EA Sports has always set the gold standard for sports video games, and anticipation is reaching fever pitch for its upcoming release, "EA Sports College Football 25."
This marks the 21st game in the EA Sports College Football series and the first game since the 2013 release of NCAA Football 14.
A comprehensive survey of over 2,000 American college football enthusiasts was conducted to gauge fan expectations. The results reveal insights into the legends fans hope to see in the game, opinions on athlete compensation, and the impact of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules on college sports.
Before we head into the findings of the survey, make sure to check out our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code for your next bet.
Bo Jackson Leads the Pack
Bo Jackson, the legendary multi-sport athlete known for his remarkable college career at Auburn University, emerged as the most-wanted legend in "EA Sports College Football 25."
An impressive 41% of college football fans in the U.S. are hoping for his inclusion in the game. This excitement is mirrored across various states, with North Dakota (100%), South Dakota (80%), Virginia (64%), Colorado (54%), Idaho (53%) and New York (52%) expressing high levels of enthusiasm for Jackson, selecting him as the most wanted legend.
The top five most-wanted legends reflect a rich tapestry of college football history, stretching across generations of talent:
- Bo Jackson: Most-wanted by 41% of college football fans
- Barry Sanders: 38%
- Reggie Bush: 36%
- Tim Tebow: 35%
- Joe Burrow: 32%
Demographic Preferences
The survey also highlighted interesting demographic trends.
Among 18- to 24-year-olds, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson are the most eagerly wanted legends, signaling a preference for more contemporary stars. In contrast, fans above the age of 55 are most excited about Barry Sanders and Herschel Walker, underscoring a nostalgic yearning for the greats of yesteryear.
Despite his controversial legacy, OJ Simpson remains a figure of interest, with nearly one in five (19%) fans hoping to see him in the game. This sentiment is particularly strong among 35- to 44-year-olds, 30% of whom selected Simpson as their most-wanted legend.
Regional Excitement
Regional preferences also painted a vivid picture of fan anticipation.
California residents are particularly keen to see Reggie Bush, reflecting the strong connection to his storied career at USC. Meanwhile, New Hampshire (86%) is the most excited state to potentially see Joe Burrow in the game, showcasing the diverse and widespread appeal of these football icons.
The Midwest region holds the highest percentages of anticipation for several legends: Bo Jackson (45%), Barry Sanders (41%), and Bush (36%). This trend underscores the region's rich football heritage and deep-rooted fan bases.
In Alabama, the enthusiasm for college football legends is unmistakable, with Bo Jackson (38%), Tim Tebow (51%) and Cam Newton (41%) receiving their highest support in the state. This highlights Alabama's passion for both its local heroes and celebrated players from rival teams.
Conversely, all states showed the least excitement for seeing Matt Leinart in the upcoming release of "EA Sports College Football 25," suggesting that his appeal is notably lower compared to other legends.
Opinions on Athlete Compensation & NIL
The survey delved into broader issues affecting college sports, revealing mixed opinions on athlete compensation and NIL.
When it comes to NIL, fans are divided but lean toward a positive outlook. Nearly half (41%) of the respondents believe NIL is helping both players and college sports, highlighting the benefits of allowing athletes to monetize their fame.
However, a significant minority, 23%, think NIL is ruining players and college sports, indicating concerns about potential negative impacts on the traditional collegiate model.
More than one in four (26%) college football fans believe that NIL is good for the players but that it’s ruining college sports.
In South Carolina, 52% of respondents agreed with the statement, “Athletes should have been paid more for appearing in EA Sports College Football 25.” This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of athletes' contributions to the popularity and financial success of these games.
According to reports, athletes appearing in the game will receive a compensation of $600 and a free copy of the game for appearing — a compensation that fans seem to think is too little.
Thirty-six percent of fans strongly agree that the athletes should have been paid more for appearing in the game. More than half (62%) either agree or strongly agree with this statement.
Conclusion
The survey results offer a glimpse into the minds of college football fans as they eagerly await the release of "EA Sports College Football 25."
Bo Jackson's enduring legacy clearly resonates across generations and regions, while the inclusion of other legends like Barry Sanders, Reggie Bush and Joe Burrow ensures a diverse and engaging roster.
Additionally, the ongoing debates around athlete compensation and NIL reflect the evolving landscape of college sports, signaling a future where player rights and financial considerations will play an increasingly important role.
As EA Sports gears up for the release, these insights will undoubtedly help shape a game that not only honors the past but also addresses the present realities of college athletics. Fans can look forward to a game that celebrates the legends of college football while navigating the complexities of modern sports dynamics.
Methodology
The research was commissioned by Action Network and carried out by Research Without Barriers (RWB). The survey was conducted between June 13, 2024, and June 17, 2024. The sample comprises 2,005 college football fans across the United States of America.
All research conducted adheres to the Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2023) & ESOMAR. RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (2018).
Access the raw data here.
