When fans play the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 25 video game later this week, Missouri State will not be in the game. But we’re still here to help you dream and prepare you to build your dynasty in the game’s sequel.
Missouri State will have to wait a year to get into the video game, which is making a triumphant return after an 11-year hiatus. There are no FCS teams in this year’s edition, but Missouri State will join Conference USA in 2025, putting it in what would likely be called EA Sports College Football 26 next summer (unless EA breaks all of our hearts and take another 11 year break).
While we have the game pre-ordered and are ready to play this week, we’re already thinking about what it will be like to don the brown and white next year. Here’s a look at what you can expect next summer.
How would Missouri State rank if it were in EA Sports College Football 25?
A video released by Electronic Arts showed that Conference USA newcomer Kennesaw State will enter FBS play ranked 71st overall. For reference, Georgia is the highest-ranked team in the game with 95 points overall, and Iowa, the highest-ranked team, has 87.
Missouri State would probably be in the 71 range and maybe a little higher considering it comes in the same league as KSU and hasn’t exactly been an FCS powerhouse. The Owls went 3-6 during their final FCS season last year, with losses to teams like Charleston Southern, Tennessee Tech and Chattanooga. Next year’s ranking will depend on how the Bears play this year.
The video showed Kennesaw State’s offense and defense with 71 ratings. It’s not a stretch to believe that Missouri State’s offense, coming off one of the best passing seasons in the FCS, would rank higher with the return of quarterback Jacob Clark. If they want a higher ranking, the Bears defense needs to perform better this season.
The lower the rating, the more likely Missouri State is the favorite for players to use in the next edition, making it a challenge in the game’s popular Dynasty mode.
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Who would be the highest rated players in the state of Missouri if it were in EA Sports College Football 25?
Running back Jacardia Wright might be a good place to start, considering his speed for his size. He would have solid attacking ability while also being a capable receiver out of the backfield. Kansas State’s experience could be attractive to those distributing rankings.
Clark, the Bears’ starting quarterback, could have challenged MSU’s single-season passing records if he remained healthy. He will have eligibility next year and could rank highly on College Football 26.
Security Toddric McGee had a solid season in 2023, earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second-team honors. He may also be in the next edition.
But the one person who would rank highest on the Bears if they were in this game? I would probably be a gambler Grant Burkett who is a three-time FCS All-American. His punting could probably compare to many of the best legs at the FBS level right now.
More: Does Missouri State football have trouble recruiting Kansas City? Some coaches think this way.
What traditions could Missouri State football have in EA Sports College Football 26?
Details in the video game trailers show everything from Notre Dame players slapping the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign on the way to the playing field to the exact band formations as players enter the stadium. The grand fanfare that makes college football so great is part of the game.
Missouri State football isn’t exactly steeped in tradition. You’ll probably see that it includes Boomer, the mascot, and the football-helmeted car he drives with the team chasing him on the field for the first time.
You can take a photo of the BearFest Village in a pregame setup and the band occupying the middle of the student section, as is the case on game day. A cannon shot after a Bears touchdown or on the opening kickoff could also happen.
If the game really wants to be accurate, announcers Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will try to kill a wasp in the press box at some point in the action.
Let’s just hope we don’t hear Fowler or Herbstreit shout “Bear Up!” in the future game.
More: Missouri State football coach Ryan Beard has an uphill climb with FBS transition, story says
What is the College Football 25 release date?
The game will be available for pre-order on July 16th, but the official release date is July 19th.
Will College Football 25 be on PC?
The game will not be released for PC.
College Football Price 25
The Standard Edition of the game costs US$69.99. The Deluxe Edition costs $99.99. The MVP edition, which also includes Madden 25, costs $149.99.
This article originally appeared in the Springfield News-Leader: College Football 25: Will Missouri State be in the game?
