The return of EA Sports College Football 25 has sent shockwaves through the college football world, with coaches and players alike embracing the game as a new and significant factor in their schedules. Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, a member of the video game generation, leads the charge, encouraging his players to utilize the game as a way to build chemistry and stay competitive. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, the highest-rated player in College Football 25, describes it as their primary free-time activity. The game’s immersive experience extends beyond entertainment, with players appreciating its ability to decompress, stay connected with friends, and even learn their team’s offensive schemes. While coaches acknowledge the potential for distractions, they generally welcome the game’s presence, recognizing its importance to players’ social lives and engagement with the sport. The game’s release coincides with a relatively slow period in the players’ calendars, allowing them to enjoy extended gaming sessions before the demands of preseason camp kick in. Coaches are implementing strategies to manage their players’ gaming habits, with some encouraging players to maximize their gaming time before camp, while others implement designated gaming days or time limits. Despite concerns about excessive gaming, the general consensus among coaches and players is that College Football 25 is a positive addition to their training and social experience.
