EA Sports College Football 25: Players from Volusia-Flagler area included in new video game
The wait is finally over for college football fans and gamers alike! EA Sports has brought back the beloved franchise with College Football 25, marking the return of the game after an 11-year hiatus. This time, the game features a major twist that has sent ripples through the college football landscape: the inclusion of players’ real names and likenesses. Gone are the days of “QB #2” and “CB #27” – now, fans can experience the thrill of playing with their favorite college stars, including several from the Volusia-Flagler area.
The excitement surrounding this new game reached fever pitch in May when Ben Knox, a DeLand High School graduate and cornerback for the University of South Florida, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) featuring EA Sports’ College Football 25 gameplay deep dive video. The caption simply said, “This game is going to be awesome.” And now, six weeks later, Knox can experience the game firsthand, as himself – a testament to the ground-breaking nature of this latest iteration.
The inclusion of real player names is a testament to the changing landscape of college athletics, specifically the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. This new era has empowered student-athletes to capitalize on their own brand, and EA Sports has astutely embraced this shift by securing the necessary permissions from over 14,000 players to use their names and likenesses in the game. This monumental number speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of college athletes to participate in the game and engage with their fans in a new and exciting way.
The developers have gone above and beyond to ensure an authentic and engaging experience for players. Each player is meticulously rated based on their real-life skills, with attributes ranging from speed and strength to play recognition and throwing power. This level of detail adds a new dimension of realism to the game, allowing players to truly immerse themselves in the world of college football.
Now, let’s dive into the local talent who have made it into College Football 25, showcasing their skills and representing their Volusia-Flagler roots on the digital gridiron:
Volusia-Flagler Area Players Featured in College Football 25
From the heart of Volusia-Flagler, a diverse group of college football stars has landed a spot in College Football 25. Players from various high schools across the region, each with their unique talents and aspirations, have earned their place in the game. Let’s take a closer look at these local heroes and their virtual counterparts:
- EA Sports has revived the College Football franchise with College Football 25, featuring real player names and likenesses after an 11-year hiatus.
- The game includes players from the Volusia-Flagler area, allowing fans to play with their favorite college stars.
- The inclusion of real player names is a result of the changing landscape in college athletics, particularly the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
- Over 14,000 players have given permissions for EA Sports to use their names and likenesses in the game, highlighting the enthusiasm of college athletes to engage with fans in new ways.
- Each player in College Football 25 is meticulously rated based on real-life skills, adding a new level of realism to the gaming experience.
- The game developers have ensured an authentic and engaging experience for players by focusing on details like speed, strength, play recognition, and throwing power for each player.
- Local talent from the Volusia-Flagler area are represented in College Football 25, showcasing their skills on the digital gridiron.
Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota
- High school: Spruce Creek
- Position: Middle Linebacker
- Year: Sophomore
- Overall rating: 76
- Best attribute (non-injury, toughness or stamina): 87 pursuit
Maverick Baranowski, a product of Spruce Creek High School, is a rising star at the middle linebacker position for the University of Minnesota. His dedication to the game and his relentless pursuit of the ball have earned him an overall rating of 76 in College Football 25. His exceptional pursuit attribute, rated at 87, makes him a formidable force on the field, capable of chasing down even the fastest quarterbacks and running backs. Baranowski’s presence in the game is a testament to his hard work and his commitment to excelling both on and off the field.
Blake Boda, Arkansas
- High school: Seabreeze for three years, Cocoa for one
- Position: Quarterback
- Year: Freshman
- Overall rating: 71
- Best attribute: 89 throw power
Blake Boda, a dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and impressive mobility, is another Volusia-Flagler area player who has made it into College Football 25. A graduate of both Seabreeze and Cocoa High Schools, Boda’s journey has taken him to the University of Arkansas, where he has quickly made a name for himself. His 89 throw power attribute in the game reflects his ability to launch the ball downfield with accuracy and precision. Boda’s presence on the field is a force to be reckoned with, and his inclusion in College Football 25 is a testament to his potential and his commitment to the game.
Ashton Bracewell, Florida State
- High school: Flagler Palm Coast
- Position: Left Outside Linebacker
- Year: Freshman
- Overall rating: 53
- Best attribute: 85 acceleration
Ashton Bracewell, a talented left outside linebacker for Florida State University, is a testament to the athleticism and dedication of the Volusia-Flagler area. Bracewell, a graduate of Flagler Palm Coast High School, is known for his impressive speed and agility. His 85 acceleration rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to quickly close the gap on opposing players and disrupt offensive plays. Bracewell’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his potential and his dedication to mastering his craft. Bracewell’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his potential and his dedication to mastering his craft.
Marlon Bradley, Florida Atlantic
- High school: Deltona
- Position: Right Defensive End
- Year: Senior
- Overall rating: 75
- Best attribute: 84 pursuit
Marlon Bradley, a senior right defensive end for Florida Atlantic University, represents the dedication and hard work of Deltona High School. Bradley’s 84 pursuit rating in College Football 25 reflects his tenacity and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Bradley’s dedication to the game and his passion for the defensive end position have earned him a well-deserved spot in College Football 25. Bradley’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his leadership and his consistent performance on the field.
