It’s almost here!
It’s almost here! We can now count the time until College Football 25 is released in HOURS, rather than days or months, and we’re positively salivating after being without college football in video game form for so long.
Naturally everyone will start by playing their favorite team and getting a feel for everything, but eventually that gives way to dynasty mode — and the chance of building a program from the ground up to become a powerhouse.
For some it might be enough to dominate with an already-established Top 10 program, but the appeal is really taking an underdog and making them a legend. Here are our picks for the five teams we can’t wait to build in dynasty mode.
Mark Schofield: Navy
In every installment of the NCAA video game series, I began my dynasty with Navy.
Over the years that has taken me down various paths. One time my dynasty ended with me at Texas, another time with me down in the Swamp with Florida. But I always start with Navy. Part of the reason was the fact that Annapolis is just a short drive from where I live, back in the day it had more to do with the flexbone offense Navy runs, and the ability to just run option-style offense. There was also the difficulty in recruiting wide receivers to play in a system that did not exactly feature a lot of passing, so there was that added hurdle.
Also, “Anchors Aweigh” goes pretty hard.
So, I will not be messing with tradition. Go Navy.
Jared Mueller: Akron Zips
Listen, I’m an Ohio State Buckeye by blood (and student loans) but there is nothing fair about using the upcoming champions as your starter team.
Using LeBron James’ hometown team, on the other hand, might be a lot of fun depending on how creative the game allows me to be. While LeBron is also a Buckeyes fan, can I get the NBA star as a booster/sponsor for the Zips?
Plus, I want to see the mighty kangaroo holding up the trophy at the end of my third year:
James Dator: Appalachian State
What more could you possibly want out of a dynasty school than App? Firstly, you have the locale — which you’re going to be staring at a lot. Kidd Brewer Stadium, nestled in the Appalachian mountains is absolutely beautiful, making those pre-game shots an utter delight.
Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Secondly, you have a school that’s good enough to play as without it just being a horrible experience. Joey Aguilar is a really solid year-one quarterback to kick things off before you need to turn to the portal and recruiting to bolster things in year two and beyond, while also having a great No. 1 receiver in Kaedin Robinson to get the ball rolling.
Honestly though, the biggest reason you play App is to make everyone else’s life a living hell. Each year out of conference teams schedule App State, and it’s always a problem. This year it’s Clemson, who faces the mountaineers in Week 2. So get out there and make Dabo Swinney cry with a Funbelt beating that sends them packing.
If you want to take a small program and make them a juggernaut then nobody is better than App State.
JP Acosta: South Alabama
As a Southerner, I wanted to choose a starting point that was in the south and somewhere that I’ve been. There’s no better point than Mobile, Alabama and the South Alabama Jaguars. The campus is beautiful and less than an hour from the beach. On top of that, you’re only five minutes away from a Cook Out, which is going to be my main recruiting point.
In addition, Kane Wommack leaves the cupboard with some very talented players still on the roster. Jaden and Devin Voisin play on opposite sides of the ball (Jaden is a safety, Devin a receiver), but both are incredibly valuable to the team. QB Gio Lopez showed some promise, but there’s still enough wiggle room to create a team in your own image.
Plus, you’re in the Fun Belt baby! The best conference in football needs you!
Jared Mueller #2: Colorado Buffaloes
Call me petty, it fits, but my other team is the Buffs because I want to run a comparison of the team I build and the one that Coach Prime Deion Sanders builds. Can I outshine Prime? The return of NCAA football allows me to find out in real-time.
