What we want to see in EA Sports College Football 25

College football is almost back in the video game business. In a few months, EA Sports will drop the highly anticipated relaunch of its college football series with EA Sports College Football 25.

Per ESPN, name, image and likeness deals and the transfer portal will be a part of the game's Dynasty and Road to Glory modes. The 12-team playoff will also be included, as will 2024's conference realignment. 

More details about the game will be announced in May, but after getting a general feel for what will be included in this year's game, here's what we want to see added to future editions.

1. Coaching mode

Gamers will have to wait for real-life coaches to join the EA universe, but when they arrive, let's get a mode dedicated to them. 

Picture it: You begin the day at 5 a.m., get in your oversized vehicle, and head to the office (if you didn't sleep there overnight) while listening to talk radio and hearing why Jared from Laurel thinks you're team stinks. You meet with boosters, so A) they don't try to fire you, and B) you can drain them for cash to fund your team's NIL collective. After that, you try to convince your five-star quarterback recruit to stick with the program, your agent calls and tells you that the NFL team wants an interview, and then NCAA investigators question you about the time you bought a former player a gas station hot dog.

Take it a step further and partner with Rockstar Games to turn it into "Grand Theft Auto: NCAA" where you increase you're wanted level the more infractions you commit.

You know, make it about everything but the actual job; in other words, a typical day in the life of a college football head coach.

2. Historic teams

People constantly debate which team is the best in college football history, and EA should let those debates finally be settled on the (virtual) field. 1995 Nebraska, 2001 Miami, '04 USC, '19 LSU, and others would create epic clashes. EA could also include teams with historically great players, such as 2010 Auburn with Cam Newton and '05 Texas with Vince Young. Give us 1985 Heisman winner Bo Jackson at Auburn and the only two-time Heisman winner, Archie Griffin, at Ohio State in 1974 or 1975. Take your pick. College football has a rich history that can be mined for gold.

3. Gus Johnson

In the list of announcers released on Wednesday, there was one glaring omission. Johnson, who serves as Fox's lead college football play-by-play announcer, wasn't named, which is a shame. He has several memorable calls to his name, and while some ("Maserati Marv") need more workshopping than others, no broadcaster brings the energy that Johnson does to a telecast. 

4. EA Sports gives athletes more than $600

Electronic Arts has a net worth of $38 billion. Athletes who opt into the College Football 25 will receive a free copy of the game and $600, or less than the average college student spends annually on textbooks.

The players are the main draw for the relaunch, and while some might receive more in compensation as "game ambassadors," the payout structure for the 2025 edition of the game is laughably low. We wouldn't blame any player for opting out of such an offer. If enough do, it could force EA to pay the student-athletes what they're worth.