EA Sports finally revealed the release date for the highly anticipated College Football 25 video game, along with the cover image featuring Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, and Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter. The game is set to launch on July 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X’S, marking EA’s first college football game in over a decade. This announcement comes after the leaked image of the deluxe edition cover last week. Notably, all three cover athletes are currently active players, a first in the game franchise’s history.
For Edwards, being on the cover of the game holds a special significance as he recalls fond memories of playing EA Sports college football games with his best friend during his childhood. Ewers expressed his excitement at being featured on the cover, emphasizing that the honor itself is more than enough for him, and he is not concerned about the name, image, and likeness aspect. Hunter, a standout player who shocked many by enrolling at Jackson State in 2021 before transferring to Colorado, also shared his pride in representing Colorado as a cover athlete, highlighting the importance of staying humble and focused for aspiring young athletes.
Edwards made a splash in 2022 with standout performances for Michigan, including rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Ohio State and playing a pivotal role in the national championship victory over Washington last season. Ewers led Texas to a significant win over Alabama and a College Football Playoff appearance, although the Longhorns ultimately fell short in the semifinals against Washington. This season, Texas will compete in the Southeastern Conference along with rival Oklahoma, promising an exciting new chapter for Ewers and the team.
The game itself will feature all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision schools, with EA Sports offering FBS players a minimum of $600 and a copy of the game for the inclusion of their likeness. Additionally, players were given the opportunity for NIL deals to promote the game through an ambassador program, resulting in over 11,000 players accepting offers to be featured in College Football 25. This marks a significant step forward for the EA Sports college football franchise since its hiatus in 2013, following lawsuits over the unauthorized use of players’ likenesses. The NCAA’s approval of players profiting from their brand paved the way for the game’s revival.
The return of EA Sports’ college football game has generated excitement among fans and players alike, with the inclusion of current athletes on the cover adding to the anticipation surrounding College Football 25’s release. The game’s comprehensive representation of FBS schools and the involvement of thousands of players in its development speak to the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly in the era of name, image, and likeness rights. As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on EA Sports and the developers as they prepare to deliver a long-awaited and highly-anticipated gaming experience for college football enthusiasts.
