EA Sports College Football 25: A Triumphant Return, But Not on PC
After a long hiatus, college football fans rejoiced at the return of EA Sports' beloved NCAA football franchise with EA Sports College Football 25. However, the excitement was tempered by the news that the game would not be available on all platforms. Specifically, NCAA 25 was released exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, leaving many PC gamers and PlayStation 4 owners disappointed. This article will explore the details surrounding the release of EA Sports College Football 25, its features, and the reasons behind its absence on PC and older consoles, and what the future holds for the franchise with EA Sports College Football 26.
The Long-Awaited Comeback
The return of EA Sports College Football was highly anticipated, marking the first release in the series since 2013's NCAA Football 14. The hiatus was primarily due to a lawsuit filed against Electronic Arts (EA) by former college football players. These players argued that their name, image, and likeness (NIL) were used in the game without their permission or fair compensation. Initially, player names and likenesses were not included in the game due to the lawsuit. Several schools, including Notre Dame, Tulane, and Northwestern, even refused to participate until NIL rules were finalized.
EA Sports initially responded by stating that player name, image, and likeness were not planned for the game at the time, but they were closely monitoring developments and prepared to include players if the opportunity arose. The NCAA had delayed voting on new NIL rules, but many states had passed or proposed laws preventing institutions from enforcing the NCAA's existing NIL rules. The 2021 Supreme Court case NCAA v. Alston further influenced the landscape, paving the way for new NIL policies.
Release Date and Features
On November 22, 2022, EA Sports announced that the game would be released in the summer of 2024. According to Daryl Holt, EA Sports' vice president and general manager, this date was chosen to ensure the game would meet or exceed player expectations and cover the breadth and scale desired. On February 22, 2024, it was revealed that all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs would be featured in EA Sports College Football 25, while the 128 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs would not be included at launch. That same day, ESPN's Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, a commentator in EA's original NCAA Football series, announced their involvement as commentators.
A 21-minute gameplay trailer was released on July 8, 2024, showcasing YouTuber Bordeaux and cover athlete Donovan Edwards. The trailer featured two games, both won by Edwards, and provided a glimpse into the game's mechanics. The following day, an Ultimate Team Deep Dive was posted, offering more details about the game's features. On July 12, 2024, members of EA's Creator Network program gained early access to a near-final version of the game, leading to a flood of rebuilds, player careers, and raw gameplay footage on various platforms.
Read also: Anthony Robles: Overcoming Obstacles
EA Sports College Football 25 also includes licensed music, such as "Sandstorm", "Mo Bamba", "Kernkraft 400", "Welcome to the Jungle", and an instrumental version of "Talkin' Out the Side of Your Neck".
Platform Exclusivity: No PC or PS4 Release
Despite the widespread anticipation, EA Sports College Football 25 was not released on PC or PlayStation 4. This decision meant that fans who had not upgraded to the latest generation of consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) were unable to play the game. This exclusivity sparked considerable discussion within the gaming community, particularly among PC gamers, who represent a significant portion of the gaming market.
To play NCAA 25, fans needed to own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. For those still using a PlayStation 4, options included trading in the older console for credit towards a PS5 at retailers like Amazon, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy.
Cross-Play and NIL Compensation
College Football 25 does feature cross-play, allowing players on different consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) to play together. However, this feature is limited to specific game modes: Road to the College Football Playoff, College Football Ultimate Team, and Play a Friend. For online dynasties, all participants must be on the same platform.
Thanks to the new NIL rules, EA Sports was able to include real college players in the game, compensating each participating athlete with $600 and a free copy of the game. This marked a significant step forward, addressing the issues that led to the series' hiatus.
Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile
Critical Reception and Early Access
EA Sports College Football 25 received generally positive reviews upon release. According to Metacritic, the game scored 79/100 for PlayStation 5 and 77/100 for Xbox Series X. Critics praised the game's Dynasty mode and authentic college football experience.
Heavy Sports reported that College Football 25 lived up to the hype, delivering a detailed and immersive experience for fans of college football powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. Early access was live and well-received by athletes and players alike.
Success and Future Installments: EA CFB 26
EA Sports College Football 25 achieved significant commercial success. By December 18, 2024, it had become the best-selling sports game of all time in the United States. Its success was further highlighted by the fact that the $100 version of the game paid off handsomely for EA, with 2.2 million players accessing the game during the early access period.
Looking ahead, EA Sports College Football 26 is slated for release on July 10, 2025, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition can begin playing three days early, starting on July 7. Like its predecessor, EA CFB 26 is not planned for release on PC or Nintendo Switch 2. However, Madden NFL 26 is set to arrive on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 on August 14, 2025.
Players who desire a complete football experience can once again purchase the MVP Bundle on PS5 or Xbox, which includes both EA CFB 26 and Madden NFL 26. All editions are eligible for EA's loyalty offer, providing discounts and extra content for owners of previous titles. EA Play members can also take advantage of subscription discounts and access a trial period at launch.
Read also: The Return of College Football Gaming
EA Sports is expected to reveal more details about EA CFB 26's features in May. The announcement trailer confirms the inclusion of high school football, expanding the Road to Glory mode.
Pre-order bonuses for EA CFB 26 include:
- Standard Edition: CUT All Hands Pack, Dynasty Coach Points, Road to Glory Skill Points
- Deluxe Edition: Advanced Access (July 7-10), 4600 College Football Points, Advanced Access Ultimate Team Solo Challenges, CUT Top Prospect Pack (requires pre-ordering before June 19), CUT All Hands Pack, Dynasty Coach Points, Road to Glory Skill Points
- MVP Bundle: Advanced Access (July 7-10), 4600 College Football Points, Advanced Access Ultimate Team Solo Challenges, CUT Top Prospect Pack (requires pre-ordering before June 19), CUT All Hands Pack, Dynasty Coach Points, Road to Glory Skill Points, MVP On the Clock Pack, College Football 25 Item (requires pre-ordering before April)
The PC Gaming Question
The decision to exclude PC from the release of EA Sports College Football 25 and the upcoming EA CFB 26 raises questions about EA Sports' strategy. PC gaming represents a significant and growing market. Studies show PC gamers make up a majority of the gaming community. A story by VGChartz states a study by NewZoo shows there were 907.5 million PC gamers in 2024, up from 873.5 million in 2023. That's significantly more than the estimated 653.1 million console gamers the study found that year. A Statista study from 2024 had that number even higher, at 1.86 billion around the world.
While Madden 26 will have a PC version, the absence of a PC version for College Football 26 leaves PC gamers feeling overlooked.
EA Sports has not provided a definitive reason for this decision. Speculation includes the success of the first edition on just two platforms and potential plans to wait several years before a PC release. However, these remain unconfirmed rumors.
PC vs. Console: A Matter of Preference
The debate over whether PC gaming is superior to console gaming is ongoing. Each platform offers unique advantages. Consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X provide a straightforward gaming experience for between $400 and $700, the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle can get you the barebones modern gaming experience for $380. A good gaming PC will run you north of $1,000.
However, a PC offers superior framerates, a wider selection of games (including emulators), and extensive customization options. PC gamers can personalize their keyboards, controllers, and even modify the games themselves. In fact, NCAA Football 14 maintained its popularity due to community-created roster updates and mods.
Ultimately, the choice between PC and console depends on individual preferences. Consoles may be better for casual gamers who prioritize simplicity and playing with friends, while PCs cater to those who value customization and optimization.
