More than 10,000 college athletes took up EA Sports’ offer and the upcoming college football video game series will include them as characters. After a decade-long wait, the gaming series is set to return. However, the absence of one prominent player raised some concerns. Even with a free copy of the game and a $600 payout, he said no. Arch Manning withdrew questions about what the true motivation was but some believe the footballer is looking for a higher salary.

The staggering number of opt-ins, which accounts for approximately 90% of eligible athletes across all 134 FBS programs, underscores the overwhelming response from players eager to be a part of this historic endeavor.

Arch Manning Declines EA Sports College Football 25 Appearance

“Multiple people have told me Texas redshirt quarterback Arch Manning will not opt into EA Sports College Football 25,” Anwar Richardson directly stated. This move has now sparked a debate around Manning’s true motives for declining to appear in the highly-anticipated video game’s revival.

Richardson cited that the motivation behind Anning’s choice is his wish to focus only on football on the field. The $600 offer raises questions about fair NIL pay for high-profile players like Manning, whose name holds marketing value.

Is Manning’s decision truly rooted in a desire to maintain focus on the field, or is there an underlying financial aspect at play? An NFL insider’s perspective sheds light on a potential ulterior motive. The insider suggests that Manning may have sought higher compensation. This compensation would be more than what was offered by EA Sports. This may have led to his ultimate withdrawal from the game.

“College Football 25”: A New Era in Collegiate Sports Gaming

Set to launch in the summer of 2024, “College Football 25” marks the triumphant return of the beloved college football video game franchise. It comes after an 11-year hiatus. The game will feature all 134 FBS teams. This allows players to choose from a wide selection of schools. It aims to provide an authentic college football experience.

In addition to the inclusion of real-life players through NIL deals, “College Football 25” will introduce a range of new elements and game modes. These are sure to captivate fans. The game will incorporate recent changes in the college football landscape. This includes conference realignment. It ensures that the virtual gridiron reflects the ever-evolving reality of the sport.

Fans can look forward to the return of beloved game modes like Dynasty and Road to Glory. These modes allow players to take control of their favorite teams. They can guide them to glory over multiple seasons. The game will also feature an Ultimate Team mode. In this mode, players can build their dream rosters. They do this by collecting virtual cards of their favorite athletes.

Read more: Top Five Highest-Paid College Football Players in 2024 Including Caleb Williams, Arch Manning & Shedeur Sanders

As the release date for “College Football 25” draws near, the excitement surrounding the game continues to build. Despite the ongoing debate about Arch Manning’s withdrawal, there’s no doubt that “College Football 25” marks a fresh era in collegiate sports gaming, one that is sure to engage fans and players for years.