For the first time in 11 years, there is discourse to be had over an EA Sports college football video game title.
Monday marked the release of EA Sports College Football 25 for both those who preordered the deluxe edition of the game and the athletes who opted to be included, each of them receiving $600 along with their copy as compensation for their names, images and likenesses. With those first interactions with the game came discourse on social media.
Players, of course, had thoughts to share about their ratings in the game.
Ok cool pic.twitter.com/UNOQtLcv4v
— Jermaine Mathews Jr (@Jr2Maine) July 16, 2024
Should have like 96-97 speed https://t.co/FnowkxUrI1
— Jayden Ballard (@J_Ball21) July 14, 2024
Ballard's fellow wide receiver Brandon Inniss immediately put up 91 points, the equivalent of 13 touchdowns, against Michigan after receiving the game, tossing 10 scores to himself.
Early gameplay footage has been trickling out into the public sphere, including long touchdowns that caught the eyes of Jeremiah Smith and Quinshon Judkins.
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) July 13, 2024
— Quinshon Judkins (@quinshon_) July 13, 2024
Character models for sports video games are an inexact science but Ohio State offensive lineman Carson Hinzman looks – let's say – misshapen.
I dont know who did this but your days are numbered #hefty pic.twitter.com/33w2GibwKL
— Carson Hinzman (@HinzmanCarson) July 15, 2024
Meanwhile, star defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is excited to enter the virtual working world via dynasty mode.
Start my first head coaching job tomorrow at 4pm #AGTG
— Tyleik Williams (@tyleikk) July 14, 2024
An identical post from former Buckeye linebacker Teradja Mitchell confused some folks who thought he was entering the profession in real life.
Start my first head coaching job tomorrow at 4pm #AGTG
— Teradja Mitchell (@teeraaw__) July 14, 2024
I appreciate yall support but Im talking about the video game
— Teradja Mitchell (@teeraaw__) July 14, 2024
Ohio State's X account also got in on the fun.
Emeka magic
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 13, 2024
@emeka_egbuka x @EASPORTSCollege pic.twitter.com/cHKxbulrwi
Its here and its beautiful. pic.twitter.com/Zcwz4QG14e
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 16, 2024
https://t.co/ZxWmCEdL9t pic.twitter.com/Ok84031qsr
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 13, 2024
That last post featured a shoutout to future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer LeBron James, who was part of EA's "Gameday Showcase" to promote the game. He opened his virtual contest with Frankie Walker, a former coach and close personal friend of James' who the forward is now in business with. He opened the contest with a pick-six.
LeBron earned a pick-six with Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom on NCAA 25
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) July 13, 2024
Welcome to the Horseshoe pic.twitter.com/2Ctpxjy4Df
Some former Buckeyes who missed the boat on the resurrection of an EA Sports college football franchise had their own observations and suggestions – funny or otherwise – about the game.
Need Gus Johnson Hurt My Feelings! Call on the new NCAA.
— Denzel Ward (@denzelward) July 14, 2024
# You Got Bar B Que Back there!? pic.twitter.com/4tRMgzOrVI
This NCAA is just madden like I knew it would be smh
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) July 15, 2024
The game cool and all, but it shouldve been released last year
— Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) July 15, 2024
Those who aren't college football players or didn't pay the additional $30 for the deluxe edition of the game will be able to purchase and play the standard edition on Friday. It is available on Xbox Series X/S and Playstation 5 consoles.
