If you were to explore EA Sports' "College Football 25" and check out College Football 25 Coins the South Carolina football team's running backs, you’d notice the absence of senior Juju McDowell, USC's top returning player at the position. McDowell's absence is temporary due to delays in account access, but he should be added to the game soon. This issue arose from a longer-than-expected process to set up his profile and accept EA's offer, despite the company encouraging athletes to opt in by April for the July 19 launch. Athletes who opted in receive $600 and a game copy worth $70.
Once EA verifies McDowell's identity, he'll be available in the game. In the meantime, McDowell has been playing the game with his teammates, exploring other college football programs rather than the 2024 Gamecocks. Despite not playing as his own team, McDowell remains confident in his gaming skills, as demonstrated by his participation in a recent Gamecock Club EA Sports "College Football 25" tournament, which was won by freshman offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins.
In the real world, McDowell, one of two scholarship returners in South Carolina's running back room, is joined by sophomore Djay Braswell, incoming freshman Matthew Fuller, and transfer players Raheim "Rocket" Sanders (Arkansas), Oscar Adaway III (North Texas), and Jawarn Howell (South Carolina State). Despite the competition, McDowell describes the group dynamic as more of a brotherhood focused on achieving a common goal.
"College Football 25" Impact and Success
"College Football 25" has seen incredible success since its release, drawing five million unique players within the first week and generating $500 million in sales. This marks a triumphant return for EA's college football franchise, which was discontinued in 2013 following lawsuits over the use of athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) without compensation. The most notable lawsuit was led by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon, resulting in significant changes in how athletes are compensated.
For the first time, athletes are being paid for their inclusion in the game, with more than 14,000 college football players opting in. EA's goal was to include 85 players per roster, and they have surpassed this. Athletes were informed last month about their inclusion status, and the game allows for roster updates throughout the season.
EA's Strategic Success
EA Sports CEO Andrew Wilson highlighted the game's record-breaking launch and the company's commitment to delivering bigger, more connected experiences. "College Football 25" is a key part of EA's strong start to FY25, illustrating their focus on innovative player experiences.
Legal and Financial Context
The game’s release coincides with ongoing legal developments in college sports. Houston Christian University recently filed an appeal in the House v. NCAA antitrust case, following a denied motion to intervene. The historic House settlement, if certified, could radically change college sports' financial model, requiring the NCAA and Division I conferences to pay $2.8 billion in damages over 10 years and allowing schools to share up to $22 million annually with athletes. This settlement is also expected to resolve two other antitrust cases against the NCAA.
"College Football 25" marks a new era in college sports gaming, combining successful player engagement, significant sales, and the cheap NCAA Football 25 Coins groundbreaking inclusion of compensated athletes.
