What EA Sports College Football 25 got right and wrong about Colorado player ratings
Colorado is one of the best teams to play with on EA Sports College Football 25. The Buffaloes are the second highest-rated Big 12 team (87 overall, behind only Utah at 88 overall) and they boast a pair of the highest-rated players in the game. However, not every player on the Colorado football roster is pleased with their overall. And rightfully so. Some Buffs were rated just right, while others have been vastly underrated.
Here’s a look at what EA Sports College Football got right, and wrong, about Colorado player ratings.
What EA Sports College Football 25 got right about Colorado
Shedeur Sanders is QB1: There isn’t a single quarterback on EA Sports College Football 25 with a higher overall rating than Sanders’ 93 (tied with Georgia’s Carson Beck). Despite being the most sacked QB in FBS (52) last year, Sanders completed 69% of his passes for a school-record 3,230 yards to go along with a sparkling TD-INT ratio (27-3). His pinpoint accuracy and elite production not only makes him a projected first-round NFL draft pick, but deserving of the highest rating of any QB (not named Carson Beck) on EA Sports College Football 25.
Colorado’s elite receiving corps: Colorado has one of the best collections of receivers in the nation and EA Sports College Football 25 confirms that. Two-way star Travis Hunter is the game’s highest-rated receiver (95 overall). Receivers LaJohntay Wester (FAU transfer) and Jimmy Horn Jr., both earned an 85 overall while Vanderbilt transfer Will Sheppard checks in at an 84 overall. Four of the Buffs’ eight highest-rated players are receivers, giving Sanders multiple elite targets (in real life and on the game).
Dayon Hayes earns his respect: After Hunter (who doubles as an elite cornerback at 93 overall), Hayes is Colorado’s highest-rated defensive player at 85 overall. The former Pitt defensive end walked away from a lucrative NIL deal to join the Buffs after racking up 45 tackles (10.5 for a loss), four sacks and four pass deflections for the Panthers in 2023. Hayes is expected to be an impact defender for Colorado this fall and is a major reason why the Buffs’ defense should be much improved.
Colorado’s offensive line: While not as flashy as some of the other positions on the roster, Colorado’s offensive line is a solid unit. EA Sports College Football 25 gets this right by giving the Buffs a respectable 80 overall rating. This unit will be crucial in protecting Sanders and opening holes for the running backs. The offensive line is made up of experienced players, including returning starters like Joey Porter Jr. and Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, so they should be well-equipped to handle the challenges of the upcoming season.
What EA Sports College Football 25 got wrong about Colorado
Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig flying under the radar: This one makes no sense. The Colorado safety racked up 44 total tackles last season and tied with Hunter for the team lead in interceptions (three). Silmon-Craig was rewarded by EA Sports College Football 25 with a 73 overall rating. That’s the same overall as true freshman running back Micah Welch, who has yet to play a snap of college football. It’s a worse overall than fellow Colorado safety Travis Jay (74), who didn’t start a single game for the Buffs last season (Silmon-Craig started 10). Put some respect on Silmon-Craig’s name, EA Sports.
Nikhai Hill-Green is slept on: Colorado added a few linebackers to its roster via the transfer portal this offseason, but none more important than Hill-Green. The Charlotte transfer is projected to start at LB for the Buffs in 2024 after leading the 49ers in solo tackles last year. He’s arguably the best LB on the team, which is why his 76 overall (fifth among Colorado LBs) is a head scratcher. Hill-Green is one of many Buffs who will see their rating rise as the game updates throughout the season.
“Mata don’t miss:” It’s a quote that fans have heard Deion Sanders echo many times. It might not be factually true — Alejandro Mata missed two field goal attempts in 2023 — but the Colorado kicker is close to automatic. Mata made 10 of his 12 field goal attempts (83%) last season, which included a game-winner as time expired at Arizona State. A 69 overall rating isn’t indicative of the proverbial ice in his veins.
Colorado’s Defensive Line: While the Buffs have some talented players on the defensive line, including Dayon Hayes, the overall rating for this unit is a bit underwhelming. At 78 overall, it doesn’t reflect the potential of this group. It is expected that players like Terrance Lang and Jalen Sami will make significant contributions this season. As the season progresses, it’s likely that this unit will see its rating improve, reflecting the impact of these players.
The Impact of Player Ratings on Gameplay
Player ratings in EA Sports College Football 25 have a significant impact on gameplay. Players with higher overall ratings tend to perform better on the field, making it easier for players to win games if they have a roster full of highly-rated players. This can make it difficult for players who are trying to use lower-rated teams, as they may find themselves at a disadvantage. However, it’s important to remember that player ratings are not the only factor that determines success in the game. Factors like playcalling, strategy, and player development can also play a significant role.
Here are some tips for using lower-rated teams in EA Sports College Football 25:
- Focus on player development: Invest time and effort in developing your players’ skills and attributes. Over time, you can improve their overall ratings and make them more competitive on the field.
- Utilize playcalling strategies: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different playcalling strategies to find what works best for your team. You may need to adjust your game plan depending on the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents.
- Take advantage of player strengths: Identify the strengths of your players and build your game plan around them. If you have a fast receiver, try to exploit their speed with deep routes. If you have a strong rushing attack, use power running plays to gain yardage.
- Stay patient and persistent: It may take time and effort to succeed with a lower-rated team, but stay patient and persistent. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, you can overcome the odds and achieve victory.
Overall, EA Sports College Football 25 got many of Colorado’s player ratings right, but they also missed the mark on a few key players. It will be interesting to see how the ratings change throughout the season as the game updates based on real-life performance. The accuracy of the player ratings can have a significant impact on the gameplay, so it’s important for players to be aware of these discrepancies and to adjust their strategy accordingly.
- Shedeur Sanders is the highest-rated quarterback in EA Sports College Football 25, showcasing his impressive stats and potential as a first-round NFL draft pick.
- Colorado boasts an elite receiving corps in the game, with top-rated players like Travis Hunter, LaJohntay Wester, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Will Sheppard providing QB Sanders with multiple elite targets.
- Dayon Hayes stands out as Colorado’s highest-rated defensive player, bringing his impactful performance from Pitt to bolster the Buffs’ defense.
- EA Sports College Football 25 accurately represents Colorado’s strengths and standout players, highlighting their competitiveness in the game.
- Some Colorado players feel underrated in the game, reflecting real-life discrepancies between actual performance and virtual ratings.
