Let the Games Begin: A College Football 25 Preview

Photo Credit: USA Today

For the first time in 11 years, EA Sports is releasing a college football game, much to the delight of football fans nationwide. Titled EA Sports College Football 25, the game will include 134 NCAA programs, from powerhouses like the Alabama Crimson Tide to the lesser-known UTEP Miners. This latest installment features classic game modes that fans of the older versions will recognize, along with new features that will reinvigorate and reinvent the popular console game. Set to release on July 19, here are all the exciting game modes and features available in College Football 25.

Game Modes:

• Dynasty

Dynasty is back. Pick a team and lead them to legendary status as you head the university of your choosing. Hire coaches, scout players, build schedules, and take your team to the promised land. The transfer portal will be available, allowing players to recruit their favorite stars from other squads to create a true powerhouse.

• Road to Glory

Returning from earlier versions of the game is Road to Glory, a created player, student-athlete experience. Players will have the option to customize their athlete’s appearance, position, and school as they vie for a Heisman—and for eternal glory.

• Ultimate Team

Just like Madden, College Football 25 will also feature an Ultimate Team game mode. It will function similarly to the Madden version, with players competing in Head-to-Head games, completing challenges, and collecting packs to upgrade their team.

• Road to the College Playoff

Another new game mode, Road to the College Playoff, will likely be similar to Road to Glory but with a team focus. Pick a team and play through a season, aiming to climb the ranks and make the playoffs.

Features:

• Iconic Traditions

To add to the true college experience, fans will get to live out some of the most famous traditions in college football. Hear the Seminole war chant, run out to Rocky Top, or see the Gator chomp. With each stadium featuring unique audio, noise meters, and mascots, the atmosphere of any matchup is certain to be electric.

• Team Builder

EA Sports is giving users the opportunity to showcase their creativity. Using the team builder function, gamers can create a college from the ground up, choosing a location, designing a logo, building a stadium, and leading their college to victory. Fans of Division II or Division III teams that didn’t make the game can include their favorite squads, or they can watch as their custom Sheboygan Cheeseheads blow out the Texas Longhorns.

Gameplay:

• Fast-Paced Gameplay

EA promised that this game wouldn’t be a knock-off of Madden, and from early trailers and previews, it looks like they meant it. Along with new game mechanics for passing and other functions, gameplay now features aspects such as Wear & Tear. With this feature, players need to monitor athletes who have taken too many big hits, assess injury risks, and prevent fumbles from fatigued players. Don’t let your running back take too many hit sticks, or a turnover could happen in the blink of an eye.

• Homefield Advantage

Unsurprisingly, home teams will have an advantage in the game. When playing as the away team, gamers will need to contend with shaking screens, moving play art, and more. A trip to Death Valley or Kyle Field may prove troublesome for those looking to lead an upstart team to a championship.

Our 2024 DDSN Football Almanac will feature our Gridiron Guide, offering new challenges in Dynasty Mode for players seeking a tougher experience. These challenges will help keep the game fresh, with specific tasks for every D1 school. Here is a sneak peek before the full release of the Football Almanac. The DDSN Members Club will also receive these challenges early!

• CFB Gridiron Guide - California Golden Bears

The California Golden Bears first found success under Head Coach Andy Smith and his “Wonder Teams.” From 1920 to 1925, they won 50 straight games without a loss and secured four National Championships. Prior to this surge, schools on the East Coast did not consider Cal football worthy of competing against the superior East. Start a rivalry with a school in Pennsylvania and win a National Championship with Cal within a five-year window. Experts will attempt to build their own Wonder Teams and win four National Championships within a five-year period, just like Andy Smith.

• CFB Gridiron Guide - Tulsa Golden Hurricane

The Golden Hurricane is building up their offense, starting in the trenches with their interior linemen on both sides of the football. This is necessary to protect their highest-ever recruit, QB Tim Carpenter. Players will inherit a young roster with plenty of potential to compete in the AAC. The goal is to find weapons to surround Carpenter, along with a left tackle to protect him and a pass rush to support the strong interior defensive line. Renew the rivalry with Oklahoma State and win at least two conference championships before leaving Tulsa. The head coach for Tulsa has not won more than two conference championships since HC John Cooper in the 80’s when he won five in a row. Can you win five straight with the Golden Hurricane?