by Sean Szymczak
Yeah, it’s really happening – EA Sports officially announced the return of the long-awaited college football video game earlier this month. Players and schools have littered twitter with announcements that they will in the game that returns after over a decade-long hiatus.
Despite the electricity that has been injected into the college football community thanks to this announcement, we still have 5 or 6 months to wait until we finally get to play. So what better use of our time is there than predict how some of the Big Ten’s stars will grade out in new game?
First up: the offense. We’ll break down the top 5 Big Ten players and their College Football 25 rating at each position and give you some bonus ratings for players that didn’t quite make the cut.
Quarterbacks
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: 95 OVR
6’0″ 200lbs
The 6th-year veteran QB doesn’t get the attention that the Carson Becks and Quinn Ewers of the world get. But make no mistake – Dillon Gabriel is absolutely one of the 10 best QBs in college football in 2024. With 700 rush yards and 18 rush TDs over the past two seasons at Oklahoma, Gabriel’s lower-body strength and underrated speed make him a true dual threat. He can sometimes look like a running back in the open field. Although he doesn’t always throw the prettiest ball, Dillon Gabriel can make any throw asked of him at the college level. He completed 70% of his passes at nearly 10 yards per attempt last year and boasts a 5:1 career TD:INT. Dillon Gabriel is sure to be a weapon in the new College Football 25 game.
Will Howard, Ohio State: 92 OVR
6’5″ 245lbs
There’s a false narrative floating around that Avery Johnson had taken Will Howard’s starting QB job. The reality is KSU’s lack of pass-catching options mandated packages for the elusive Johnson in order for the Wildcats to maximize their offensive output. Will Howard still has all the measurables you want in a star college QB. He’s got the size, arm strength, and mobility. Some of Howard’s less impressive passing statistics (59% career completion, 7.4 career ypa) can be blamed on his lack of weapons. His best pass-catchers were often coming out of the backfield. But that won’t be an issue at Ohio State. Howard’s accuracy has been a bit inconsistent, but I expect that to be coached away with the help of Ryan Day. Will Howard’s physical tools and wealth of experience will allow him to flourish like never before.
Drew Allar, Penn State: 88 OVR
6’4.5″, 240lbs
Drew Allar’s first year as a starter didn’t go as planned, but ex-OC Mike Yurcic and Penn State’s lack of receiving talent are just as much to blame as Allar (if not more). The third-year QB still has one of the prettiest throwing motions in the nation and a rocket for a right arm. He showed against Ohio State, Michigan, and Ole Miss that he can be rattled when faced with pressure and is not one to improvise well when plays go off-schedule. Drew Allar’s arm talent is undeniable, but his lack of mobility and struggles under pressure will prevent him from having an elite College Football 25 rating.
Miller Moss, USC: 86 OVR
6’2″ 200lbs
Miller Moss is the presumed successor to Caleb Williams at USC. Although he has only one start to his name, Moss should be one of the highest rated QBs in the Big Ten in the new College Football 25 game. Moss has about three games worth of attempts (92) in his career and has done the most with the opportunities he’s been given, completing 72% of his passes at 10 yards per attempt for 914 yards, 11 total TDs, and just 1 INT. The poise and ball placement he demonstrated in the Holiday Bowl vs Louisville should make Lincoln Riley sleep well at night knowing his offense is in good hands. But Moss’ lack of experience and athleticism will surely prevent his College Football 25 rating from being too high.
Will Rogers, Washington: 84 OVR
6’2″ 215lbs
Will Rogers seems like what a typical 3-star, 70-overall QB would progress to in five seasons in College Football 25. He’s got enough mobility to escape the pocket and make something out of nothing, but not enough to make defenses really fear his legs. He has a quick release and can make some beautiful deep throws, but his short and intermediate accuracy can be a bit erratic. Rogers has a respectable 69% completion and has accounted for 96 TDs in his career, so he will certainly be no slouch in College Football 25. But it’s hard to envision the 5th-year QB being a game-changing talent in EA Sports’ new game.
Other Top Quarterbacks
Tyler Van Dyke, Wisconsin: 82 OVR
Hudson Card, Purdue: 80 OVR
Luke Altmyer, Illinois: 80 OVR
Dylan Raiola, Nebraska: 79 OVR
Alex Orji, Michigan: 79 OVR
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana: 77 OVR
Running Backs
Treveyon Henderson, Ohio State: 99 OVR
5’10” 212lbs
The former blue-chip recruit spurned the NFL and an opportunity to be the RB1 in the draft to come back to school and should be rewarded with one of the prestigious 99 OVRs in College Football 25. When healthy (which has been his biggest challenge the past two seasons), there is nothing Treveyon Henderson can’t do. He has elite, track-level speed to break away from the defense, can make defenders miss in a phone booth, and has no problem lowering his shoulder and running over guys. Henderson is also an adept pass-catcher, hauling in 50 receptions in his career. With over 3,300 total yards and nearly 6.5 yards per carry in his career, Treveyon Henderson should be one of the highest rated players in College Football 25.
