Fifty-four athletes from 18 schools took center stage at Big Ten Media Days across three days, with each fielding questions about their expectations for the season, their teammates and countless other subjects.
One of the more frequent topics of conversation was about how they felt about their representation in the new EA Sports College Football 25 video game, the first college football video game released in 11 years.
Players had plenty of thoughts about their overall rating, which goes from one to 99, with 99 being the best overall rating possible, along with individual attributes such as speed and strength. We’ve provided each of their answers below, except Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai, as Ohio State coverage duties kept me from making it to him in time.
Illinois
Wide receiver Pat Bryant (81 OVR)
On his character: “I need to talk to them about how my character looks, I look a little Spanish. They got the goatee right, though.”
On the game: “It’s pretty smooth. Way better than Madden. I feel like Madden is more robotic whereas in College Football you actually get to control the players. It’s pretty cool seeing my teammates in there because I feel like I know what they can do so a lot of times I feel like a coach. I feel like I’m yelling at the screen a little bit, including to myself in the game, because I know I can make those plays. But it’s like a dream come true.”
On his player rating: “I feel like they could have given me an 83 or 84 overall. But as far as my speed and acceleration stats and all that, I feel like they’re pretty on point.”
Outside linebacker Seth Coleman (84 OVR)
On the game: “I’ve played a little bit, not too much. We had a little event like a week ago where they set up Xbox’s and TVs everywhere, it was a good time. To see yourself in the game, it’s pretty surreal, not going to lie.”
On his player rating: “It could always be better. You just always have high expectations for yourself. The way I perceive myself to play, hopefully it gets bumped up.”
Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas (78 OVR)
On the game: “It’s as good as it gets. Playing as yourself, what’s better than that? Everyone’s talking about the ratings and everyone is competitive.”
On his own rating: “It’s alright. It could be better. I’m not satisfied. But I’ll let my game film speak for itself. I know the season is right around the corner and they’ll have updates.
Northwestern
Wide receiver A.J. Henning (82 OVR)
On playing the game: “It just came out, I gotta get it in before camp. You don’t have a whole lot of downtime during camp, and you have to be resting and recovering. So I’ll probably put a hold on it once camp starts.”
On his brother playing the game as him: “It was really special. One day I was in his shoes playing this game and I just remember my earliest memories are waking up on Christmas and opening a present and it was the newest NCAA game. Now, the hype has been building for him to play this game, and he kept asking me, ‘A.J., when is July 19 coming?’ He watches YouTube videos, he’s a huge Northwestern fan. Knows all the players’ first and last names and their stats. Now that the game has come out, my mom has to literally drag him off the game. But we played the other day, and he was excited. It was fun.
On his overall rating: “I would say it could be boosted up a little more. My speed is a 92, we can get that up a little bit. Maybe to 94. They said they’re going to update ratings throughout the year so hopefully we can make a splash this year and get that rating a little higher.”
On what he hopes to get it to: “Man, the limits are endless. A 99, let’s go.”
Linebacker Xander Mueller (87 OVR)
On if he’s had a chance to play as himself: “I actually got a chance to play for the first time (on Tuesday). I don’t have a console. But they had a little setup in the player’s lounge and it was my first time getting to play as myself. It was pretty cool. Honestly, the character kinda runs a little like me. It’s pretty cool to see how much time they spent on it.”
On his overall rating: “It’s cool. It’s obviously not as important as me proving it on the actual field. But it was pretty cool to see that.”
Running back Cam Porter (84 OVR)
On if he’s played the game: “I haven’t played the game at all, I’m not going to lie. I don’t have a system and I’m hoping after fall camp I can get a system and play it. But I’ve heard everybody is loving it and guys are playing it all night long. Guys are in our group chat talking about who is going against who and who is winning. We’re happy to have EA Sports bring college football games back.”
On if his teammates have told him about using him in the game: “Yeah, man, my teammates have told me that they’re using me and my DMs have been blowing up. I’m probably getting 10 DMs a day about the game. Something like how I’m either playing good or how I need to get it together and play better. It’s all fun and it’s a really cool experience to be in the game.”
