The long-awaited reboot of EA Sports' college football video game – the first new edition in over a decade – is scheduled to be released on July 19, according to the game maker.
EA Sports also released the cover of “College Football 25” featuring Colorado two-way athlete Travis Hunter, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Michigan running back Donovan Edwards.
Some on social media criticized Hunter's choice. Hunter's CU Buffaloes went 4-8 in his first season following Deion Sanders from Jackson State. However, Hunter is a former No. 1 overall pick and a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most talented players in the college game.
Hunter's cover mate has a winning pedigree. Ewers, also a former top-ranked high school recruit, will lead Texas to its first season in the SEC, having just qualified for the College Football Playoff in 2023. Edwards is expected to lead the backfield for the defending champion Wolverines.
“College Football 25'' will return for the first time in 11 years after EA Sports canceled the “NCAA Football'' series in 2013 due to name, image and likeness (NIL) lawsuits brought by former players. According to ESPN, players in the new edition of the game will receive a $600 check and a copy of the game, and additional NIL opportunities will be available.
ESPN reported in March that more than 10,000 college players had requested to appear on “College Football 25.” Perhaps the most notable to opt out is Arch Manning, Ewers' backup and nephew of Broncos legend Peyton Manning.
EA Sports teased both the basic and deluxe versions of the game, with the deluxe cover featuring Hunter, Ewers, Edwards, and several other players from the powerhouse football program. Further promotional materials, including in-game footage, will be released later.
