Tennessee football players thought they’d have to wait until a hopeful shot in the NFL to see themselves in a video game.
That was until the release of “EA Sports College Football 25,” the first major college sports game since “NCAA Football 14” in 2013.
“This is a dream,” said linebacker Caleb Herring. “I honestly thought the only game I’d see myself in was Madden. I never actually thought they’d come out with another NCAA game.”
The game features all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams and allows fans to play as some of their favorite college athletes with the help of NIL-friendly NCAA rules. Players can customize their avatars, compete in various game modes and experience the thrill of college football.
Tennessee’s rivals in the game are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.
“To be in a game that everyone is talking about right now … it’s honestly crazy,” defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs said. “Growing up, I was just always looking forward to the next Madden, but then here comes this new NCAA game.”
Since EA Sports launched the game on July 19, Tennessee football players have been glued to their consoles, enamored with the fact they can use an avatar who looks and plays like them.
“I’ve spent at least three to four hours on the game every day since it came out,” said Hobbs, throwing his hand over his face with a slight chuckle. “You know, just a little something.”
The game attempts to be as close to real life as possible, even down to the V-O-L-S lettering on Neyland Stadium and the fireworks every time the Vols score a touchdown.
“I would say how I’m portrayed in the game is pretty accurate,” said offensive lineman Cooper Mays. “It’s a lot to make every player unique and everything, but I think they actually did a pretty good job.”
Each player’s overall rating is based on factors such as speed, acceleration, agility, awareness, strength and much more. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has the highest overall ranking of 95 out of all Tennessee players.
He ranks fourth out of all players from any school, only behind Will Johnson of Michigan, Will Campbell of LSU and Ollie Gordon II of Oklahoma State.
“Nah, man,” Hobbs jokingly said when asked if his video game portrayal is accurate to his real-life game. “They got my speed all messed up, but it’s cool, it’s cool. They’ll get it right.”
Hobbs’ overall rating is 78.
FANS REACT TO NCAA 25: Tennessee football fans react to early release of ‘EA Sports College Football 25’ video game
Not only is playing the game a way to blow off steam, but the players said it has served as a good form of team bonding. They can all connect from the shared experience of seeing themselves in video game form.
“Whenever my teammates come back to the locker room, they always tell me good things about my character in the game,” Herring said. “Sometimes they tell me I’m overpowered in the game … but that’s something we’re just going to speak into existence.”
Kamryn Jackson is a sports intern for Knoxville News-Sentinel. Email @Kamryn.Jackson@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @Kamxjack.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football players say ‘College Football 25’ helps UT Vols
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