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers: 98 OVR
5’9″ 210lbs
Kyle Monangai is what NCAA 14 players would call a “gem”. A low 3-star recruit in 2020, Monangai burst onto the scene in 2023. Despite facing more stacked boxes than any other RB in the country, he led the Big Ten in rushing and averaged over 5 yards per carry. His vision, balance, and power make him a load for any defense to bring down. But Monangai hasn’t been asked to catch many passes or run routes out of the backfield which prevents him from sniffing that elusive 99 OVR rating.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State: 98 OVR
5’11” 210lbs
Quinshon Judkins has been as productive as any running back in the country in his first two collegiate seasons, accounting for over 3,000 total yards and 34 TDs. He was only a 3-star recruit, but there isn’t really a weakness in his game. Judkins has elite vision, balance, and strength. Although he is usually running through defenders, Judkins has the agility to be a real threat in the open field. But he does not possess the speed to be a real homerun threat which keeps his College Football 25 rating at a 96 OVR. But I’ll take a running back who can gash defenses for 5-10 yards every single carry on my dynasty team any day.
Donovan Edwards, Michigan: 96 OVR
6’1″ 210lbs
Donovan Edwards is a rare breed, possessing the size to mow over defenders and the speed to outrun everyone on the field. He wears defenses down with his strength and power before using his great vision to find cutback lanes and ripping off huge gains. He always hits the right gap and has the elusiveness to make a guy miss in the open field. Edwards has only caught 15 passes but he has demonstrated a great set of hands and is always a threat with the ball. Although Donovan Edwards has break-away speed, he doesn’t quite have the burst to be a consistent home-run threat.
Nick Singleton, Penn State: 95 OVR
6’0″ 225lbs
Recruiting-class mates Nick Singleton & Kaytron Allen have carried the Penn State offense over the past two seasons. But Singleton – the ‘thunder’ to Singleton’s ‘lightning’ – gets the slight nod in the College Football 25 ratings thanks to his elite pass-catching ability for the position. But with a combined 4,244 total yards and 41 TDs over the past two seasons, Singleton & Allen will undoubtedly be featured in a lot of two-back sets in the new college football game.
Other Top Running Backs
Kaytron Allen, Penn State: 95 OVR
Roman Hemby, Maryland: 93 OVR
Darius Taylor, Minnesota: 92 OVR
Quinten Joyner, USC: 90 OVR
Jordan James, Oregon: 90 OVR
TJ Harden, UCLA: 89 OVR
Leshon Williams, Iowa: 88 OVR
Devin Mockobee, Purdue: 87 OVR
Wide Receivers
Tez Johnson, Oregon: 98 OVR
5’10” 160lbs
The speedy, shifty Johnson racked up nearly 2,000 receiving yards at Troy before transferring to Oregon last season and immediately becoming an impact player. He caught 86 passes for 1,182 yards and 10 TDs. With Troy Franklin gone and another year of development under his belt, Tez Johnson should have an electric season in 2024. He has a burst that makes him dangerous on deep routes and after the catch. Even though Johnson has a great set of hands, his small frame and lack of proven jump-ball ability keeps him just shy of 99 OVR.
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State: 97 OVR
6’1″ 206lbs
Egbuka struggled with drops and some nagging injuries in 2023 which dropped his rating a bit. Nonethless, Emeka Egbuak is one of the best wide receivers in the entire country. He’s got the frame & strength to make catches over the middle while getting hit. He also has the speed and quickness to take the top off of the defense. Egubka also has a knack for reeling in tricky grabs along the sideline thanks to his great hand-eye coordination. He’s the complete package.
Daniel Jackson, Minnesota: 95 OVR
6’0″ 200lbs
Daniel Jackson, a former 3-star prospect, has improved drastically in each of his four seasons at Minnesota and returns for a 5th season. He has the ideal combination of size and speed you want in an outside receiver. Jackson isn’t the sharpest route-runner but will catch just about anything thrown his way thanks to his strength and body control. He’s also a sneaky good run-blocker on the perimeter which is invaluable when running the option in the new College Football 25 game.
Will Pauling, Wisconsin: 92 OVR
5’10” 187lbs
Pauling, who transferred from Cincinnati last year, immediately became Wisconsin’s WR1 and despite having just 13 career receptions in his brief time with the Bearcats. He has the awareness & intelligence to settle into the right spots of zone coverage to give his quarterback easy windows to throw into. He also has the speed & quickness to be explosive after the catch. Will Pauling is one of the nation’s crispest route-runners, making him an absolutely weapon from the slot. But his rating is limited due to some struggles with drops throughout the season last year.