On his overall rating: “I’m cool with it. I don’t really know too much about the ratings and everything like that. But I’m cool with it. I’m trying to be a top-ranked player in real life.
Ohio State
Cornerback Denzel Burke (91 OVR)
On how much he’s played: “I haven’t played it (on Monday or Tuesday), but every day before that. All night. I didn’t play NCAA 14, so I’m kind of new to this scene, but it’s a crazy game, fun game, arcade type, and I’m glad I’m in the game as well.”
On playing as himself in the video game: “Yeah, it’s honestly a blessing, man, just to be able to play as myself, see myself in the Scarlet and Gray and see my last name on the jersey, see that number and yeah, man, it’s an amazing feeling.”
On his overall rating: “I thought it was pretty low. They gave me a 91. It should have been at least a 93 or 94, but it is what it is. I’ll change that rating when I’m playing football this year.”
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (92 OVR)
On what it’s like playing as himself and his teammates: “Yeah it’s amazing. And I’m constantly texting my teammates when they don’t make a play for me and I’m letting them know, like, if you do that one more time, I’m subbing you out. But no, it’s a great game. EA did an amazing job and it’s so much fun to play.
On his overall rating: “I feel like that’s pretty solid. (But my strength rating), I was a little disappointed in that one, I’m not going to lie to you. Because I know, and I’m not naming names, but there’s some wide receivers around the nation where it’s like they might be 190 pounds and all that type of stuff and I’m 205 and feel like I’m a strong guy. But I have lower strength than them, I don’t know what that’s about.”
Defensive end Jack Sawyer (92 OVR)
On what it’s like having the game back: “I grew up playing that game, was dying for it to come back. And it's surreal to be a part of the game in its first year back. It's super cool being able to play with the Buckeyes and play with myself. It's a unique experience. Also going into other stadiums, it’s fun to see how loud and how EA views other stadiums compared to ours.”
On his overall rating: “My strength is an 85? I’m going to get in contact with some of those guys at EA. I think 92 (overall) is fair. Hopefully, after the first few games it can be bumped up a bit. But we’ll see. They’re doing me wrong with the 85 strength.”
On what J.T. Tuimoloau’s rating would be if he opted into the game: “Oh it would be in the upper 90s for sure. I’ve been trying to talk to J.T. about getting in the game, so we’ll see. Hopefully we’ll have some good news about him joining the game here soon.”
Head coach Ryan Day
On the game: "So I haven't played it, but I coach it. RJ (Day's son) plays it and I tell him what to run."
On him not being in the game: "I'm a little disappointed I'm not in it. I would like to be."
Purdue
Quarterback Hudson Card (82 OVR)
On playing as himself in the video game: “It’s fun. It’s surreal to be in a video game and play as yourself. It’s one that I used to play growing up. To be in the game now is pretty cool.”
On his overall rating: “I don’t know. People will come up to me and say either ‘Hey you threw four picks, or 500 yards.’ So I tend to say a lot of it depends on the user and how good you are. But nah, it’s been cool, and I’m OK with my rating.”
Center Gus Hartwig (90 OVR)
On the game: “I’ve probably been playing it a little too much. But it’s cool being in the game, it’s a pretty cool experience. In high school, I bought an Xbox 360 so I could play (the old one), so I used to play all the time.”
On his rating: “I think it’s pretty cool. I’m not going to complain about being the third-highest-ranked center.”
Linebacker Kydran Jenkins (81 OVR)
On if he thought he got cheated on his overall rating: “Yeah, I did.”
Rutgers
Linebacker Tyreem Powell (83 OVR)
On being able to play as himself: “I love the game. It’s just so great to see myself in there, hitting people, running around and running free. It’s fun.”
On his overall rating: “I like my overall rating. I actually thought it was going to be a little bit lower just because of how I ended the season not being able to finish the games at the end of the year. I think I could have been an 85, but I respect it. I thank EA for recognizing me.”
On what his rating will be by the end of the year: “It’s definitely going to be a 90.”
