When it was released in July 2024, the return of EA Sports College Football 25 captured the hearts of college football fans. Still, unlike previous iterations of the video game, this version featured real-life players. When you play with the Colorado Buffaloes, you see Shedeur Sanders lining up under center instead of a generic quarterback wearing No. 2.
CFB 25 uses a player rating system that grades players based on their production on the field and uses metrics like those seen in Pro Football Focus. Players are graded 0-99 in attributes such as speed, strength and position-specific ratings such as pass-blocking for offensive linemen. This becomes a valuable tool in the age of the transfer portal. Fans can now get a sense of the type of player their team is adding by looking at their rating.
Below is the EA Sports College Football rating for each of Colorado’s incoming transfers:
OL Mana Taimani
Rating: NR
Mana Taimani does not appear on Ole Miss’ roster. I would guess that Taimani will be graded in the high 60s or low 70s in next year’s game.
TE Zach Atkins
Rating: NR
For as great as CFB 25 is, the game does not feature any teams lower than the Football Bowl Subdivision. While future releases could at least add the Football Championship Subdivision, Northwest Missouri State transfer tight end Zach Atkins doesn’t appear in CFB 25. I predict Atkins will be the Buffs’ highest-rated TE in CFB 26, with a rating of around 75.
LB Kylan Salter
Rating: 70
Colorado continued its trend of adding a set of brothers to its roster. We will see the representative on the offensive side of the ball soon, but Kylan Salter is an important piece with the losses the Buffs suffered at linebacker this offseason.
P Damon Greaves
Rating: 71
The Buffs raided their conference rival for a new starting punter this offseason by adding former Kansas Jayhawk Damon Greaves.
K Buck Buchanan
Rating: 73
Sharing a name with an NFL Hall-of-Famer, Buck Buchanan was brought in to compete for kicking duties, likely as a kickoff specialist.
OL Zarian McGill
Rating: 75
Zarian McGill is listed as a center, so he will likely compete with Cash Cleveland for the starting job.
WR Joseph Williams
Rating: 75
Joseph Williams, the reigning AAC Freshman of the Year, will likely sneak into the high 70s or low 80s and will earn snaps with the starting wide receiver unit.
LB Reginald Hughes
Rating: 75
Listed as an outside linebacker in Jacksonville State’s three-man front, Reginald Hughes showcased the ability to generate a pass rush last year, compiling 4.5 sacks. Watch for Hughes to line up as an end on pass-rush situations in CU’s four-man defensive front.
OL Zy Crisler
Rating: 76
If I had to pick one offensive lineman to get a rating bump next season, Zy Crisler would be my pick. The hulking 6-foot-6, 335-pound guard started in 30 games at Illinois and was a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention.
DT Gavriel Lightfoot
Rating: 76
The first of a trio of transfer defensive tackles the Buffs have added, Gaviel Lightfoot was on the field for 35 games in three seasons for the Bulldogs and started 27. Lightfoot will almost certainly be a part of the rotation on the interior D-line.
DT Tavian Coleman
Rating: 78
The pass-rush specialist of the DTs, Tavian Coleman will be on the field when teams are throwing the ball to collapse the pocket in front of the quarterback’s face.
S Tawfiq Byard
Rating: 78
A big pickup for a team losing both of its starting safeties, Tawfiq Byard brings a strong pedigree and a hard-hitting style to the Buffs’ defensive backfield.
OL Aki Ogunbiyi
Rating: 79
According to CFB 25, Aki Ogunbiyi is the highest-rated OL transfer the Buffs have added. I expect Ogunbiyi to compete for a starting guard spot next season.
DB Makari Vickers
Rating: 79
Listed as a cornerback in CFB 25, Makari Vickers has the experience and size to line up at either CB or safety in Robert Livingston’s defense.
DL Jehiem Oatis
Rating: 79
Jehiem Oatis only appeared in early updates of CFB 25, as he was removed from Alabama’s roster after opting to redshirt. Oatis was listed as a defensive end but will likely play inside for the Buffs next season.
LB Martavius French
Rating: 82
Martavius French is the type of athlete the Buffs needed to add at LB this offseason. CU is down both of its starting LBs from last season, and French is an early favorite to earn a starting spot.
QB Kaidon Salter
Rating: 89
One of the highest-rated quarterbacks in both the transfer portal and CFB 25, Kaidon Salter will probably see a slight rating decrease next year. Regardless, he will be involved in CU’s offense next season as either a starter or in relief of freshman Julian Lewis.
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