Ranking five best candidates to be on the cover of 'College Football 25'

After an 11-year hiatus, EA Sports is back on the college football scene. "College Football 25" will be released this summer, and it'll be intriguing to see who will grace the cover of one of the most highly anticipated video games in quite some time.

EA Sports has several viable options when it comes to deciding its next cover star, but here are five candidates who should be on the shortlist to earn the honor.

5. Former Louisville QB Lamar Jackson

We've seen a number of stars pass through the collegiate ranks since EA Sports released "NCAA Football 14," so naming a former player who wasn't in previous college football games as this year's cover athlete makes sense. Jackson, who was a standout at Louisville from 2015-17, undoubtedly would have been one of the best players in the series' history if EA had developed a game when he was in school.

The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner cemented himself as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history during his time with the Cardinals. Over his three seasons, Jackson threw for 9,043 yards and 69 touchdowns while adding 4,132 yards and 50 scores on the ground in that span. Even so, Jackson comes in at No. 5 on this list since he already appeared on the cover of "Madden NFL 21." 

4.  Former LSU QB Jayden Daniels

Should EA opt to feature a player entering the 2024 NFL Draft as the cover athlete, Daniels should get the nod over presumed No. 1 pick Caleb Williams since he was the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. Daniels showcased some of the most impressive rushing prowess by a quarterback since Jackson dominated the ACC. In 12 games this season, Daniels accumulated 4,946 yards of total offense (3,812 passing, 1,134 rushing) with 50 touchdowns, the second-most in college football.

It took time for Daniels, an Arizona State transfer, to blossom into the player he is today. His hard work and perseverance are qualities that fans can relate to as they work their way up the depth chart in "Road to Glory" mode, where they'll take control of their own customized players.

3. Former LSU QB Joe Burrow

Another throwback option, the current Cincinnati Bengals star enjoyed the greatest individual season of any player since "NCAA Football 14" came out, if not of all time. Burrow finished 25-3 as LSU's starting quarterback, leading the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 record and a national championship victory during his record-breaking 2019 Heisman Trophy-winning season. That year, Burrow set FBS single-season records in touchdown passes (60), touchdowns responsible for (65), points responsible for (392) and total yards of offense (6,039). 

2.  Texas QB Quinn Ewers 

Having a current college football star grace the cover of "College Football 25" seems like one of the most likely outcomes. While Colorado's Shedeur Sanders would be a compelling choice, the Buffaloes aren't close to being the caliber of team that the Longhorns are. Not to mention that Ewers is arguably the top quarterback returning to college football next season. 

Since transferring from Ohio State in December 2021, Ewers has played up to his five-star billing, throwing for 5,656 yards and 37 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Putting the former Buckeye on the cover would be an effective way to promote the realignment of the SEC and the game's new transfer portal feature. 

1. Former Alabama HC Nick Saban 

A coach hasn't appeared on the cover of an EA Sports-developed college football video game since Bill Walsh, but Saban would be the perfect choice to usher in the next era of the series. The 72-year-old surprisingly retired as the Crimson Tide's head coach last month, wrapping up a 28-year college coaching career that included seven national championships and zero losing seasons.

During Saban's 17 seasons at Alabama, the Tide went 206-29 (including five wins vacated by the NCAA), made eight trips to the College Football Playoff, won six national titles and saw four players win the Heisman Trophy. Additionally, a record 49 players (and counting) who played under Saban in his head-coaching career went on to be NFL first-round draft picks. 

As arguably the most recognizable and respected figure in college football history, it's a rather simple decision to name Saban as the cover star of "College Football 25." However, given his illustrious resume, perhaps Saban is more deserving of being on the cover of a deluxe edition copy of the game.