Linebacker Mohammed Toure (87 OVR)
On how cool it was to see himself in a video game: “I don’t think people understand how much that means to me. It’s honestly just a blessing. Coming where I come from, there’s not a lot of Division I football players that go to the next level. But you get to play at the level where I’m at. So for kids in my community to play with me, somebody that’s from their same community, somebody that they’ve watched and went to the school they’ve gone to, it’s amazing. Because I have kids reach out to me all the time like ‘Yo, I just was using your player, yo, I want to be just like you.’ It’s amazing because I’m kinda impacting them off the field. Who knows how many lives I’ve changed because kids will see the game and go ‘OK, I don’t want to do this anymore, I want to go play football.’
On if he has an opinion on his overall rating: “Nah. I’m just grateful to be in the game.”
Wisconsin
Linebacker Jack Chaney (82 OVR)
On if he grew up with the game: “Oh yeah, I think I’ve been playing the game since like 2008. The Road to Glory, Dynasty modes. That’s how you grow a love for college football, that can create a college football fan, I think that game is essential for college football. Kids nowadays grow up playing Madden, right? But the college football game is a whole different feeling because that feels closer to a kid. It feels like you can truly get there. If you work hard enough, you can get there. Madden, you hear all the statistics about how you have to go through college, the combine and the draft first to make it (to the league). But in the NCAA, you feel like you can be there one day.”
Offensive tackle Jack Nelson (87 OVR)
On if he’s been able to play as himself yet: “No. I’m not really a video game guy. But I’ve seen it, it’s pretty cool.”
On if he agrees with his overall rating: “Yeah, I think so. I think it’s pretty fair.”
Safety Hunter Wohler (90 OVR)
His thoughts on the game: “It’s pretty cool. I haven’t played with myself a ton, I’ve found myself playing the Road to Glory mode a lot. But I’ve played with myself a little bit against some of my teammates. It’s surreal being in a video game and knowing you get to play as yourself because that’s a game I played growing up and we haven’t had it for such a long time. To actually be in it is pretty surreal.
On his overall rating: “I can’t complain. You always just gotta try to get better.”
On what attribute he wished was a little higher: “Awareness.”
Iowa
Linebacker Jay Higgins (94 OVR)
On being the second highest-rated linebacker in the game behind Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter: “That’s solid. They’ve got some good dudes out of Clemson playing linebacker.”
On playing the game: “I’ve played it, but I don’t have a next-gen console. I have a girlfriend and a dog so as you can imagine I don’t have a lot of time to sit and play video games. But I have played it. The whole game I used myself and ended up with four tackles. Maybe I need a higher rating or something (to help me). I’m happy with my rating, but I only had four tackles (in my game), so whatever I have to do to get more tackles.”
Tight end Luke Lachey (88 OVR)
On his player rating: “I’m happy with it. I think it’s an 88 overall on there. It’s a fun game, my brother and I have been playing against each other. I don’t want to put too much thought into it, it’s just a video game. I get a lot of messages from people saying they play as me and that I won the Heisman for them or something like that. I’m like ‘Well, it would be cool if it were true, but it’s just a video game.’”
Defensive back Quinn Schulte (89 OVR)
On playing the game: “I’ve played it a couple times, we played it earlier (Wednesday) actually.”
On his rating: I think the game did a great job. Whatever the rating was, I don’t think it really matters. But playing the game and seeing your name as a character is something that’s pretty fun.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz
On the game: “Last time I played a video game was 25 years ago and I got my ass kicked.”
Michigan State
Running back Nathan Carter (85 OVR)
On the game: “(Wednesday) was my first time playing as myself and it was so fun. It’s so surreal being able to see myself in a video game because not many people have the opportunity to say ‘Hey, I was part of a video game.’ But having that opportunity was a blessing.”
On his rating: “I’m content with it. The one thing that is kind of crazy is my strength rating. So I have to do more push-ups and sit-ups and do more in the weight room to make sure I can push that up. Other than that, yeah, I’m content with it.”
Defensive back Dillon Tatum (82 OVR)
On his overall rating: “I like it. But on the offensive side of the ball or when I get a turnover, I think that could be higher. I was a running back in high school. So it’s like, ‘Help me out a little bit.’
Tight end Jack Velling (87 OVR)
On the game: I could be a little faster. Should be in the 90s at least. But it’s been awesome to both see myself and use myself in a video game. It’s kind of crazy.”
