EA Sports College Football 25: San Diego State Player Ratings and Impact

The highly anticipated release of EA Sports College Football 25 marks a significant moment for college football fans and athletes alike. For the first time, college athletes are being compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL), adding a new dimension to the game and influencing player ratings. These ratings, in turn, reflect on-field performances and potential, creating a dynamic and evolving landscape within the game. This article delves into the player ratings, particularly focusing on San Diego State University (SDSU) players and the broader implications of the new rating system.

New Rating System

EA Sports College Football 25 has introduced a major player ratings update, factoring in on-field performances for the first time due to the new NIL agreements. This update has led to significant shifts in player rankings, with top performers receiving substantial boosts. For example, Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, now shares the highest rating in the game with Travis Hunter and Will Johnson. Similarly, Abdul Carter from Penn State has risen to become the second-ranked right end.

Key Player Rating Updates

Several players have seen notable improvements in their ratings:

Ashton Jeanty (Boise State Running Back): 97 (+1)
Abdul Carter (Penn State EDGE): 94 (+3)
Harold Fannin (Bowling Green State TE): 94 (+2)
Cam Ward (Miami Quarterback): 93 (+2)
Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Kentucky Linebacker): 91 (+1)
JaCobee Bryant (Kansas Cornerback): 91 (+1)
Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon Left Tackle): Entering 2025 season

Spotlight on San Diego State Cornerback, Johnson

Anthony Christopher Johnson is a highly regarded cornerback for the San Diego State Aztecs. His career highlights and accolades showcase his talent and potential.

Honors and Accolades

2024 All-Mountain West Honorable Mention
2023 SDSU Special Teams Player of the Year
2022 SDSU Co-Outstanding Freshman Award
Two-time Mountain West Fall All-Academic Team (2023-24)

Johnson is recognized for his athletic ability and high football IQ, marking him as one of the top cornerbacks in the country.

Senior Season (2025 Outlook)

Johnson has garnered significant preseason attention. He was named a preseason first-team All-Mountain West selection by multiple publications, including Phil Steele Magazine, Athlon Sports, College Football Network, and Sports Info Solutions. Lindy's Sports recognized him as a second-team pick. The College Football Network ranked him as the 16th-best player in the Mountain West Conference. Phil Steele Magazine lists him as the top-rated draft-eligible cornerback in the Mountain West (No. 64 in FBS).

Junior Season (2024 Performance)

In his junior year, Johnson earned an All-Mountain West honorable mention. He tied for the league lead in forced fumbles (3, T-18th in NCAA) and forced fumbles per game (0.25, T-18th in NCAA). Starting all 12 games at cornerback, Johnson played a team-leading 757 defensive snaps. According to evaluations, he was the highest-graded defender (73.7), second-best tackler (82.5), and ranked third in coverage (71.7) and run defense (73.7).

Johnson recorded 67 tackles (49 solo), the second-most on the team. He also had four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, an interception, and 0.5 tackles for loss.

Key Game Performances:
- Texas A&M-Commerce: One tackle and a forced fumble.
- Oregon State: Led the team with nine tackles (seven solo), along with his second forced fumble and first pass breakup of the season.
- California: Four tackles (two solo) and a pass breakup.
- Central Michigan: Six tackles (three solo) and his third forced fumble in four games, along with a pass breakup.
- Hawai'i: Two solo stops.
- Wyoming: Five solo tackles and an interception with a 42-yard return.
- Washington State: Eight tackles (six solo) and his fourth pass breakup of the season.
- Boise State: Five solo stops and his first career kickoff return for 43 yards.
- New Mexico: Six tackles (five solo).
- UNLV: Led the team in tackles with nine (six solo).
- Utah State: A career-high 10 tackles (six solo) and his first career 0.5 tackle for loss.
- Air Force: Two tackles and a 33-yard kickoff return.

Sophomore Season (2023 Contributions)

Johnson was named SDSU’s Special Teams Player of the Year. He played in all 12 games, recording 30 tackles (15 solo), two pass breakups, one interception, and a fumble recovery.

Key Game Performances:
- Ohio: Three tackles (two solo) in 34 snaps.
- Oregon State: Assisted on four tackles in 17 snaps.
- Boise State: Matched his career-high with four tackles, all solo.
- Air Force: Three assisted tackles.
- Hawai’i: Two tackles (one solo) and his first pass breakup.
- Nevada: One solo tackle.
- Utah State: Three solo tackles.
- Colorado State: Matched his career-high with four tackles (one solo) and recorded his first forced fumble and second pass breakup of the season.
- San Jose State: His first career interception with a 44-yard return, along with three tackles (two solo).
- Fresno State: Three tackles (two solo).

True Freshman Season (2022 Impact)

Johnson was named the team’s outstanding freshman for the defensive side of the ball. He played in 12 of the team’s 13 games, recording six tackles (five solo).

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

Key Game Performances:
- Idaho State: Two solo tackles in 25 snaps.
- Toledo: One solo tackle in 20 snaps.
- Boise State: An assisted tackle in four snaps.
- UNLV: A tackle in four snaps.
- San Jose State: A stop on special teams.

High School Career

Johnson earned three letters at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, California. He was a first-team all-league selection as a senior and a second-team honoree as a junior. He excelled on both sides of the ball, totaling 62 tackles on defense (41 solo), three interceptions, 18 pass deflections, and three blocked kicks. Offensively, he caught 16 passes for 342 yards (22.0 avg.) with six touchdowns. He also served as a kick returner, punt returner, and punter. Johnson is a consensus three-star recruit by 247sports, Rivals, and ESPN.

Personal Information

Anthony Christopher Johnson was born on Nov. 9, 2004, in Long Beach, California. He is the son of Anthony and Marie Johnson. He chose San Diego State over offers from Boston College, Northwestern, Boise State, Army West Point, and San Jose State. He plans to major in business with an emphasis in finance.

Projecting Quarterback Ratings

Predicting quarterback ratings is a complex task, but it is essential for the game's realism and appeal. Factors such as passing accuracy, arm strength, decision-making, and mobility all contribute to a quarterback's overall rating.

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