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, we examine history and what the Notre Dame Fighting Irish bring to the table.
IrishIllustrated.com expert Tim Prister has you covered with a Q&A session to get you ready to play with Notre Dame in College Football 25. Tim pinpoints everything you need to know about the Fighting Irish 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 Notre Dame when they pick up the controller?
“With three transfer wide receivers added to the expectations on sophomore Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison – two sophomores who flashed as rookies in 2023 – any number of wideouts will be must-see performers for the Irish. Transfers Kris Mitchell, Beaux Collins and Jayden Harrison combined for 262 catches at their previous stops. Mitchell is the highest volume receiver (100 career catches) and yards-per-catch receiver. Multi-faceted running back Jeremiyah Love will get plenty of touches as a runner and in the open field as a pass-catcher with new OC-Mike Denbrock. Run-pass threat QB-Riley Leonard is poised for a breakout ’24. Defensively, Howard Cross III (90 overall player rating) on the defensive line, Jack Kiser at linebacker, cornerback Benjamin Morrison (94 overall player rating) and/or safety Xavier Watts (92 overall player rating) on the back end.”
What are the best offensive and defensive playbooks to use with Notre Dame?
“An air raid playbook offensively makes sense with OC-Mike Denbrock favoring 11 personnel and three-/four-wideouts. He has the loose-armed Riley Leonard to throw it to a multitude of receivers. A healthy Mitchell Evans at tight end will wear out defenses over the middle. He’s a seam-play dream. The Irish still possess the ability to grind out yards with their physical background pre-Denbrock. Definitely a 4-3 front with Notre Dame possessing one of the best defensive lines in the country, led by interior linemen Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills with Duke defensive end transfer RJ Oben primed to explode. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has an array of zone blitz concepts.”
When playing year one of dynasty mode with Notre Dame, what game should fans circle on the schedule?
“On the road, it’s undoubtedly Texas A&M in the season-opener. There’s the Mike Elko/Riley Leonard storyline, the fact that Kyle Field was given the game’s best home-field advantage, and it’s Notre Dame’s toughest test of the season away from home. If it’s a home game in Notre Dame Stadium, definitely Florida State that went 13-0 last season before the playoff snub. Plus, it’s the lone night game scheduled in South Bend this year. Huge playoff implications on Nov. 9.”
What should your strategy be with Notre Dame to put them in a position to win a national title within a few years?
“There’s logic on a couple of fronts. On one hand, OC-Mike Denbrock’s more wide-open attack from the days of 12 and 13 personnel dictates recruiting heavily at the receiver positions with the Irish deeper on the outside than they’ve been in years. On the other hand, you don’t change a tried-and true power game overnight. The Irish still have the horses to play smash-mouth football and a couple of tight ends who can catch defenses napping. Plus, Riley Leonard is a sure 500-yard rusher who could have double-digit rushing touchdowns. Pick your poison.”
What is the first play you are calling to start the season?
“The Irish have the personnel to challenge with four verticals out of the chute. A shot typically will be there against Cover 2, but the slot receiver making the hesitation move will be open for a good chunk of yards as a fail-safe. The running back chips and sits in space underneath. And since the Irish have a mobile quarterback, Riley Leonard could rip off a 25-yarder when defenders evacuate the box. Suddenly, they’re in plus territory with the opportunity to take an early lead.”
Bud Elliott of 247Sports, and also of the Cover3 podcast, had this to say about Notre Dame in the game.
“Notre Dame is probably an excellent option to use in EA Sports College Football 2025. QB Riley Leonard has excellent mobility and enough passing skill to give opposing defenses headaches. And the defense should have a great blend of speed and awareness to get stops and return the ball to Leonard.”
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!