EA Sports College Football 25: Florida State Seminoles team preview

The wait is almost over! EA Sports College Football 25 releases Friday, July 19. The 247Sports team is proud to be the exclusive media group to get early access to playing the game. To make sure fans are ready for the launch of EA Sports College Football 25, we preview some of the top teams in the video game – including Florida State. 

Team expert Brendan Sonnone of Noles247 has you covered with a Q&A session to get you ready to play with FSU in College Football 25. Brendan pinpoints everything you need to know about the Florida State roster from impact players to choosing the best offensive and defensive playbooks to highlighting key games on the 2024 college football schedule.

What impact players should fans be controlling for Florida State when they pick up the controller?

“If EASports gets the speed and acceleration levels right, I think RB/ATH Jaylin Lucas is a player who fans are going to enjoy featuring on offense. The Indiana transfer was exceptional this spring and is someone who has captured the imagination of the coaching staff. RB, slot WR, kickoff returner…you want to get the ball in his hands in real life, and I’d imagine gamers will want to do the same.”

What are the best offensive and defensive playbooks to use with Florida State?

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what Mike Norvell’s offense looks like here, because the NCAA Revamped version was a nice blend of option offense with the eye candy Norvell loves to incorporate. 

That being said, the playbook I’m most looking forward to trying out – and one that I think will be a lot of fun for FSU’s current offensive personnel – is Jamey Chadwell’s modern triple option. FSU rosters three QBs with decent mobility and has a stable of diverse running backs with some limitations at wide receiver. So using a horizontal passing attack to spread the field some would make sense, and it’s an offense that would allow you to place RBs at receiver to take advantage of skill sets provided by the likes of Lucas and Lawrance Toafili.

On defense, just stick with the 4-2-5. Adam Fuller has it working at a pretty high level these days. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The even front with speedy edge defenders Patrick Payton (90 overall grade, he’s FSU’s highest-rated player) and Marvin Jones Jr. is a good place to start building your defense.”

When playing year one of dynasty mode with Florida State, what game should fans circle on the schedule?

“When I play Dynasty Mode, I usually restrict myself to three regular-season games. In the NCAA14 version of the game, starting strong was big in building momentum for the rest of the year. However, getting a taste for what the stadium atmosphere is like in the game while playing against Clemson in Doak – presumably at night – is what it’s all about. So schedule the Oct. 5 matchup.”

What should your strategy be with Florida State to put them in a position to win a national title within a few years?

“Depending on what freshman QB Luke Kromenhoek is ranked in the game, I’d heavily consider enduring growing pains early on to let Kromenhoek take his lumps and then be among the nation’s best signal callers a couple years in. Figure on freshman RB Kam Davis being a pretty good player by then as well…and maybe former five-star WR Hykeem Williams will return for a senior season to make a run at a natty in 2026.

One aspect that I’m really excited to tinker with is the career path for coaches. Do you go with a head coach who is a recruiter, a motivator, or a strategist? If the mindset is to develop some of the blue-chip talent that resides among the current underclassmen on the roster…I think the motivator path makes the most sense here to build on what FSU has already established.

Oh, and if I’m putting all my chips in for 2026…using the Transfer Portal to go all-in and build an ideal supporting cast around Kromenhoek (while recruiting some blue-chip trench prep players in 2024 to either sign them or have a chance to add them via the Portal in a year or so.”

What is the first play you are calling to start the season?

“Shout out to FSU fan Aaron Cabrera, he said it perfectly. Nothing fancy. Inside run, test the defense and start setting up the play-action game.”

Bud Elliott of 247Sports, and also of the Cover3 podcast, had this to say about Florida State in the game.

“Defense, defense, defense. You’ll command a team with an elite defensive line, anchored by standout defensive end Patrick Payton, who can disrupt any offense with his speed and strength. In the secondary, cornerbacks Fentrell Cypress and AZ Thomas will lock down opposing receivers, making big plays and creating turnovers. This formidable defense will keep you in every game, allowing you to capitalize on your offensive opportunities. The offense might lack skill, but it does have a lot of speed from receiver Malik Benson and QB DJ Uiagalelei has elite arm strength.”

In 2013, Bud created the Blue Chip Ratio — a breakdown of programs that have done well enough on the recruiting trail to actually win the College Football Playoff. You will be able to see Bud’s ratio in the game.

EA College Football 25 will be available on July 19. For more team previews, check out 247Sports and CBSSports.com over the coming week.

 Want to see your rival’s preview? Your exclusive first look at EA Sports College Football 25’s Top 25 teams presented by Late Kick’s Josh Pate can be seen here!