It appears the option offense will play a big role in EA Sports College Football 25. What’s the latest news on one of the most anticipated games of all time, and what does it mean for the likes of Army and Navy?
EA Sports College Football 25 Leaning Toward Option-Heavy Offenses?
Mike Straw of Insider Gaming reported that the “option offense plays a big role in the gameplay. A lot was developed for it.” That’s welcome news for longtime NCAA Football fans, as in the game’s last iteration (NCAA 14), the option schemes tortured computer-controlled defenses.
Having an athletic QB and an option-heavy offense was basically a cheat code — though an insanely fun one.
EA Sports even hinted at the scheme’s relevance in their May 17 press release:
“The wide open, fast-paced gameplay CampusIQ delivers in College Football 25 matches the explosiveness of college football game days, whether you want to keep it on the ground with Army’s Flexbone offense, or take to the sky with USC’s Air Raid. A range of player ratings that fluctuate throughout each game, team tiers, and in-game passing mechanics custom to college play bring a gameplay feel unique to college football.”
So, which option-heavy teams should you use in EA Sports College Football 25?
Top Option Teams To Use in EA Sports College Football 25
Army, Navy, and Air Force are some of the most recognizable triple option teams in college football. The scheme establishes the run early, keeps the defense fresh, and swings time of possession in their favor, limiting opponent plays per game.
In 2022, the NCAA outlawed cut blocks — below-the-waist blocking outside of the tackle box — in order to limit knee injuries along the line of scrimmage. The ban decreased the triple option’s effectiveness, but that hasn’t stopped the teams below from scoring points.
Army Black Knights
The Black Knights haven’t had a losing season since 2019, their only one in the past eight under head coach Jeff Monken. QB Bryson Daily returns after leading the team in passing and rushing yards last season, and much of the offense remains in place.
Now, Army did pivot to a more shotgun-based option attack in 2023, and another offseason to iron out the wrinkles should only mean improvement in 2024.
Navy Midshipmen
First-year offensive coordinator Drew Cronic began installing what he calls the “millennial version” of the Wing-T offense this offseason. Depending on what the defense shows them, the Midshipmen will deploy RPOs in a scheme that will marry the Wing-T, triple option, and spread option. The visual is enticing, but we’ll need to see it implemented on the field first.
Still, leading rusher Alex Tecza and receiver Eli Heidenreich return, providing playmakers for projected starter Blake Horvath.
Air Force Falcons
Head coach Troy Calhoun has his work cut out for him in 2024. Not only are the Falcons returning the least amount of production in the MWC, but they lost 11 players to the transfer portal and added zero. With QBs Zac Lerrier and Jensen Jones gone, the Falcons will turn to … John Busha?
He’s the only returning passer, with the rest of the QB room filled out by three 2024 recruits, chief among them being two-star signal-caller Brody Fortunati. Nevertheless, the Falcons have recorded three straight winning seasons with bowl victories. They throw the ball even less than their military academy counterparts, so uncertainty under center shouldn’t derail their current trajectory.
Liberty Flames
QB Kaidon Salter and RB Quinton Cooley in head coach Jamey Chadwell’s offense were a match made in college football heaven. Chadwell saw success with Grayson McCall running his read-option offense at Coastal Carolina, but Salter’s arm talent and athleticism supersede those of the now-NC State signal-caller.
Kennesaw State Owls
The Owls make their official FBS debut in 2024 after not even existing as a football program 10 years ago. Brian Bohannon is Kennesaw State’s first and only head coach, owning a 70-31 record.
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QB Xavier Shepherd helped shine a light on the program in 2021 when he threw 15 TDs to just three INTs and rushed for 867 yards and a whopping 23 scores. The Owls fell to 3-6 without Shepherd last season, but RB Michael Benefield returns, and the QB competition between Davis Bryson and Braden Bohannon will leave KSU with another dual threat in the backfield.
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