It’s beginning to feel real.
The cover for the Deluxe Edition of EA College Football 25 leaked on Saturday, May 11, and EA confirmed it to be authentic hours later.
While the news may have leaked a bit earlier than EA wanted, the excitement generated by the cover and a screenshot proves just how big of a deal the game’s release will be.
Look at the cover and screenshot the PlayStation store mistakenly shared.
Both have been taken down, but multiple outlets grabbed them before they were removed.
According to EA, this is just one of three covers. The other two covers could focus on players, coaches, fans, or conferences. One of the covers is a Standard Edition, while the other may be a Collector’s Edition.
I predicted EA might release a Collector’s Edition to celebrate and further monetize its return to the college football field.
The unmistakable message on the cover for the Deluxe Edition highlights the inclusion of real players.
Michigan’s Donovan Edwards, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, and Colorado’s Travis Hunter are getting the most upfront focus. However, it is easy to distinguish Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins.
One glaring omission is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. He is considered one of the top three or four quarterbacks in college football and one of the most popular players. Perhaps he will be featured in some other form of game promotion. We have yet to see which current players and legends from the past will be featured in Ultimate Team.
Ultimate Team figures to play a significant role in EA College Football 25’s existence as it has become the driving force in Madden.
The screenshot of what appears to show the Notre Dame Fighting Irish making their way to the field highlights the Golden Domers’ inclusion and signature pageantry.
An official reveal for EA College Football 25 is coming May 16, according to an official countdown clock posted on the game’s official website.
While a deep dive into every feature May not come for a week or so after the official reveal, I’d expect to know the primary feature set, roster information, some gameplay enhancements, and how it will differ from Madden 25.
Let’s not forget that the unveiling of Madden is likely to follow EA College Football 25. EA opened the sign-up forms online for the beta on May 11 as well, which indicates that new information is forthcoming.
If both EA American football games are positively received, it could mark a banner year for the publisher/developer. The presence of both games, especially if they’re good, will augment the real-life football season for many fans.
More coverage is expected for EACF 25 and Madden in the coming weeks as we approach EA’s complete American Football takeover. There are indications the games could be connected and be powered by an always-on concept.
