Michigan star running back Donovan Edwards will be one of the cover athletes of EA Sports’ next game College football 25 video games. Cover art appeared on PlayStation Store on Friday with the option for fans to list the game ahead of its expected summer release, generating even more hype after an 11 year hiatus college football video game.
Edwards is Featured front and center alongside Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Colorado multi-position star Travis Hunter. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins also appear, as well as unnamed players from programs including Clemson, USC and Notre Dame. The PlayStation Store listing also includes an in-game screenshot showing Notre Dame players preparing to run out of the tunnel inside Notre Dame Stadium.
Edwards played a significant role in Michigan winning its first national title since 1997 last season. Edwards’ role is expected to increase during the 2024 campaign due to the program’s mass departures to the next level. The Wolverines had 13 players selected in 2024 NFL Draft – the most among all college teams – and lost head coach Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers.
EA Sports confirmed in February that the video game series will be released this summer. The company released a promotional trailer and renders of some of the game’s features, including player, mascot, and stadium models. More information about the game is expected to be released next week.
Edwards will become the fourth different Michigan player to appear on the cover of the acclaimed video game, joining Charles Woodson (NCAA Football 99), Desmond Howard (NCAA Football 06) and Denard Robinson (NCAA Football 14). Robinson was the last cover athlete to appear on the cover before she was officially suspended due, in part, to an antitrust lawsuit surrounding name, image and likeness. The NCAA’s recent sweeping reforms, which allowed college athletes to profit from their NIL, have opened the door for the video game’s return.
Here are three quick facts you should know about Michigan’s star running back.
Former five-star recruit ranked 33rd in class
Departing from West Bloomfield (Mich.), located less than 50 miles from Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus, Edwards was ranked as the No. 33 player in the 2021 recruiting cycle by 247Sports. The five-star prospect was second only to future Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson as the best player at his position. Edwards committed to the Wolverines over Georgia, Notre Dame and Oklahoma. In the end, Edwards chose to stay close to home.
Edwards played a key role in Michigan’s title run
Although former Michigan star Blake Corum received most of the carries on the way to the CFP victory over Washington, Edwards also played a key role in capturing the trophy. When Corum missed the end of the 2022 season due to injury, Edwards became the RB1. He rushed for 991 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022 before rushing for 497 yards with five touchdowns last season. Edwards rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries in a 34-13 victory over Washington in the title game. With Corum heading to the NFL and Edwards opting to step back for another season, he should see his numbers skyrocket.
Edwards is the new “face” of Michigan football
The 2024 season will mark a new era in Michigan football. With Harbaugh now with the Chargers and offensive stars JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum and Roman Wilson heading to the NFL, Edwards will have the opportunity to be the face of the Big Ten juggernaut. Edwards is one of the most notable returners on offense, while star defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson headline the defense. Michigan’s offensive schemes could look the same with Sherrone Moore replacing Harbaugh, meaning Edwards will have a chance to become an even bigger household name as his role increases in 2024.
It seemed logical that the video game cover would feature a member of the defending champions, and Edwards certainly fits the bill as the headliner of a new Michigan lineup.