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EA College Football 25 review

July 19, 2024

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After an 11-year hiatus, the beloved college football video game franchise has finally made its triumphant return. EA Sports College Football 25 is a sports sim that focuses on realistically capturing the college football experience. From the moment you boot up the game, you’re struck by the unrivaled pageantry and attention to detail.

The game features 134 different football programs, each with their own unique stadiums, uniforms, mascots, and fan traditions. The 150 stadiums, including championship venues, are meticulously recreated, with dynamic crowds that mirror the game’s calendar and themes. The little details, like SpaceX launches in the background of night games at UCF, make the gameday atmosphere feel truly alive.

EA Sports College Football 25 details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Developer(s): EA Orlando
Publisher(s): EA Sports
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Dynasty mode: A recruiting masterclass

The standout feature, in my opinion, of College Football 25 is undoubtedly its Dynasty mode. This mode allows you to take control of a college program and build it into a powerhouse over the course of 30 seasons. The depth and complexity of the recruiting process is truly impressive.

Scouting and recruiting high school prospects is a strategic minigame in itself. You’ll need to allocate your limited hours each week to various recruiting activities, from researching a player’s social media to reaching out to their family members. Balancing your time between scouting, practicing, and managing your current roster is a constant challenge, but the payoff of landing a top recruit is immensely satisfying.

Dynasty mode also features the College Football Playoff, conference customization, and a ton of narrative elements that defenitely will keep you engaged throughout the season. While the AI logic could use some refinement, the overall experience is a true win for college football fans.

Authentic gameplay

College Football 25’s gameplay is a significant departure from the Madden series. Its focus is on capturing the unique feel and strategy of the college game. Gone are the arcade-style X-Factors, replaced by a more nuanced system of player Abilities that add depth without feeling overpowered.

The passing game is particularly well-executed, with an intuitive throwing meter that rewards precision. Quarterbacks with higher ratings can make tighter, more accurate throws, while younger players may struggle with errant passes. The option to call audibles, hot routes, and full offensive line adjustments at the line of scrimmage adds a level of strategic depth that really makes you feel like you’re orchestrating the offense.

Defensively, the game can be punishing, especially on the road. Crowd noise and hostile environments can cause confusion, with players forgetting routes or struggling to communicate. The new Wear and Tear system, which impacts player performance based on the hits they’ve taken, adds a layer of realism and forces you to manage your roster carefully.

Road to Glory: A unique player experience

While Dynasty mode is the clear standout, College Football 25 also offers a compelling single-player experience in the form of Road to Glory. In this mode, you create a college athlete and guide them through the challenges of balancing their academic and athletic careers.

You’ll need to manage your time between studying, training, and building your personal brand. Earning the trust of your coaches is crucial, as it directly impacts your playing time and progression. The RPG-like dialogue choices and consequences add an engaging narrative layer to the experience.

The ability to transfer to a new school at the end of each season provides an interesting strategic element, as you weigh the pros and cons of staying at your current program or seeking greener pastures. While not as deep as the Dynasty mode, Road to Glory offers a unique and rewarding single-player experience.

Ultimate Team: A familiar, yet understated inclusion

No modern sports game would be complete without an Ultimate Team mode, and College Football 25 is no exception. However, unlike in other EA sports games, Ultimate Team feels like more of an afterthought here, rather than the main focus.

The mode allows you to build a team of college football legends and current stars, with the ability to acquire players through card packs and an auction house. While the inclusion of collegiate legends like Joey Bosa and Ray Lewis is a nice touch, the mode doesn’t feel as intrusive or predatory as in other EA sports games.

In fact, EA did such a good job with the core gameplay and Dynasty mode that, to be honest, you’re really not missing out on anything by skipping Ultimate Team entirely. Though, I will say that College Football 25’s Ultimate Team mode is a welcome change of pace from the microtransaction-heavy approach seen in other sports titles.

EA Sports College Football 25 is a welcome return for college football fans

Overall, EA Sports College Football 25 is an impressive game. It delivers what I feel is the best American football experience in over a decade. The game’s unparalleled attention to detail, deep Dynasty mode, and authentic gameplay make it a must-play for any college football fan.

The lack of player customization and the inability to export draft classes to Madden is disappointing. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional game. EA’s commitment to capturing the true spirit of college football shines through in every aspect of the game.

Whether you’re leading your alma mater to a national championship, developing a star player in Road to Glory, or simply reveling in the unmatched pageantry of college football, College Football 25 is a game that will captivate you for countless hours.

Pros

The in-depth Dynasty mode offers strategic scouting and recruiting decisions, providing a deep and engaging gameplay experience.
Accurately replicates the unique feel and strategy of college football, with a focus on creative offenses and realistic passing mechanics.
Unrivaled pageantry with detailed stadiums, lively crowds, and individual team entrances that capture the essence of college football.

Cons

The lack of player customization and inability to export draft classes to Madden is disappointing.
Dynasty mode AI and logic can be problematic at times.