When fans play the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 25 video game later this week, Missouri State won't be in the game. But we're still here to help you dream and prepare you to build your dynasty come the game's sequel.
Missouri State will have to wait a year to enter the video game, which is making its 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 presumably be called EA Sports College Football 26 next summer (unless EA breaks all our hearts and goes on 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'll be like to suit up in the maroon and white next year. Here's a look at what you can expect next summer.
What would Missouri State be rated if it was in EA Sports College Football 25?
A video released by Electronic Arts showed that Conference USA newcomer Kennesaw State will enter FBS play as a 71 overall. For reference, Georgia is the highest-ranked team in the game with a 95 overall and Iowa, the 25th-ranked team, is an 87.
Missouri State would likely be in the 71 range and maybe a little higher, considering it enters the same league as KSU and hasn't exactly been an FCS powerhouse. The Owls went 3-6 during its final FCS season last year with losses to teams like Charleston Southern, Tennessee Tech and Chattanooga. Next year's rating will hinge on how the Bears play this year.
The video showed Kennesaw State's offense and defense given 71 ratings. It's not far-fetched to believe Missouri State's offense, coming off one of the better passing seasons in the FCS, would be ranked higher with quarterback Jacob Clark returning. If it wants a higher rating, the Bears' defense needs to perform better this season.
The lower the rating, the more likely it might be that Missouri State would be a favorite for gamers to use in the next edition, making it a challenge in the game's popular Dynasty mode.
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Who would be Missouri State's highest-ranked players if it was in EA Sports College Football 25?
Running back Jacardia Wright might be a good place to start considering the speed at his size. He would have a solid break-tackle ability while being a capable receiver out of the backfield. The Kansas State experience might be attractive to whoever hands the ratings out.
Clark , the Bears' starting quarterback, might've challenged for MSU's single-season passing records if he stayed healthy. He'll have eligibility next year and could grab a good rating in College Football 26.
Safety Todric McGee had a solid season in 2023, earning second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. He can also be in the next edition.
But the one person who would have the highest rating on the Bears if they were in this game? It would likely be punter Grant Burkett who is a three-time FCS All-American. His punting could probably stack up against many of the best legs at the FBS level right now.
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What traditions could Missouri State football have in EA Sports College Football 26?
The details in the trailers for the video game show everything from Notre Dame players slapping the "Play Like a Champion Today" sign en route to the game field to the exact formations bands stand in when players enter the stadium. The great pageantry that makes college football so great is a part of the game.
Missouri State football isn't exactly sprawling with tradition. You'll probably see it include Boomer, the mascot, and the football helmet car he rides out on with the team running behind him onto the field for the first time.
You might get a shot of BearFest Village in a pregame montage and the band filling up the middle of the student section, as is the case on gameday. A cannon shot after a Bears touchdown or on the opening kickoff might make its way in, too.
If the game really wants to be accurate, it'll have announcers Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit trying to kill a wasp in the press box at some point during the action.
Let's just hope that we don't hear Fowler or Herbstreit yell "Bear Up!" in the future game.
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What is the release date for College Football 25?
The game will be available on July 16 via pre-order, but the official release date is July 19.
Will College Football 25 be on PC?
The game will not be released for PC.
College Football 25 price
The Standard Edition of the game costs $69.99. The Deluxe Edition goes for $99.99. The MVP Edition, which also includes Madden 25, is $149.99.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Imagining Missouri State football if it was in EA Sports College Football 25
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