On his overall rating: “I’d like it higher, why not? But it’s OK where it is. I think there will be an update halfway through the season so hopefully it’ll go up.”
Nebraska
Safety Isaac Gifford (85 OVR)
On the game: The tunnel walk is in there for Nebraska, the stadium is super cool. It’s pretty dope, it’s pretty realistic.
On his overall rating: “Yeah, 85 isn’t bad. Hopefully it goes up in the season. I think my worst rating was kick return. I know I’m not going to be back there, but at least throw me a bone.”
Defensive lineman Ty Robinson (77 OVR)
On the game: “I’ve played once or twice. It's a lot of fun playing as the whole team.”
On his rating: “I don’t care. There will be midseason updates.”
Center Ben Scott (78 OVR)
On the game: “I’ve been playing it a little bit, I’m not very good. It’s cool to see myself in the game, we’ve been waiting on this one for a while.”
On if he agrees with his overall rating: “No shot. I’m at least an 84 or something, 78 is disrespectful. I think they said they’ll have guys at the games to see what overall ratings should be bumped up, so it would be cool to see my overall rating bumped up.”
Penn State
Defensive end Dvon J-Thomas (80 OVR)
On the game: “I’m playing it all the time. Every day. It’s been a surreal experience because it’s been like 10 years since the last game, so the last time I played it, I was a little kid. Loading it up knowing I was going to be in the game is a surreal feeling.”
On his player rating: “It’s crazy because they have my speed at a 61 or something. I will race anybody here. I’ll do it in a suit. The speed has to go up just a little bit.”
Safety Jaylen Reed (Not in the game but will be in a few weeks)
On the game: “I love the game, it’s a game I’ve been waiting on since I was a kid. I’m kind of mad I signed up late. My teammates say they’re messing up on defense because I’m not in there. There’s a bot in there that’s supposed to be me, but it’s not me.
On his future playing rating: “I’m going to be in there in like three weeks. I don’t know what the rating will be but I know it’s going to be good. Maybe an 87.”
On signing up late: “A couple days before the game came out, they hit me up and were like ‘Yo, you don’t want to be in there?’ And I was like, ‘Oh.’ But I talked to them and I signed up, so I’ll be in there before the first game.”
Tight end Tyler Warren (90 OVR)
On the game: “I’ve played a little bit. I’m not much of a gamer. It’s fun, it’s kind of more funny when my friends are playing with me in the game. So it’s kind of fun to see that. A game we all played growing up, so being in it now is really cool.”
On his rating: “I thought it was good, I’m not complaining about it.”
UCLA
Quarterback Ethan Garbers (84 OVR)
On playing the game: “I love it, it’s such a great game. It’s so surreal playing as yourself and as your teammates in a video game.”
On his rating: “I’m not going to complain or anything. I’ve been noticing the mannerisms and stuff are kind of like me which is pretty cool. Just like how I throw the ball and walking around like after touchdowns.”
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (88 OVR)
On the game: “I’ve been playing it a lot. It came out last Monday, I’ve played it every day since. When we get home tonight, I think I’m going to play it again. But it’s a really fun game to play and it’s a surreal feeling to be in a video game.”
On his rating: I think my player rating is alright. I’m hoping to improve it throughout the season so we’re going to get that up, my player is very fun to play with.”
Defensive lineman Jay Toia (79 OVR)
On the game: “I think it’s really cool. Never in my whole life have I thought I would ever be in a video game. Despite my overall rating, I feel like I do pretty good in the game when I play as myself.”
On his rating: “It’s cool. It’s whatever, honestly. I hope my speed (is upgraded later). My speed is at a 57 right now, I’m hoping to get that up.”
USC
Center Jonah Monheim (92 OVR)
On the game: “It’s really cool. Especially as a kid that grew up playing the NCAA games.”
On his rating: “Everything is subject to change with the updates. You have to keep earning those ratings as things progress.”
Quarterback Miller Moss, QB (86 OVR)
On the game: “It’s surreal. I grew up playing that game when I was younger. To be a part of the revival of that game is pretty special and unique.”
On his rating: “I think it’s solid, but there’s always room to grow.”
