FUMBLE on the Play!...EA Sports NCAA 25

EA Sports NCAA 25: A Missed Opportunity to Highlight HBCUs

The return of EA Sports NCAA Football after more than a decade has been one of the most anticipated releases in gaming history. Fans of the iconic series have been eagerly awaiting the release of NCAA Football 25, set to drop in 2024, but there’s a major issue that has many people talking: HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are missing from the game.

For many, this is a glaring oversight—especially given the current cultural climate and the growing recognition of the importance of HBCUs in both education and athletics. Let’s dive into the historical context, why this is such a missed opportunity, and what experts are saying about the absence of HBCUs from one of the biggest sports games of the year.

A Long Time Coming: NCAA Football’s Return

First, let’s look at how we got here. The last time EA Sports released an NCAA Football game was NCAA Football 14, back in 2013. The series was paused due to legal disputes over player likenesses and compensation, which led to major changes in how college athletes are treated regarding the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Now, after years of waiting, NCAA Football 25 is finally set to bring college football back to consoles, with up-to-date rosters, updated gameplay, and modern graphics.

However, the excitement around the return of the game has been dampened by the realization that HBCU teams are missing. In a world where conversations around racial equality and representation are more important than ever, leaving out HBCUs feels like a major oversight.

Why HBCUs Matter in Sports and Culture

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played a critical role in shaping both education and sports. HBCUs were founded to provide higher education opportunities to Black students who were excluded from many predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Beyond academics, these schools have produced some of the greatest athletes in history, including Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, and Steve McNair.

In recent years, HBCUs have been gaining more visibility. Celebrities like Deion Sanders and organizations like the NBA and NFL have been shining a spotlight on these institutions, helping them gain more attention from recruits, media, and fans. HBCU sports have a rich tradition, unique culture, and deep-rooted history that offer something special in the landscape of college athletics.

Inclusion in a game like NCAA Football could have been a huge step forward for bringing HBCUs even more into the national spotlight. And with the current focus on diversity and inclusion across industries, this feels like a big missed opportunity.

The Current Climate: Racial Awareness and Representation

The past few years have seen a significant shift in conversations around racial equality, justice, and representation—especially in the sports world. Movements like Black Lives Matter have brought racial inequality to the forefront of public consciousness, prompting calls for greater inclusion and diversity across all platforms.

In college football, we’ve seen more athletes and coaches speak out about the importance of uplifting Black institutions. Several high-profile recruits have even chosen HBCUs over larger, more prominent PWIs as a way to support these schools.

Given this context, it’s hard to understand why EA Sports wouldn’t take the time to include HBCUs in NCAA 25. Their inclusion could have brought more eyes to these schools, increased interest in their athletic programs, and aligned with the push for racial equality in sports.

What EA Sports Had to Say

When asked about the omission of HBCUs, EA Sports has so far been relatively quiet, though some sources within the company have hinted that the exclusion may be due to licensing challenges and data availability. Creating accurate representations of these schools—complete with stadiums, mascots, and rosters—requires cooperation from the schools themselves, and it’s possible that not all HBCUs had the resources or infrastructure to participate in the game’s development.

However, some critics argue that this explanation doesn’t hold much weight. With the resources and reach of EA Sports, it’s hard to believe they couldn’t find a way to make it happen—especially after more than a decade of development time.

Expert Opinions and Criticism

Experts and fans alike have expressed disappointment in EA’s decision to leave HBCUs out of the game. Dr. Kofi Lomotey, an expert on Black education, commented on the situation, saying, “At a time when HBCUs are finally getting the recognition they deserve, it’s baffling to see such an important platform like NCAA Football miss the chance to represent these institutions. Including HBCUs would not only elevate the schools, but it would also expose gamers to a rich history and culture that’s often overlooked.”

Sports journalist Jemele Hill echoed this sentiment, adding, “Representation in media—whether it’s in video games, movies, or TV—matters. For a game like NCAA 25 to leave out HBCUs is a missed opportunity to celebrate the contributions of these schools to college sports and culture.”

What Could Have Been: The Impact of HBCU Inclusion

Imagine how powerful it could have been for players to take control of HBCU teams like Grambling State, Howard University, or Jackson State. With their rich histories and traditions—like the iconic battle of the bands—HBCUs bring a unique flair to college sports. Including them in a game like NCAA Football could have drawn more attention to these schools, increasing recruitment, alumni pride, and media coverage.

The inclusion of HBCUs would also give gamers a more diverse experience, allowing them to explore the full breadth of college football beyond just the powerhouse programs. It’s not just about adding more teams—it’s about bringing new stories, traditions, and perspectives to the game.

What’s Next for the NCAA Franchise?

As NCAA Football 25’s release approaches, it remains to be seen whether EA Sports will address the absence of HBCUs. With the pushback from fans and experts, there’s still hope that future updates or installments of the game could feature these schools.

In a world that’s increasingly focused on racial equality and representation, the time feels right for HBCUs to get the recognition they deserve. Including them in a game as big as NCAA Football would be a step in the right direction—not just for gaming, but for sports and culture as a whole.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Inclusion

The absence of HBCUs in NCAA Football 25 feels like a missed opportunity. In a time when diversity and representation are more important than ever, including HBCUs in such a beloved franchise could have been a major win for the schools and their communities. With the influence and reach of EA Sports, their inclusion could have helped bring more visibility to these historic institutions and highlighted their contributions to sports and culture.

As we look forward, the question remains: will EA Sports make things right in future updates? And if not, is it time for another developer to step up and give HBCUs the platform they deserve? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the conversation around representation in gaming is just getting started.