Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan talks College Football 25 rating, Tigers wanting the spotlight

All Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan wanted was an 85.

In March, the senior from Texas let it be known that he was hoping for a player rating at least that high when EA Sports released its “College Football 25” video game.

“The difference between an 85 and an 84, to me, there’s a huge difference," he said at the time. "Eighty-five rounds up to 90.”

The official unveiling came Monday, and Henigan found himself with an 89.

“I mean, I’m happy with the 89 – that’s pretty good,” he said Tuesday during a FedEx Cares event at FedExForum. “I’m happy with our offense, too. Roc (Taylor is) an 88. I think (Demeer Blankumsee is) an 85. Xavier Hill is 86.

“But it’s pretty cool to play as yourself.”

Henigan added he feels like there’s one aspect of his overall game that kept him from cracking the 90 threshold.

“I mean, I’d obviously want my speed (rating) a little higher, because I can’t scramble,” he said with a laugh. “But the game is awesome. So far, I’ve played with Memphis just once. But I’m happy it’s out.”

While video game ratings don’t amount to much in terms of actual football, they do offer another reflection of how many view the Tigers’ upcoming season. Memphis is considered a College Football Playoff contender because the highest-rated Group of Five conference champion with make the 12-team field. That is reflected by EA Sports, which has Ryan Silverfield’s team with the best overall rating of any Group of Five program.

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Henigan said he and his teammates have embraced the expectations.

“We want the spotlight,” he said. “We understand that we’re gonna be the game everyone circles this year, (but) we want the attention on us.”

The FedEx Cares event also doubled as one of the first live NIL activations since April's University of Memphis-FedEx NIL partnership announcement. FedEx has committed $5 million per year in NIL dollars over the next five years to various Tigers athletics programs. On Tuesday, Henigan and four teammates (running back Mario Anderson, linebacker Elijah Herring, offensive lineman Jaylen Nichols and defensive back Jordan Grier) participated.

“It’s upon us, the FedEx times Memphis athletics era,” said Henigan. “It’s a blessing for the athletes. Doing work (and) doing it the right way). Whereas other schools – everything’s different, between schools just paying guys. But I feel like coach (Ryan) Silverfield does a good job of abiding by the rules in every regard and doing it the right way.”

The Tigers get things started against North Alabama on Aug. 31 (6 p.m., ESPN+) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan talks College Football 25 rating, Tigers wanting the spotlight