College football fans were elated when EA Sports released the trailed for College Football 25, officially announcing the return of one of the most popular sports video games ever. However, there was still uncertainty over whether or not the Notre Dame Fighting Irish would be represented.
When EA Sports first leaked in 2021 that its college football video game would return to consoles, Notre Dame announced it would not allow its likeness to be used in the game unless EA Sports recognized NIL rights. The athletic department insisted that unless its players were included in the game and compensated for the use of their likeness, fans couldn’t play with the Fighting Irish when College Football 25 came out.
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Even as top college football programs around the country confirmed they would be represented in the latest EA Sports college football game upon its release, Notre Dame was silent. When the trailer came out, there were still no confirmed answers. Now, the university has officially announced its decision.
As revealed by Chris Vannini of The Athletic, Notre Dame will officially be a part of EA Sports College Football 25, with the program’s players, colors, traditions and Notre Dame Stadium all represented in the game.
“It’s great for all college football fans to have the game come back. It’s long overdue, and I’m thrilled. It wouldn’t be college football if we weren’t in it, and I’m glad we found a way to be in it.”
Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick on the school being in NCAA Football 25
Not only did the school confirm that fans can play using the Fighting Irish when the game is released, but the school also played an integral part in what will be shown. As senior associate athletic director Aaron Horvath told The Athletic, they provided EA Sports with photos of everything inside the stadium, locker room, rivalry trophies, audio of fourth-quarter chants and insight into unique Notre Dame traditions
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While the school didn’t go into extensive detail on how many of their traditions will be presented in the game, officials made it clear official home-and-away jerseys will be included. All of this came after assurances that their players would be compensated for their likeness being used by EA Sports.
NCAA Football 25 is expected to be released in July, though a specific date hasn’t been announced. Once it becomes available, it is widely expected to be one of the most popular video games sold in 2024.
