20 | August 2024
HUSKERS PREVIEW
‘IT’S IN THE GAME’
Here’s what it’s like to play with Nebraska in EA Sports video game
NATE THOMAS Lincoln Journal Star
The long-awaited return of EA Sports’ “NCAA College Football 25” video game series came this summer, captivating the masses. Each university sent the video game company materials, from music to stadium details, to help make for the most realistic gameplay possible. Players were paid $600 for their likeness to be used in the game (and they got a free copy of the game, too!). Nebraska sports an 84 overall rating in the game (out of 100), which puts NU in the middle of the Big Ten and higher than its previous division rivals like Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern and Purdue. What the game got right Nebraska’s offense carries a 78 rating, which feels like an accurate representation. The best unit on the offense is the wide receiver group, led by transfers Jahmal Banks (83 overall) and Isaiah Neyor (82). The duo isn’t the flashiest of the bunch in the game, but they’re well-rounded. Malachi Coleman (80) and Jaylen Lloyd (76) offer exciting options out of the slot with the two fastest speed ratings on the team; Coleman with a 96 and Lloyd a 97. It is fitting for two former star track sprint- ers and a duo that made big plays in 2023. For as hyped as quarterback Dylan Raiola is coming into the season, the freshman sits with an 80 overall. The gunslinger has a 96 throw power rating with modest accuracies that play up in game. His athletic peripher- als match his traits outside the game. After battling knee injuries early in his career, Thomas Fidone is a solid tight end with an 82 overall with solid speed and ability after the catch. A lot of the pre-release buzz around the gam was how accurately EA Sports would capture gameday environments. Memorial Stadium lives up to the hype. It’s one of the toughest places to play for road teams and the pregame Tunnel Walk tradition
matches the true experience. The stadium is near perfect, with an accurate depiction of renovations done since the game’s last release in 2013. Perhaps the best quality in the game is that Nebraska’s uniforms are flawless. The Huskers’ traditional red jerseys with shoulder stripes and white pants with red stripes are just as visually appealing in the game as they are in person. What the game got wrong Nebraska’s defense has an 82 overall, which feels light considering it was one of the best units in the conference (and nationally) last season. Not everything is bad on the unit though: Nash Hutmacher and Isaac Gif- ford both rank as 85 overalls and are terrific in-game playmakers. After breaking out as a top-tier defensive back, Tommi Hill is the Husker’s best player with an 89 rat- ing and is a lockdown cornerback in game. The rest of the defense raises eyebrows. Ty Robinson was given a 77 overall despite his late-season surge. Princewill Uman- mielen and Cameron Lenhardt, two tal- ented sophomores, are buried on the depth NEBRASKA ATHLETICS Nebraska’s Bryce Benhart plays “EA Sports College Football 25” earlier in July.
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