With the eagerly anticipated launch of EA Sports College Football 25, fans of college football gaming are buzzing about the updated "Road to Glory" mode, a career mode where players develop a custom player through their college journey. This feature, which has long been a staple in EA's sports games, lets players experience the highs and lows of college football, with the ultimate goal of winning a National Championship or achieving NFL-level skills. However, there's a significant change for long-time fans: high school gameplay is no longer part of the journey.
No High School Start in College Football 25
In previous iterations, Road to Glory mode kicked off with players going through high school, competing in games that determined their recruitment prospects. The high school phase was a central feature, allowing players to impress scouts and earn offers from various college programs. But in College Football 25, EA Sports has decided to remove the high school portion entirely. Now, instead of starting in high school and working up, players jump directly into their college careers.
Without high school games, players will now select from one of four predefined starting builds that reflect different levels of initial skill and recruitment status. Each starting build affects your player's overall rating, potential playing time, and the challenges you'll face in earning a spot on your college's starting lineup. Let's break down each of these builds.
The Four Starting Builds in Road to Glory
In College Football 25, the four starting builds—Elite, Blue Chip, Contributor, and Underdog—offer varying degrees of difficulty and growth potential. Each one mimics real-life recruitment scenarios, allowing players to select a level that aligns with their personal gameplay preferences and ambitions.
1. Elite Build
The "Elite" recruit is for players wanting an almost guaranteed head start. Representing a five-star prospect, this build grants the highest initial rating at 79 overall (OVR), and the player is positioned as a sought-after recruit ready to make an immediate impact on the field. Players starting as an Elite recruit will likely have the opportunity to start right away at most colleges, with advantages including an additional mental ability and five skill points to allocate toward enhancing their attributes. This option is ideal for players aiming to create a football star who can dominate from day one.
2. Blue Chip Build
The "Blue Chip" recruit offers a slightly less polished but still competitive starting point, modeled after a four-star recruit. With a starting OVR of 75, this player has a high chance of securing significant playing time in most programs and could earn a starting spot with some hard work. Blue Chip players also receive one mental ability along with four skill points to customize and develop their character's performance attributes. This option is suited for players who want a strong starting position without the instant dominance of the Elite build.
3. Contributor Build
Choosing the "Contributor" build means stepping into the shoes of a determined but less highly ranked three-star prospect. With a 70 OVR, Contributor players will need to earn every opportunity through consistent effort and skill development. Unlike the Elite and Blue Chip options, the Contributor build does not start with an additional mental ability, though it does come with three skill points to help boost specific abilities. This build captures the experience of a player working hard to break into the rotation, making it a realistic choice for those who want a more challenging but balanced path to success.
4. Underdog Build
For those craving a true underdog story, the "Underdog" build delivers the ultimate challenge. This build starts with a 60 OVR, mirroring a two-star recruit status. Players in this role face an uphill battle for playing time and will need to prove themselves repeatedly to coaches and teammates alike. With only two skill points and no additional mental abilities, the Underdog journey tests players' determination, as every snap and every rep must be earned. This option is perfect for players who relish overcoming adversity and enjoy the satisfaction of turning an overlooked recruit into a college football success story.
Customizing and Developing Your Player
While each starting build establishes a base level for your player's abilities, College Football 25 allows players to grow and adapt throughout their college careers. Skill points and mental abilities play a significant role in this customization, as players can allocate points to enhance speed, strength, agility, or other stats critical to success on the field. The mental abilities offer boosts in areas like focus and decision-making, which can impact critical game moments, adding another layer of strategy to the gameplay.
A New Way to Experience Road to Glory
The removal of the high school phase in College Football 25 may disappoint some players, but the addition of these four varied starting builds offers a fresh way to experience Road to Glory. Whether you start as an Elite recruit with high expectations or an Underdog with everything to prove, College Football 25 promises an immersive college football journey where players control their paths to greatness. Each build offers a different story and gameplay experience, allowing players to explore the excitement of college football in a new way.
Final Thoughts
To enhance the experience, College Football 25 introduces collectible College Football 25 Coins that players can earn or unlock during their career. These coins provide various in-game rewards, from special uniforms to skill boosts, which can impact gameplay. Players can gather these coins by achieving milestones, winning key games, or meeting specific statistical goals, adding a layer of reward and motivation to each season.
Overall, College Football 25 and its updated Road to Glory mode represent an evolution in sports gaming that blends realism with player-driven storytelling. The absence of high school gameplay might signal the end of one era, but it opens the door for more in-depth college-level challenges and customization. And with the added incentive of College Football 25 Coins, players have more reasons than ever to immerse themselves in the quest for college football glory.
MMOexp College Football 25 Team