The wait is almost over! EA Sports College Football 25 releases Friday, July 19. The 247Sports team is proud to be the exclusive media group to get early access to playing the game. To make sure fans are ready for the launch of EA Sports College Football 25, we preview some of the top teams in the video game. Today, the Oklahoma Sooners are ready to make noise on your game consoles and in the SEC.
Team expert James Jackson of Sooners Illustrated has you covered with a Q&A session to get you ready to play with Oklahoma in College Football 25. James pinpoints everything you need to know about the OU roster from impact players to choosing the best offensive and defensive playbooks to highlighting key games on the 2024 college football schedule.
What impact players should fans be controlling for Oklahoma when they pick up the controller?
“The Sooners’ defensive unit is led by “middle linebacker” Danny Stutsman (91 overall player rating) and safety Billy Bowman Jr. (90 overall player rating). Stutsman should be the Sooners’ overall best player on the team–and due to most gamers commonly usering the middle linebacker in Madden and NCAA, he should be even better under your control. Bowman Jr. is bound to give you multiple interceptions a season.
“Offensively, even though Jackson Arnold is a five-star quarterback, he’ll probably have to get some games under his belt before he earns an impact star. So feed transfer wide receiver Deion Burks and running back Gavin Sawchuk. The NCAA College Football games have routinely been about speed, and Burks and Sawchuk have that.”
What are the best offensive and defensive playbooks to use with Oklahoma?
“OFFENSE: You can never go wrong with the Spread offense and that’s what you should use if you’re playing with the Sooners. The spread includes pre-snap motions, RPO’s and gives your QB the option to run or pass on nearly every play. Given that Arnold is a natural dual-threat quarterback, the wide receiver room is arguably the best position group on the offense, and a consistent 100-yard rusher in Gavin Sawchuk, the spread offense will play right into the strengths of the Sooners.
“DEFENSE: Brent Venables and his staff have recruited in a way that allows the Sooners to play ‘multiple’, which users should take advantage of in the game. So, however, you usually play defense, the Sooners’ should be able to adapt to any scheme given their personnel.”
When playing year one of dynasty mode with Oklahoma, what game should fans circle on the schedule?
“With it being the Sooners’ first year in the SEC, there are a few that could qualify for a circle. Whether that being traditional rival Texas, LSU in Death Valley, or Alabama coming to Norman. But it’s become clear that fans around the country want to know if the Sooners are SEC ready. And the first matchup is against Tennessee at home. So, it’ll be a big statement game for the Sooners. If you can win big in the opener, you’ll silence many doubters.”
What should your strategy be with Oklahoma to put them in a position to win a national title within a few years?
“Let the Sooners’ veteran defense and OU’s playmakers lead the way if you’re looking to win a national championship in year 1. But if you’re looking to create a dynasty, you will have to replace NFL defensive talents Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman Jr. and a few rotation players. Thankfully, you’ll have a great starting point with 5-star defensive lineman David Stone and his counterpart Jayden Jackson. Those two are set to lead the defense as quarterback Jackson Arnold should be even better in his next season alongside a very good recruiting class.”
What is the first play you are calling to start the season?
“Four Verticals and Mesh have to be the two most popular plays throughout the history of Madden and NCAA. Mesh is more of a tame approach, which can almost guarantee a three-to-five-yard gain each time. But if I had to pick one to get me back into the feel of the craziness of college football, it would have to be Four Verticals. Jackson Arnold’s arm strength and the talented receiver group play right into the strength of the concept. You should be able to hit a guy like Deion Burks over the middle or Nic Anderson over the top. Either one has the chance for a touchdown on the opening play.”
Bud Elliott of 247Sports, and also of the Cover3 podcast, had this to say about Texas A&M in the game.
“You’ll lead the offense with quarterback Jackson Arnold, known for his strong arm and ability to make plays on the move. On defense, the Sooners boast returning experience, with players ready to contribute at every level.”
In 2013, Bud created the Blue Chip Ratio — a breakdown of programs that have done well enough on the recruiting trail to actually win the College Football Playoff. You will be able to see Bud’s ratio in the game.
EA College Football 25 will be available on July 19. For more team previews, check out 247Sports and CBSSports.com over the coming week.
Want to see your rival’s preview? Your exclusive first look at EA Sports College Football 25’s Top 25 teams presented by Late Kick’s Josh Pate can be seen here!
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