After ten years of waiting, NCAA Football ‘25 finally arrives, reigniting the excitement of college football fans across the country. EA Sports (a division of the Electronic Arts Company) promised big things with this long-anticipated release, but does it truly live up to the hype?
Visuals and Atmosphere:
Let’s start with the good stuff. Visually, NCAA 25 is impressive. EA also nailed the pageantry that makes college football special. The stadiums feel alive, and the attention to detail from the pre-game traditions to the crowd reactions is spot on. Playing in a packed Clemson Death Valley or Ohio’s Horseshoe Stadium makes you really feel like you are in the live atmosphere. This coupled with the new Stadium Pulse feature where the atmosphere affects your controller and even your player’s ability to perform was a new feature that I really liked, despite it causing me a few unlucky interceptions along the way.
The weather effects are on point as well. Playing in the rain or snow adds a real sense of unpredictability, and the player models this year actually look like they belong in a next-gen game.
Gameplay:
Gameplay is where things get interesting, at least for me personally. It has overall been revamped, but while some things shine, others may leave you scratching your head. For one, the new kick meter? It’s tough, no doubt about it.
One of the biggest adjustments many players, including myself, needed to make was in the kicking game. The new kick meter, while intuitive, is incredibly challenging. You need to line up a moving slider in the green zone to determine accuracy and fill up your power meter without overdoing it. Despite adding a realistic touch to the game, the first few days definitely started out rough for me, unfortunately missing more field goals than I made.
Passing has a smoother learning curve, providing that wide-open feel college football is known for. It’s easier to throw deep balls, and you’re less likely to see defenders leaping 50 feet to intercept passes, giving you more room to make plays. The running game definitely feels more strategic. There’s finally a balance between realistic running and avoiding overpowered moves like the juke that plagued previous football games like Madden. Good job EA!
On defense, the tackling system is far more skill-based this time around. Gone are the days when you could easily rely on hit sticks for big plays. Instead, you need to time your tackles carefully and aim for more conservative stops. Otherwise, you’ll see ball carriers break free far more often.
Modes:
Now, let’s talk about the crown jewel of NCAA Football 25: Dynasty Mode. This mode allows you to build a college football dynasty from the ground up. You start by creating a head coach or coordinator and taking control of any team you choose. There are three coach archetypes to choose from, and recruiting players is key!
This mode has kept me in the game for hours. The new Wear and Tear system is also a new realistic feature, where the number of hits players take actually affects their performance, but it has definitely made the game more challenging.
As for the road to glory, it’s better than before but still lacks excitement. You start by choosing a position and star ranking, which affects how quickly you get on the field. However, there are no high school games, and the gameplay becomes repetitive quickly. Managing stats like Academics, NIL, and Health through a basic resource system feels lifeless, with no cutscenes or meaningful interactions.
The on-field gameplay is limiting, especially as a quarterback. You only get one play call per down unless you spend Play Change points, which don’t always offer better options. Even with maximum coach trust, you can’t audible, making strategy frustrating at times. While Ohio’s Mark Shaw (my custom QB) leads an undefeated season, the excitement of leading a powerhouse program is definitely dulled.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, EA Sports College Football 25 is a solid entry for die-hard fans of the franchise. Its gameplay has become more realistic, though that comes with a steeper learning curve. While Dynasty Mode shines, Road to Glory still leaves something to be desired. Nonetheless, the return of college football to gaming is largely a win—though it may take some adjusting before it truly feels like a touchdown.
