Exciting news for college football fans as the highly talented Michigan Wolverines cornerback, Will Johnson, is set to feature in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 game! This announcement comes as a thrilling return of the beloved college football franchise after an absence of 11 years. With all 134 FBS teams included in the game, players’ names and likenesses will be accurately represented, marking a significant milestone under the current name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules. 

Notably, this also signifies the first time that college athletes will receive compensation for their participation in a video game. Johnson joins an impressive lineup of college football stars set to grace the game, including Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, Michigan RB Donovan Edwards, and many others. Michigan CB Will Johnson is anticipated to be “the highest-rated player,” and here’s all you need to know about him. 

Will Johnson follows in his father’s footsteps 

According to Athlon Sports, “Michigan CB Will Johnson to be the highest rated player in the new EA CFB 25 video game,” and the hype is only justified. Will Johnson’s family legacy intertwines with both University of Michigan football and a tradition of victory. Following in the footsteps of his father, Deon Johnson, who played cornerback for the Wolverines from 1990 to 1994, Will has embraced success since his arrival on campus in January 2022. Deon Johnson’s tenure included two outright Big Ten Championships and a triumphant victory in the 1993 Rose Bowl, where Michigan emerged victorious against the Pac-10 champion Washington Huskies in a thrilling 38-31 showdown.

In a parallel narrative, Will Johnson has quickly made his mark as a standout player, boasting two Big Ten Championships and a triumph in the 2024 Rose Bowl. Notably, history seemed to repeat itself on Monday night as the Wolverines faced off against the Washington Huskies in the CFP National Championship, mirroring the iconic matchup of the 1993 Rose Bowl. This time, Michigan secured a resounding 34-13 victory, further cementing the Johnson family’s legacy of success on the football field.

EA Sports College Football promotes NIL benefits 

The opt-in process for EA Sports’ College Football 25 video game kicked off on Thursday, offering college athletes the chance to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). With over 11,000 eligible players, they can receive $600 and a free game copy without any service obligations. EA advises athletes to opt in by April 30 for inclusion in this year’s edition. Additionally, players can access over 100 NIL opportunities, including social media endorsements and on-campus promotions. 

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Once opted in, athletes will be featured throughout their college careers and receive annual payments, with the option to opt-out in the future. All 134 FBS schools are on board, with initial rosters, including up to 85 players per school. Cory Moss, CEO of the Collegiate Licensing Company, praised EA’s groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing guaranteed revenue for every participating student-athlete—an unprecedented scale. Moreover, athletes across men’s and women’s sports can earn compensation for various promotional activities, expanding NIL opportunities.