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Arch Manning’s ‘EA Sports College Football 25’ decision puzzles CFB world
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Arch Manning is not in the game.
Texas football insider Anwar Richardson reported Monday evening that Manning will not opt into the “EA Sports College Football 25” video game set for release this summer. If he does not opt-in, Manning will be replaced on the Texas roster by a generic avatar.
Multiple people have told me Texas redshirt quarterback Arch Manning will not opt into EA Sports College Football 25. I’m told Arch is focused on playing football on the field. pic.twitter.com/dCFHdAuMZ1
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) March 5, 2024
Per Richardson, Manning’s reasoning for not opting in is to focus on on-field football activities. On social media, many questioned Manning’s reported reason for not taking part in the highly anticipated game. Manning’s decision prompted some speculation that his decision could be an NIL play, but as The Athletic’s Chris Vannini pointed out, the QB’s current NIL deal benefits a nonprofit.
How does being in a video game influence your focus and on the field play? Won’t answering questions about it cause more of a distraction? https://t.co/hRuT4Lh7TY
— Kendra Middleton (@KenniMiddleton) March 5, 2024
— Brandon Olsen (@WNS_Brandon) March 5, 2024
He knows he doesn’t have to play the video game like at all, right? https://t.co/HveAldAjaH
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) March 5, 2024
What does this even mean https://t.co/WpcFGnkSKs
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) March 5, 2024
Opt-ins for the ’25 game opened in February. Opting in by April 30 guarantees a player’s appearance in the video game. Those who opt-in are set for the remainder of their eligibility, to be annually paid $600 and receive a copy of the game on the console of their choice. Players are allowed to opt-out of future editions.
The Manning news comes as EA announced that over 10,000 players, 87% of its goal, have already opted in for ’25.
In just eight days, more than 10,000 players have opted in for EA Sports College Football 25.
That’s already 87% of the game’s goal. pic.twitter.com/jtuTgMtBWO
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 4, 2024
Manning will certainly be asked about the game now that his decision is big news in the college football world. The second-year Texas quarterback will likely be able to provide a more clear explanation than what was included in Richardson’s brief post.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
