EA Sports College Football 25 is back and it’s taking the sports world by storm. The game, which made its return last week, has everyone talking, including the Ohio State Buckeyes. Head coach Ryan Day has instructed his team to use the game as a tool to better understand their opponents, a move that is raising eyebrows but also garnering attention.
At Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer spoke about the unique experience of playing as himself and his teammates in the game. “I grew up playing that game and was dying for it to come back,” Sawyer said. “And it’s surreal to be a part of the game its first year back. It’s super cool being able to play with the Buckeyes and play with myself. It’s a unique experience.”
The realism of College Football 25, from the playbook to the graphics, is impressive. The game includes real NCAA athletes who were compensated for the use of their name, image, and likeness, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience. While playing video games will never replace studying actual game film, Day sees the value in using the game as a way to prepare his players for real-life matchups.
Buckeyes players have responded positively to Day’s encouragement to play the game. Defensive back Denzel Burke shared that he has been playing the game every day since its release, showing the team’s eagerness to utilize this unique training tool.
While Day may not be featured in the game as a coach, he has found a way to be involved by coaching his son, RJ, as he plays. Day expressed his disappointment in not being included in the game as Ohio State’s head coach, stating, “So I haven’t played it, but I coach it. So RJ plays it, and I tell him what to run. I’m a little disappointed I’m not in it. I’d like to be in it.”
As the Buckeyes gear up for the upcoming season, with a highly anticipated matchup against Michigan on November 30, Day will need to shift his focus from coaching the virtual Buckeyes to coaching the real ones. The team’s first game is set for August 31 at Ohio Stadium against Akron, where fans will be eager to see how their training in the virtual world translates to success on the field.
Overall, the integration of video games into the training regimen of a major college football program may seem unconventional, but in the case of the Ohio State Buckeyes, it appears to be a strategy that is paying off. As technology continues to play a larger role in sports, it will be interesting to see how other teams follow suit in utilizing gaming as a tool for success.