Mac Chiumento, Florida State
- High school: Seabreeze
- Position: Punter
- Year: Sophomore
- Overall rating: 65
- Best attribute: 84 kick power
Mac Chiumento, a talented punter for Florida State University, has emerged as a valuable asset for the Seminoles. Chiumento, a graduate of Seabreeze High School, has demonstrated a powerful leg and a knack for pinning opponents deep in their own territory. His 84 kick power rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to launch the ball with precision and distance. Chiumento’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his skill and his ability to contribute in a crucial role for his team.
Mello Dotson, Kansas
- High school: Mainland
- Position: Cornerback
- Year: Senior
- Overall rating: 88
- Best attribute: 92 acceleration/92 play recognition
Mello Dotson, a senior cornerback for the University of Kansas, is a standout player with a reputation for his speed and agility. Dotson, a graduate of Mainland High School, is known for his ability to lockdown receivers and disrupt passing plays. His 92 acceleration and 92 play recognition ratings in College Football 25 reflect his exceptional speed and his innate ability to anticipate the opponent’s moves. Dotson’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his commitment to the game and his ability to make a significant impact on the field.
Rodney Hill, South Florida
- High school: Flagler Palm Coast for three years, Mainland for one
- Position: Middle Linebacker
- Year: Freshman
- Overall rating: 68
- Best attribute: 91 acceleration
Rodney Hill, a freshman middle linebacker for the University of South Florida, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Hill, a graduate of both Flagler Palm Coast and Mainland High Schools, possesses impressive speed and agility. His 91 acceleration rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to close the gap on ball carriers and create havoc in the backfield. Hill’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his potential and his commitment to excelling at the middle linebacker position.
Ta’ron Keith, South Florida
- High school: Mainland
- Position: Running Back
- Year: Senior
- Overall rating: 80
- Best attribute: 96 acceleration
Ta’ron Keith, a senior running back for the University of South Florida, is a dynamic player with an impressive combination of speed and power. Keith, a graduate of Mainland High School, is known for his ability to burst through tackles and create big plays. His 96 acceleration rating in College Football 25 reflects his exceptional speed and agility, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Keith’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his talent and his ability to contribute significantly to the Bulls’ offensive attack.
Ben Knox, South Florida
- High school: DeLand
- Position: Cornerback
- Year: Senior
- Overall rating: 69
- Best attribute: 89 acceleration
Ben Knox, a senior cornerback for the University of South Florida, is a key player for the Bulls’ defense. Knox, a graduate of DeLand High School, is known for his speed and his ability to cover receivers with precision. His 89 acceleration rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to quickly close the gap on opposing players and disrupt offensive plays. Knox’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his dedication to the game and his ability to make a significant impact on the field.
LJ McCray, Florida
- High school: Mainland
- Position: Left Defensive End
- Year: Freshman
- Overall rating: 79
- Best attribute: 90 strength
LJ McCray, a freshman left defensive end for the University of Florida, is a rising star making waves in the SEC. McCray, a graduate of Mainland High School, is known for his impressive strength and his ability to disrupt offensive plays. His 90 strength rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to overpower offensive linemen and create havoc in the backfield. McCray’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his potential and his commitment to becoming a dominant force on the Gators’ defensive line. McCray’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his potential and his commitment to becoming a dominant force on the Gators’ defensive line.
Zavier Mincey, Alabama
- High school: Mainland
- Position: Cornerback
- Year: Freshman
- Overall rating: 78
- Best attribute: 94 acceleration
Zavier Mincey, a freshman cornerback for the University of Alabama, has made a splash in the SEC, showcasing his elite athleticism and defensive prowess. Mincey, a graduate of Mainland High School, is known for his exceptional speed and his ability to cover receivers with precision. His 94 acceleration rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to quickly close the gap on opposing players and disrupt offensive plays. Mincey’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his talent and his commitment to excelling at the cornerback position.
Noble Thomas Jr., Oregon State
- High school: University
- Position: Cornerback
- Year: Sophomore
- Overall rating: 77
- Best attribute: 93 acceleration
Noble Thomas Jr., a sophomore cornerback for Oregon State University, has emerged as a key player for the Beavers’ defense. Thomas Jr., a graduate of University High School, is known for his speed and his ability to cover receivers with precision. His 93 acceleration rating in College Football 25 reflects his ability to quickly close the gap on opposing players and disrupt offensive plays. Thomas Jr.’s inclusion in the game is a testament to his talent and his commitment to excelling at the cornerback position.
College Football 25 is not just a game – it’s a celebration of the talent, dedication, and passion of college athletes. The inclusion of local players like those from the Volusia-Flagler area adds a personal touch to the game, allowing fans to connect with their favorite athletes in a new and exciting way. So, grab your controllers, hit the field, and experience the thrill of college football like never before!
