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, consistency and efficiency take the lead as we dive into the Utah Utes.
Steve Bartle of UteZone has you covered with a Q&A session to get you ready to play with Utah in College Football 25. Steve pinpoints everything you need to know about the Utah 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 Utah when they pick up the controller?
“If you’re playing offense, you’ll have Cameron Rising at quarterback. Above all else, Rising has proven to be a winner over the last few seasons. He’s done so by being athletic enough to make plays with his legs, as well as through the air with his arm talent. What makes Rising a special quarterback though is his mind. He consistently gets the Utah offense into the right play pre-snap before executing the play after the snap. Though Rising may not have any elite athletic or physical tools, he’s good in most areas, it’s his awareness, confidence, and moxy that allows him to maximize his ability on a consistent basis. Rising also has plenty of weapons to utilize in the Utah offense this season. Headlined by tight end Brant Kuithe, the tight end room also features Carsen Ryan and Landen King, each of whom have shown the ability to make big plays in the passing game. At receiver, Utah will be led by four upperclassmen that work really well together in Dorian Singer, Money Parks, Damien Alford, and Mycah Pittman. The running game will be powered by two veterans in Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover but be on the lookout for two young backs in Dijon Stanley and Michael Mitchell, who provide a little lightning and thunder to the rushing attack.”
“On defense, it starts with the linebackers patrolling the middle of the field in Lander Barton and Karene Reid. The two have shown the ability to defend the run reliably, rush the passer, and make plays in coverage. Barton offers a little more attacking the line of scrimmage, while Reid has consistently had takeaways in the passing game. the linemen up front will all be reliable and control the line of scrimmage. Junior Tafuna is the anchor of the defensive front, while Keanu Tanuavasa provides a little pass rushing juice from the interior of the line. Connor O’Toole and Van Fillinger are the bookends, where Filliner is more of that power rusher, O’Toole has a little bit more juice. In the secondary, Zemaiah Vaughn will be the primary corner outside, while Smith Snowden is a promising up & comer, while Tao Johnson will be a tremendous centerfielder type of free safety.”
What are the best offensive and defensive playbooks to use with Utah?
“This is as deep an offensive unit as Utah has ever had, with the talent and depth they have at running back, receiver, and tight end. The versatility of the tight ends gives Utah some flexibility in their personnel packages and offensive scheme. This year looks to be a pretty balanced pro-style offense under offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, which will give Rising and the Utah offense plenty of options from a personnel and formation standpoint.
“On defense, Utah has made a living with its 4-2-5 defense under defensive coordinator (and head coach in waiting) Morgan Scalley. The Utes have a four-man front with two linebackers, and five defensive backs, which includes a nickel. There is some personnel flexibility that gives Utah the ability to play three safeties or three linebackers instead of a nickel as well. Priority No. 1 for Utah is to takeaway the run and then make plays against the passing attack.”
When playing year one of dynasty mode with Utah, what game should fans circle on the schedule?
“There is the BYU rivalry game this year that will be played at Rice Eccles Stadium, which is always a heated contest. However, with this being the first year in the Big 12 Conference for Utah, the very first conference game against Oklahoma State on the road in Stillwater at Boone Pickens Stadium is one that fans should absolutely have circled on the schedule. Oklahoma State has long been one of the top contenders in the Big 12 under Mike Gundy and this will be a significant first test for the Utes this season.”
What should your strategy be with Utah to put them in a position to win a national title within a few years?
“Utah has been built from the inside out, continuing to recruit at a high level in the trenches will always be a big priority. The next step for Utah is building out the depth of talent at the skill positions must also land more talent at the skill positions. Utah has found more success with the quarterback position in recent years. That’s led to a discovery of the tight end position and the positive impact that group can have in the offense. Continuing to make those a priority, while building up the skill position talent through high school and transfer portal recruiting is the ticket for the Utah.”
What is the first play you are calling to start the season?
“The tight ends will be positives in the run blocking for Utah, while also being dynamic playmakers in the passing game. So, I’d be looking to utilize the flexibility of Utah’s 12-personnel and give Cameron Rising the freedom to get us into the right play based on the advantage he identifies from the defense. I’d be looking to get the ball to Kuithe on the move, King up the seam, or Singer attacking the intermediate area of the passing attack. If the pass isn’t there, check into an inside zone play and play bully ball.”
Bud Elliott of 247Sports, and also of the Cover3 podcast, had this to say about Utah in the game.
“Playing as Utah in EA Sports College Football 2025 will be incredibly exciting! You’ll take control of quarterback Cam Rising, orchestrating the offense with precision and connecting with star tight end Brant Kuithe, who can make clutch catches and big plays. The Utes’ powerful and balanced offensive attack will keep defenses on their heels. On the defensive side, the team’s physical and disciplined approach will make every game a tough battle for opponents.”
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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