Electronic Arts returns to the NCAA with the launch of EA Sports College Football 25 today on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Thanks to changes to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules, all 134 FBS universities, over 150 stadiums, and thousands of current college football athletes are available to players.
“From the moment we decided to make EA Sports College Football 25, the passionate college football fans out there were our team’s north star. This game is for the fans, and the response we’ve seen from across the collegiate landscape, athletes, creators, celebrities and the core community has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Daryl Holt, SVP and Group GM, EA SPORTS. “Every team is someone’s favorite, and College Football 25 is a testament to the passion and dedication of our developers to build the most authentic college football experience possible for our fans. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome millions more into the game with today’s launch.”
The title features several fan-favorite modes. Players can create a coach and lead their program in Dynasty Mode. Alternatively, step onto the field and balance student-athlete life as a player in Road to Glory. Finally, compete against others in Road to the College Football Playoff and College Football Ultimate Team.
College Football fans have already embraced the game even before it launched. According to EA, 2.2 million unique players tried College Football 25 during Early Access. A further 600,000 EA Play subscribers tried the title using its 10-hour trial feature.
This is EA’s first College Football outing since 2013’s NCAA Football 14. The series was shelved after a group of former college players sued EA, which was settled out of court.
The publisher first announced the return in 2021, but initially it didn’t have plans to include real college athletes. Thanks to a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on NIL rules for college athletes, EA was able to work out deals with players.
In February 2024, EA revealed more details on how it compensated college athletes for their participation. Those that opted in received $600 and a copy of the game as a baseline.
The publisher also went to great lengths to recreate the iconic atmosphere and traditions of college football. College Football 25 recreates the sights, fight songs, mascots, commentators, bowl games, the Heisman trophy and more.
To showcase these iconic touches, the title’s soundtrack is also available on music streaming services today. It includes 167 college fight songs and an original theme song by Grammy-nominated composer Kris Bowers.
Try EA Sports College Football 25 today on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
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