Zachariah Branch, USC: 91 OVR
5’10” 175lbs
Branch is still waiting to meet the potential that made him a top-10 prospect in the 2023 class, but his near Olympic-level speed will make him a true weapon in College Football 25. Branch has elite stop-start ability and the quickness to shake defenders out of their shoes. His route tree needs to be developed more, but Jeremiah Branch is the type of player that can take it to the house whenever he touches the ball. He isn’t a complete receiver quite yet, but it could be fun to put Branch in the backfield in some packages to fully utilize his unmatched athleticism.
Other Top Wide Receivers
Donaven McCulley, Indiana: 90 OVR
Duce Robinson, USC: 89 OVR
Jeremiah Hunter, Washington: 88 OVR
J. Michael Sturdivant, UCLA: 87 OVR
Carnell Tate, Ohio State: 86 OVR
Tai Felton, Maryland: 86 OVR
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana: 85 OVR
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State: 84 OVR
Tight Ends
Colston Loveland, Michigan: 97 OVR
6’5″ 245lbs
In just two seasons, Colston Loveland has emerged as one of the premier tight ends in all of college football. He has the strength & frame you want in a tight end, making him a real force in both run and pass blocking. Loveland is also an adept pass-catcher, playing the role of JJ McCarthy’s security blanket for much of 2023. He has game-breaking explosiveness and is an advanced route-runner for someone at his position. Colston Loveland doesn’t have the greatest set of hands in the world, but he will be a force to be reckoned with in College Football 25.
Luke Lachey, Iowa: 97 OVR
6’6″ 253lbs
Luke Lachey appears to be next in a long line of great Iowa tight ends. He got off to a fast start in 2023, catching 10 passes in his first couple games before going down for the season with injury. Like Loveland, Lachey is an complete tight end with elite run blocking, pass blocking, receiving, and route-running abilities. He isn’t quite as explosive as Loveland is, but his hands are as reliable as they come.
Terrance Ferguson, Oregon: 94 OVR
6’5″ 256lbs
Ferguson’s long frame and wingspan make him an easy target for quarterbacks. He’s got great quickness and elusiveness – especially for someone his size. It’s rare to find tight ends who are as dangerous as Ferguson is in the open field. He still has to develop a bit as a blocker, but it’ll be easy to find mismatches with Terrance Ferguson in College Football 25.
Tyler Warren, Penn State: 92 OVR
6’6″ 259lbs
After sharing the spotlight with Theo Johnson last year, Tyler Warren is ready to step up into a premier role in the Nittany Lion offense. He’s one of the best run-blocking tight ends in all of college football with an ability to line up on the line of scrimmage, in the backfield, and on the perimeter. He has a terrific set of hands and can leverage his strength to come up with tough grabs in traffic. Warren isn’t quite the explosive athlete in space that Ferguson or Loveland is, but he’s as reliable of a tight end as you can find.
Moliki Matavao, UCLA: 87 OVR
6’6″ 263lbs
The former Oregon transfer is a monster-sized tight end. He isn’t an elite route-runner, but he can be electric as any at the position with the ball in his hands. Matavao is a reliable blocker and is sure to be a focal point of the Bruin offense in 2024.
Other Top Tight Ends
Adison Ostrenga, Iowa: 86 OVR
Thomas Fidone III, Nebraska: 85 OVR
Cole Rusk, Illinois: 84 OVR
Offensive Linemen
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State: 98 OVR
6’4″ 320lbs
Donovan Jackson was a 1st-team All-Big Ten guard last season after allowing only one sack. He is the anchor of Ohio State’s interior line and one of the best run-blockers in all of college football.
Jack Nelson, Wisconsin: 98 OVR
6’7″ 311lbs
Nelson struggled with a bit of inconsistency last year that we did not see in 2022. But he is still one of the best and strongest athletes you’ll find on an offensive line. Jack Nelson looks like the next Badger offensive lineman to have a great NFL career.
Hollin Pierce, Rutgers: 96 OVR
6’8″ 345lbs
Hollin Pierce is a physical specimen and one of the biggest linemen in the entire country. He may struggle a bit with more technically-refined pass-rushers, but can still bully just about anyone off the line of scrimmage.
Josh Priebe, Michigan: 96 OVR
6’5″ 310lbs
An All-Big Ten transfer from Northwestern, Priebe has been a staple on the Wildcat offensive line for a couple seasons now. As we’ve seen with numerous transfer additions on the Wolverine offensive line over the past few years, expect Josh Priebe to take a big step forward in his development under Sherrone Moore and be a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Gus Hartwig, Purdue: 95 OVR
6’5″ 315lbs
Gus Hartwig is one of the best, most experienced centers in college football. A season-ending injury from 2022 lingered into last season, but Hartwig is now fully healthy and will be the glue to Purdue’s offensive line in 2024.