Over 10,000 athletes have opted in to EA Sports College Football 25, but not this Texas QB
Just how excited are college football players to appear in EA Sports College Football 25? In a little over a week since EA sent out the largest NIL deal ever — to more than 11,000 college football players from all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams — over 10,000 have already opted in.
"The response to the athlete opt-in opportunity for EA Sports College Football 25 has been phenomenal," Daryl Holt, senior vice president and group general manager for EA Sports' Tiburon Studios and American football division, told ESPN. "In the little over one week, over 10,000 athletes across the FBS have opted-in to the offer with more saying 'yes' every hour. We're excited to welcome more athletes in the weeks ahead and to debut this first class of athletes in the game when it launches this summer."
But not every player is willing to have their name and likeness appear in the video game. Texas sophomore quarterback Arch Manning — has reportedly opted out of being in the video game.
It's reported that the reason he's opted out is to focus "on playing football on the field."
Despite being one of the most marketable players in college football, Manning, who is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, hasn't taken much NIL money during his college tenure. His lone NIL deal was with Panini America to sell his exclusive trading card, and he donated the money to charity.
It's a bit of unfortunate news for fans, but it's a commendable decision by Manning, and in no way should he be chastised for it.
Even without Arch Manning, EA Sports College Football 25 should have plenty of recognizable names and faces. Some of college football's biggest stars have already opted into the game, including Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and fellow Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Players who opt in to have their name, image and likeness used will receive $600 and a copy of the game (valued at $70) on the platform of their choice.
EA Sports College Football 25 is set to release this summer with a rumored launch window in July. We'll get our first proper look at the highly anticipated game in May.