The entire sports world is excited that EA Sports’ NCAA Football franchise is FINALLY coming back … It will now be known as “EA Sports College Football.”
The concept of NIL is what killed the game back in 2013. But thanks to actual NIL being put in place, the franchise is making a triumphant return…
They’re in the game.
College Football 25 will feature all 134 FBS schools #CFB25 pic.twitter.com/WLH3DEXdv0
— EASPORTSCollege (@EASPORTSCollege) February 22, 2024
As expected, EA Sports College Football will include actual players to go along with all 134 FBS programs, stadiums, etc. (Unfortunately, “real” coaches won’t be included however.)
Of course, the whole point of NIL is for athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness. So naturally all players who allow EA Sports to use their identity will be compensated.
But how much money will they get exactly???
NEW: College football players can opt into EA Sports College Football 25 beginning today.
🎮 All 134 FBS teams in the game
🎮 Players will get $600 + a copy of the game
🎮 Opt in via the COMPASS NIL app
🎮 More 11,000 players expected in the gameMORE: https://t.co/mLjsSxIw0c pic.twitter.com/R17tTuVWWb
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) February 22, 2024
Each participating player will receive $600, along with a copy of the game upon its release this summer.
Of course, any player can choose not to be included in the game. However, there is literally no reason to opt out … After all, it’s not like there’s any alternative. It’s truly a “take it or leave it” deal.
$600 may not seem like a fair amount of money for some players, but there is no alternative video game to run to and no way to negotiate a higher rate (at least for now).
Plus, there aren’t many things cooler for a college kid than playing as yourself in a video game while knowing the rest of the college football world is too. (Well, there might be a few things cooler, but still…)
$600? That's it? Why would any decent player agree to that?
— ElonIs A Chode (@AChode35215) February 22, 2024
EA Sports expects over 11,000 players to opt into the game … For all the math wizards out there, that’s a minimum of $6.6 million plus 11,000+ game copies.
"We are actually setting people up for failure because even with their short-term success, it's short-lived with NIL."
🎙️@GottliebShow breaks down how EA Sports paying college athletes $600 to be featured in College Football 25 exposes how "NIL is BS." pic.twitter.com/CiMX7dZs12
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) February 22, 2024
“We feel very proud that we’ll be the largest program, likely the highest-spending program,” EA Sports’ vice president of business development Sean O’Brien told ESPN. “And really an inclusive opportunity with an equitable distribution of funds across the board.”
Notably, players who remain in the game for multiple years will receive annual compensation, and transfers will continue to be compensated as long as they are on a roster.
We also received the great news that Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, David Pollack, Jesse Palmer and Kevin Connors will all be part of the game’s broadcasting crew.
CONFIRMED voices in EA Sports College Football 25🗣️
• Kirk Herbstreit
• Chris Fowler
• David Pollack
• Jesse Palmer
• Kevin Connors(h/t @PeteNakos_) pic.twitter.com/l221YQWUqw
— On3 (@On3sports) February 22, 2024
EA Sports plans to expand NIL opportunities beyond college football, extending potential deals to athletes from other men’s and women’s sports.
Frank Arthofer, president of OneTeam Partners, emphasized the scale of this endeavor, describing it as “unprecedented.”
Me giving a pregame speech to my players through the TV before our first national title in EA Sports College Football 25 pic.twitter.com/qidsRwMkXl
— Andrew (@aterry65) February 15, 2024
All 134 FBS schools have agreed to be part of the game, including Notre Dame, which initially raised concerns but ultimately joined the initiative. (However, no FCS schools will be included at launch.)
To ensure accuracy, athletes must have an official university email address to receive the opt-in notice, and EA Sports will verify the player’s status with the respective school before inclusion.
Me entering the transfer portal every season in Road to Glory bag chasing on EA Sports College Football 25💰🤑 #CFB25 pic.twitter.com/WcIvEWfovA
— SPG (@SPG9814) February 22, 2024
In terms of representation, EA Sports will use roster photos and collaborate with schools to create a likeness of the player. If a player chooses not to participate, a generic avatar based on the team’s historical performance will be used.
“We want to make sure the program still represents the integrity and strength of how that team plays,” explained Daryl Holt, EA Sports’ senior vice president and group general manager of Tiburon Studios and American Football.
While individual face scans for players are not feasible initially due to logistical challenges, EA Sports remains committed to making the game as accurate and realistic as possible.
Me turning on EA Sports College Football 24 for the first time pic.twitter.com/JUC47qqelJ https://t.co/wZuxzcTKvU
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) January 16, 2024
If you’re anything like me, then you can’t wait for this game to hit the shelves (old-school) … It’s as nostalgic as it gets.
EA Sports NCAA Football was always my favorite video game, and the July release date was like Christmas morning each and every year.
I haven’t played video games in years, but I will surely be picking up the controller for the first time in a very long time when this game rolls around.
145 days till EA Sports College Football releases #EA #CollegeFootball #EASPORTSCollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/e9eVdCGSYu
— EA College Football 25 Countdown (@DaysTillNCAA) February 18, 2024
What are your thoughts on the franchise finally coming back?
What do you think about each player receiving $600 to be included in the game?
Is that too much? Too little? Or just right?
(Or are you a true old-timer who doesn’t give a damn about video games?!?)