Safety Kamari Ramsey (85 OVR)
On the game: “That’s the only game I’ve really been playing lately. It’s been really fun, I’m glad the game is back.”
On his rating: “I’m an 85, it’s cool. I’m about to get that upgraded during the season. But it’s cool, I’ll take it.”
Indiana
Running back Justice Ellison (81 OVR)
On playing the game: "I can make some moves. I like making people miss in the game. I like my spin move, my spin move is nice. It's cool playing against other teams. I haven't quite figured out our defense yet, so I'm still figuring that part out. But for the most part, it's been really cool playing as myself."
On if he likes his rating: "I do. I feel like I could have added on that vision some more, I feel like I have better vision than an 85. Hopefully I'll get to show that on the field so I can boost that up."
Linebacker Aiden Fisher (75 OVR)
On playing the game: "It's a lot of fun. There's a lot of explosive plays in the game, it's an offense-heavy game so far. But it's been awesome and I really enjoy it."
On if he agrees with his overall rating: "I can't say I do. But I'm blessed to be in the game and we'll get updates along the way, so we'll get there. I gotta get my speed up. I'm a little too slow to be using right now."
Offensive lineman Mike Katic (80 OVR)
On playing the game: "I don't really play video games at all. I don't know any of the controls or anything. I like watching people play as me, it's cool. I'm blessed to be in the game and it's cool to see me out there.
On if he likes his overall rating: "Yeah. I think 80 is pretty modest, so I'll take it."
Maryland
Wide receiver Tai Felton (85 OVR)
On if he's played the game: "One-hundred percent. I was watching the countdown (to release) from my couch. It's a great game, it's been 10 years since the last one came out. Even my dad is waiting for me to get my PlayStation 5 so he can play it."
On his rating: "I'll take the overall rating, but I didn't agree with my speed rating at all. But I'll take it, hopefully it goes up during the season. I said it should be at least a 94.
Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (86 OVR)
On if he's played as himself in the game: "One-hundred percent. I don't play as anybody else. I get a lot of interceptions with myself, so that's good."
On the game: "It's a great game. You never know how impactful it is, like this game is bringing everyone closer together. Like, (Maryland running back) Roman Hemby hasn't played a video game in seven years but bought a system just to play this game. All my coaches are talking about their dynasties with me. So it's definitely a positive light that this game is bringing into the world, and everyone loves football, especially college football."
On his rating: "I'm the highest overall rated player on my team, which I'm proud of, but my speed is too low. They gotta change that. It should be like a 94."
Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips (83 OVR)
On the game: "I got a chance to check it out with (Maryland freshman defensive back Brandon Jacobs) because I don't have a PS5 so I'm not able to play it, but I watched him play a little bit and play as me. The idea of the game is really awesome. After not having the game for all these years and bringing it back, it's really good for kids who aspire to be in our position one day and for us as college athletes."
On his rating: "The ratings are cool, me personally, I think my strength could be up. But I just have to keep on working."
Michigan
Tight end/fullback Max Bredson (79 OVR)
On playing the game: "It's awesome, it's fun to see yourself in the game. I've got the whole season to see if they can get my speed up on there, so hopefully I have a chance to show that."
On if he plays as any team besides Michigan: "I play as Army and use the flexbone.
His go-to play: The inside veer option.
Running back Donovan Edwards (91 OVR)
On his rating: "I could prove something this year. I don't doubt it for being a 91. But I'm going to do the absolute best for myself and give my overall love for people who play as me in the game.
On how he became one of the game's cover athletes: "I got a DM from one of the people at EA and I don't respond to DM's, you feel me, because I don't know who you are. But then one of my representatives called me and said EA wants to do a deal with you. And I said 'What's the deal?' They said you'd be on the cover of the game. I said 'ooh-wee.' So you know, I had to take that deal. Very grateful that EA chose me to be on the cover of the game, man. I also look at it as a great obligation for me to represent the program and to be a leader amongst my team and do my absolute best to uplift our standard. I want guys to see like 'Yeah, Donovan has a lot going on for him right now, but you could be in this situation too.'"
