Kevin Grundhoffer, Staff Writer

The “NCAA 25” college football video game is set to drop sometime in July of this year. This could be the most highly anticipated sports video game release of the decade, not to mention by most people’s standards, the most highly anticipated sports video game release ever. With the arrival of the NIL era in college athletics, the door has been opened back up for a new NCAA football game. The last one, “NCAA 14,” was released in 2013 and was discontinued because of players not being able to be compensated for having their image and likeness in the game. Now, players can be compensated for using their name and likeness in the game. Players receive $600 and a copy of the game. However, players have the option to opt out like the popular Backup Quarterback of the Texas Longhorns Arch Manning did. Coaches on the other hand will not be in the game. There will just be central processing unit (CPU) coaches leading their teams.” 

The game will be similar to the 2013 version with some new twists. It is hoped and anticipated that there will be a legends mode. Players will be able to play with legendary teams and players of the past. The game is to feature all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football programs with the additional option to build your own team. 

Another driving factor in the anticipation of the release is that ESPN will be in the game along with its college football commentary team of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreet, Kevin Connors, Jesse Palmer, Reese Davis, Desmond Howard and David Pollock. They are current and former hosts of ESPN and ESPN college football programs. Chris Fowler has even posted on social media about him being in the studio recording to add to the excitement. 

Bowl games and the college football playoff will be in the game as well with customizable options. The ability to create your own bowl game will be available as well as being able to customize the college football playoff. 

Needless to say, a lot of people in the college football community whether that be fans, players or coaches are all excited for the release of the game. A lot of us grew up playing the old versions of the game and some still do on old consoles. While playing the NFL’s Madden is fun, college football has a different feel. Whether it be all the different schools, the different mascots, the rivalries or just the deep roots of the beginnings of football that started in college a college football game is simply different. We are all hoping that this game will live up to the hype and be something that we can all enjoy no matter if you follow college football or not. The sports gaming community has waited for too long for EA to come out with a new college football game and now is the time for EA to show us that they can make a great NCAA college football game after a 10 year hiatus.