold. Black. White. The Pirates should take the “look good, play good” mantra to another level with several new uniform looks, including one of the nation’s best throwbacks. ECU debuts a new offense in 2024, too.
FAU: Tom Herman was still Ohio State’s offensive coordinator the last time this game was played. Since, he’s won at Houston, been fired at Texas, worked with the Chicago Bears, and now leads the Owls. You can direct his power-spread attack with an impressive array of talent.
Memphis: With QB Seth Henigan leading arguably the AAC’s top offense, who wouldn’t want to play with the Tigers and their expansive playbook? Various uniform and tiger-striped options make Memphis one of the no-brainer fun plays in the AAC.
Big Ten
Let’s move on to the Big Ten, a conference known for its physicality, tradition, and passionate fan bases. From the storied programs of Ohio State and Michigan to the up-and-coming teams like Penn State and Wisconsin, the Big Ten offers a wide range of gameplay experiences. Let’s explore the reasons why you should play as each Big Ten team in EA Sports College Football 25.
Illinois: Looking for a challenge in a major conference with a team that can score points? The Illini finished fifth in the Big Ten in points per game last season. They have a strong offensive line and intriguing pieces in RB Kaden Feagin and WR Zakhari Franklin.
Indiana: New coach Curt Cignetti has quickly overhauled the Hoosiers roster, but maybe you’re better to lead them to glory. Kurtis Rourke was one of the best QBs in the MAC, and Donaven McCulley is one of the best wide receivers nobody’s talking about.
Iowa: Perhaps you prefer defense and special teams to offense. Great uniforms, an excellent stadium, and a chance to become a legend by introducing the forward pass.
Maryland: If you’re looking for wild uniform combinations, Maryland is a good start. The Terps have a good offense, and transfer QB M.J. Morris has all the makings of a fun video game QB.
Michigan: If you aren’t into rebuilding and instead want to grind opponents into dust from the get-go, the Wolverines make plenty of sense. You start with one of the best defenses in the game, and there isn’t a better team with which to test the new run-game engine.
Big 12
Next up, we have the Big 12, a conference known for its high-scoring offenses and exciting, wide-open style of play. From the explosive offenses of Baylor and Oklahoma to the tough defenses of Texas and Iowa State, the Big 12 offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive firepower. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should play as each Big 12 team in EA Sports College Football 25.
Arizona: Do you like owning passing lanes? This is the place to go. Quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan make up perhaps the nation’s best duo, while cornerback Tacario Davis can lock down your opponents.
Arizona State: The skill position talent at Arizona State should be ridiculously fun, especially at running back. Cam Skattebo, Raleek Brown, and Alton McCaskill give you plenty of wackiness with which to work.
Baylor: Running quarterbacks are a game-breaker in football video games, and the Bears have one of the best in ex-MAC Player of the Year DeQuan Finn. Plus, the Baylor Line makes for a truly unique intro montage.
BYU: The scenes at LaVell Edwards Stadium will be must-see in the video game. BYU boasts one of the rowdiest crowds in college football, and the Cougar blue jerseys are a thing of beauty.
UCF: The skill talent at UCF is off the charts. Quarterback KJ Jefferson joins running backs RJ Harvey and Peny Boone to create an unstoppable backfield.
Cincinnati: Nippert Stadium is a great venue that should give some solid homefield advantage points. Defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is also rated as one of the top players in the game, letting you ruin your opponents from the inside.
This is just a taste of the 134 teams available in EA Sports College Football 25. Each team has its own unique identity, roster, and gameplay style, making this a truly immersive and engaging experience for fans of all levels.
So, whether you’re looking for a powerhouse program, an underdog story, or a unique gameplay experience, there’s a team for you in EA Sports College Football 25. Let the games begin!
