EA Sports releases first college football game in 10 years, 73 Tar Heels included

EA Sports College Football 25 is here, and the Tar Heels are in the game. 

EA Sports released the highly anticipated college football video game in late July, and along with it a ranking of the top-100 college players that are featured. At the top of the list for current UNC players, is junior running back Omarion Hampton was ranked at No. 22, with a 93 overall rating. Graduate rusher Kaimon Rucker was listed at No. 56, with an overall rating of 91. 

CFB 25 was EA’s first college football game since 2013, largely due to the issues with name, image and likeness compensation for college athletes. With advances in NIL that allow for college athletes to profit off their name, the game was able to go forward using the likenesses of any college football players who opted in, which includes 73 Tar Heels. Participating players received $600 and a copy of the game as compensation. 

For Rucker, being in the game and receiving such a high ranking is a blessing, and something he never expected. But for others, like Hampton, the video game is motivation to be better on the field. 

“I was satisfied with a 93, I was very satisfied with it,” Hampton said. “But I mean I feel like I got more, I can be a higher rating so this year I’m going to try to improve.” 

Dynasty and Road to the College Football Playoff are two modes of the game that allow players to pick existing teams, such as North Carolina. The Road to Glory game mode allows users to play as an athlete on and off the field, while Dynasty focuses on the coaching experience.

For Hampton, playing the Dynasty game mode has helped him appreciate the work of head coach Mack Brown and the other coaching staff. Even in a video game, balancing the demands of the season's schedule and recruiting is a lot. 

According to EA’s website, one goal for CFB 25 was realistic gameplay, including game day atmosphere. Players can experience Rameses hyping up a sea of Carolina Blue-clad fans in Kenan Stadium and can score a touchdown with Hampton as the Bell Tower overlooks the scene. But just like actual games, it can be frustrating, even for the best football players. 

“I think it’s too accurate in a lot of different ways,” Rucker said. “I’ve had my rage quits, I’ve had my situations to where I have had missed snaps and busted coverages and things of that nature. I’ve gotten very frustrated with the game, but I mean, if this is how a fan feels with college football, then I feel it for you now.”

Still, players like graduate quarterback Max Johnson and sophomore quarterback Conner Harrell have enjoyed playing as themselves in the game.

“I played once when it first came out in our facility,” Harrell said. “It’s cool being able to play with yourself, I think that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 

What’s cooler, he added, is hearing that other people are playing as him in the game. Senior linebacker Power Echols echoed Harrell’s sentiment, saying that he wants to show that he can be just as good on the field as his character is in the video game. 

While the CFB 25 experience has been something different for every player — a source of motivation, a source of frustration or a dream come true — they all agree that the game is a way to have fun with their teammates away from the field, and all of the expectations of UNC game day. 

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com