Safety Makari Page (85 OVR)
On his rating: "I think it's like an 85, I'm not mad at it at all. Honestly if you've got good hands and good stick work (in the game), you can be whatever you want to be."
On being part of the first class of athletes to be in a college football video game: "It's a great thing going on right now. We've been waiting a long time for this, so to have it out and have our names in it, it's a great feeling."
Minnesota
Quarterback Max Brosmer (77 OVR)
On playing the game: "I've played like two or three times so far. The game itself is awesome. I think it's really cool for all of us to see our last names in the game and actually be able to control your guy. Maybe not as well as you want to. But for what the game allows it's pretty cool."
On his rating: "I'm indifferent about it. It doesn't really bother me or upset me, or make me happy. I'm not bothered by a rating someone gave me, it doesn't make me stay awake at night."
Linebacker Cody Lindenberg (82 OVR)
On playing the game: "I haven't had as many opportunities to play as I would like to since I've been busy, but I've certainly had a chance to play as myself."
On if he agrees with his rating: "For sure. I haven't had too many opportunities with my injuries to play in games and show I deserve a higher overall. So I'm just grateful to be in the game."
On if the playbooks are realistic: "I think they're very accurate. There's not a ton different you can do inside the game in terms of defense, but you can use different fronts like your standard 4-3, 3-3-5 and those types of formations. In terms of offense, I think it's pretty accurate in terms of the different styles of plays and different styles of passing."
Running back Darius Taylor (88 OVR)
On the game: "I think it's pretty good, I think they made my player pretty accurately."
On his rating: "I'm not very mad at my overall rating. I think it's pretty good and pretty accurate. They made my player balanced, which I am, so that's cool."
Head coach P.J. Fleck
On a "hack" for the game: "Aireontae Ersery, our starting left tackle, is getting a lot more notoriety. One of the notorieties, he's a top 25 player in the EA Sports College Football game. Bet you didn't know that. Not only that, if you take him and move him to tight end, it's a hack. He's a 99. There's some information for you."
Oregon
Linebacker Jeffery Bassa (87 OVR)
On playing the game: "I love my player. I like to use him and blitz him a lot. I'm definitely a blitzer."
On his rating: "I don't like my player rating. I thought it would be a 90. But if they're updating the rankings throughout the season, I'll be a 90 in no time."
Tight end Terrance Ferguson (88 OVR)
On playing the game: "The game is really fun. I'd like my overall to be a little higher, but I'm really blessed. It's kind of surreal to be in a video game that you grew up playing. All my brothers and cousins text me about it. It's a lot of fun."
On what his rating should be: "Uh. What's the No. 1 tight end ranked? Hopefully the update will give me a little bit of speed. The spectacular catch should already be up there, but that's alright."
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (92 OVR)
On his rating: "I can't complain. I'm grateful for it. Of course we have to talk about the speed, strength and jump ratings. I know I'm not this physical specimen, but there's some love for some other guys as well."
Washington
Linebacker Carson Bruener (87 OVR)
On playing the game: "I love the game overall. I love playing as Washington, I made a dynasty with some friends from back home. So we play that. But also being able to use myself is weird and seeing myself out there. The last game I played against my buddy, I got a pick-six on the first play. I was like 'Oh wow, that would be nice.' It's cool being in a video game that millions of people are playing and that if they play as Washington, they'll see me out there."
On his rating: "I didn't know what my overall rating was going to be going into the game. I don't have too much of an opinion on it. Do I think it could be higher? Absolutely. I hope I play this season and show who I truly am as a football player, so we'll see if they up it."
Running back Jonah Coleman (86 OVR)
On playing the game and his rating: "My guy plays just like me. He catches the ball and runs through people. The first guy won't tackle him. So I'm proud to say that. But I'm not proud of my overall rating, even though my guy plays better than his overall rating. I'm actually not happy about my guy fumbling. I've never had a fumble in my college career, so my fumbling should be zero. But I'm just happy to be in the game. It's exciting to use myself, use my team and use my friends. It's been great."
Safety Kamren Fabiculanan (88 OVR)
On playing the game: "Just to be in the game is great. I'm grateful for it because I wanted to be in the game growing up."
On his rating: "I'd love to touch the 90s, but I'll take 88 right now."
