Why Tennessee Football Players Believe Playing ‘College Football 25’ Benefits the Vols
Tennessee football players believed they would have to wait for a chance in the NFL to see themselves in a video game.
That changed with the release of “EA Sports College Football 25,” the first major college sports game since “NCAA Football 14” in 2013.
“This is a dream,” said linebacker Caleb Herring. “I honestly thought the only game I’d see myself in was Madden. I never actually thought they’d come out with another NCAA game.”
The game includes all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, allowing fans to play as their favorite college athletes thanks to NIL-friendly NCAA rules. Players can customize their avatars, compete in various game modes, and experience the excitement of college football.
Tennessee’s rivals in the game are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.
“Being in a game that everyone is talking about right now … it’s honestly crazy,” said defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs. “Growing up, I was always looking forward to the next Madden, but then this new NCAA game came out.”
Since EA Sports released the game on July 19, Tennessee football players have been glued to their consoles, thrilled to use avatars that resemble and play like them.
“I’ve spent at least three to four hours on the game every day since it was released,” Hobbs said, chuckling as he covered his face with his hand. “Just a little something.”
The game strives for realism, even including the V-O-L-S lettering on Neyland Stadium and the fireworks that go off whenever the Vols score a touchdown.
“I would say how I’m portrayed in the game is pretty accurate,” said offensive lineman Cooper Mays. “It’s a lot to make every player unique and everything, but I think they actually did a pretty good job.”
Each player’s overall rating is determined by factors such as speed, acceleration, agility, awareness, strength, and more. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. holds the highest overall rating of 95 among all Tennessee players.
He ranks fourth among players from any school, only behind Will Johnson of Michigan, Will Campbell of LSU, and Ollie Gordon II of Oklahoma State.
“Nah, man,” Hobbs jokingly responded when asked if his video game portrayal is accurate to his real-life performance. “They got my speed all messed up, but it’s cool, it’s cool. They’ll get it right.”
