The gaming community is abuzz with the latest news from EA Sports, as the company has finally lifted the veil on the cover athletes for the upcoming College Football 25. The game, which is slated for release on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, has set its sights on a mid-July launch, with early access granted to those who splurge on the Deluxe Edition. The revelation of the cover stars—Quinn Ewers, Travis Hunter, and Donovan Edwards—has sent waves of excitement through the ranks of college football fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the game's return.
EA Sports has yet to tantalize fans with a gameplay trailer, but they have promised a comprehensive reveal that is just around the corner. The anticipation is palpable, as the gaming giant prepares to showcase what they have been meticulously crafting for the next iteration of the college football video game series.
While the full gameplay reveal is on the horizon, snippets of what to expect have already surfaced, including a leaked screenshot from the PlayStation Store. This image gave fans a glimpse of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team poised for action, heightening the anticipation for what EA has in store. Additionally, a teaser trailer released earlier in the year offered a sneak peek into the game's development, featuring the Notre Dame players engaging in the iconic pre-game ritual of tapping the 'Play Like a Champion Today' sign.
EA Sports has been somewhat forthcoming with details, sharing with ESPN that College Football 25 will feature all 134 FBS football programs. They've also discussed the compensation model for players who agree to have their likenesses used in the game, a hot topic in the realm of college sports and video gaming alike.
The path to bringing back the college football video game has been fraught with challenges. EA's initial announcement in 2021 came with the caveat that they would not use real player names or likenesses. However, a landmark Supreme Court ruling changed the landscape, allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This pivotal decision enabled EA to pivot and include real players in College Football 25, adding a layer of authenticity to the game.
Legal hurdles have not been uncommon for EA in their quest to deliver a college football gaming experience. The series faced cancellation in the past due to legal issues, and more recently, EA settled a lawsuit with The BrandR Group over compensation for student-athletes. Despite these obstacles, EA has persevered, and the excitement for College Football 25 is a testament to their efforts.
For those eager to get their hands on the game, EA Sports has announced that College Football 25 is available for pre-order in various editions. The Standard and Deluxe Editions are just the beginning, with the EA Sports MVP Bundle offering an even more enticing package. This bundle includes the Deluxe Editions of both College Football 25 and Madden NFL 25, with the added bonus of early access to both games.
As the release date approaches, fans can hardly contain their excitement. The opportunity to play as their favorite college football stars in a video game once again is just around the corner, and the countdown has officially begun.