Gaming enthusiasts and college football fans are rejoicing with the upcoming release of a popular EA Sports college football video game.
EA Sports College Football 25 will launch this summer, marking a return for the widely celebrated video game franchise.
With the University of Toledo coming off another MAC championship game appearance, the Rockets will be represented in the highly-anticipated return of the game. So how might Toledo’s players be represented in the virtual space?
We’re in the game! @EASPORTSCollege ????????????#CFB25 | #TeamToledo pic.twitter.com/n0v9hJSfPA
— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) February 22, 2024
Here is who we think could be Toledo’s highest-rated players when the game releases.
Tucker Gleason, QB
■ Best game attribute: Arm strength
With Dequan Finn, the reigning MAC most valuable player, exiting in the transfer portal, the spotlight is now on Gleason. Finn has considerable talent and experience to replace. But Toledo fans will take comfort in having Gleason, a proven backup with the talent to step into a starting role. Gleason, a Georgia Tech transfer, performed admirably in relief of Finn several times in the past few seasons when given the opportunity.
Gleason has several plus traits as a quarterback, but at the forefront is the strength in his right arm and the ability to thread passes into tight spaces, as well as push the ball downfield on deep routes. That is a trait that translates well to video games and along with some demonstrated ability in the rushing game and extending plays outside the pocket, and you could be looking at a diamond in the rough in the new game.
Jerjuan Newton, WR
■ Best game attribute: Hands
Newton has been All-MAC the past two seasons at receiver including a first-team nod last season. He led the Rockets in the passing game with 52 catches for 696 receiving yards and a MAC-leading nine touchdown receptions. He hauled in three TD passes against Western Michigan and started the season with at least one TD in each of his first six games.
Newton is one of the most prolific touchdown catchers in Toledo history, and that should translate well to College Football 25. He is sure-handed, is a threat on deep routes, and can be someone who is counted on to make the tough catches. If you are looking for someone to get behind the passes of Gleason’s strong arm, Newton is as sure as it comes and the touchdowns should follow.
Jacquez Stuart, RB
■ Best game attributes: Speed/acceleration
Stuart provided one of the biggest plays in Toledo’s I-75 rivalry history with his fourth-down reception that he broke for a 59-yard, game-winning touchdown in the team’s win at Bowling Green. But that was just one play that demonstrated his breakaway speed and explosive acceleration. He was a first team All-MAC honoree as a kickoff returner. He was third in the nation in kickoff return yardage at 29.1 yards per return. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry as a rusher and had an 80-yard TD run against Wyoming in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.
Stuart is the kind of playmaker that is priceless for college football gamers. What is more exciting than a big kickoff return to start a game, open the second half, or provide a game-altering play after an opponent’s score? Stuart can provide that, but is also a breakaway run or reception waiting to happen. That should make him a video game favorite.
Maxen Hook, S
■ Best game attribute: Power
Hook is a valuable defender for Toledo and is coming off of a 2023 campaign that saw him claim first team All-MAC distinction at safety. At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Hook is an explosive athlete who can cover, but can also provide some vicious hits in run support or in cleaning up after an opponent’s reception. He was third on the Rockets with 69 tackles but also provided three interceptions.
Looking for a big play on defense? Hook should be your guy. A thumping hit to dislodge the football or a potential interception are distinct possibilities when Hook is around the ball. Those kinds of plays should make Hook a popular defender that can be used to change momentum by creating turnovers.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S
■ Best game attribute: Coverage
Another versatile player at the safety position, McNeil-Warren showed big-time coverage ability in 2023 that could lead to even bigger returns as a junior this season. McNeil-Warren was fourth on the team last season with 69 tackles and second on the team with two interceptions. He had some huge performances including in the bowl game against Wyoming when he had eight tackles and two forced fumbles in a starting role. In a regular-season start against Western Michigan, he stuffed the stat sheet with 13 tackles, a forced fumble, two pass breakups, and an interception.
His coverage ability is his standout trait as a safety because he has shown an ability to track the ball and break up a pass or create a turnover with an interception. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds he has good size for his position and is someone who could be a good option to pair with Hook in Toledo’s defensive backfield. When tested by opposing quarterbacks, McNeil-Warren is someone who could come through to deny a big offensive play or get the ball back to offensive weapons like Gleason, Newton, and Stuart via an interception.
First Published February 27, 2024, 4:04 p.m.
