Schools Absent from NCAA Football 25

The highly anticipated return of EA Sports' college football game, now titled "College Football 25," has generated immense excitement among fans. However, not all NCAA Division I institutions will be represented in the game. This article delves into the reasons why some schools are excluded and provides a comprehensive list of NCAA Division I institutions that do not sponsor varsity football teams, and therefore, will not be included in "College Football 25."

NCAA Division I Non-Football Programs

Before 2006, schools without football programs were officially designated as Division I-AAA. These institutions, for various reasons, have chosen not to field a varsity football team. This list also encompasses schools in the process of transitioning to Division I but have not yet attained full D-I membership.

Schools Competing in Sprint Football

A unique subset of five Division I schools participates in sprint football. This variant, governed separately from the NCAA, adheres to NCAA playing rules but imposes a weight limit of 178 pounds (81 kg) on players. While these schools are NCAA Division I members, their involvement in sprint football distinguishes them from traditional football programs.

Reasons for Exclusion from NCAA Football 25

Several factors contribute to a school's absence from "College Football 25":

Lack of a Football Program: The most apparent reason is the absence of a varsity football team. "College Football 25" focuses exclusively on institutions with established football programs.
Transitioning to Division I: Schools undergoing the transition to Division I membership may not be included until they achieve full D-I status.
Licensing Agreements: Inclusion in the game necessitates licensing agreements with both the NCAA and individual institutions. Schools that do not agree to these terms will not be featured.

Schools in transition to Division I

Some schools are currently in the process of transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division I. For example, one such school began its transition in July 2023. These schools may not be immediately included in "College Football 25" until their transition is complete.

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List of NCAA Division I Non-Football Programs

The following is a list of NCAA Division I institutions that do not sponsor varsity football teams and will therefore be absent from "College Football 25":

Bellarmine University: Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Bellarmine became a founding member of the Midwest Sprint Football League. The ASUN Conference announced the addition of Bellarmine University on June 18, 2019.
Chicago State University: Chicago State is set to introduce football, bringing Chicago its only NCAA Division I program.
Jacksonville University: Jacksonville University discontinued its football program.
Mount St. Mary's University: The Mount St. Census Bureau classifies the Mount St. campus as a census-designated place within the town of Allegany.
Purdue University Fort Wayne: Purdue Fort Wayne's branding was released on June 18, 2018.
Queens University of Charlotte: The ASUN Conference welcomed Queens University of Charlotte as its newest member.
St. Bonaventure University: The Saint Joseph's campus straddles the boundary between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township. Athletic facilities are in both communities.
Southern Indiana University: USI announced the OVC as a partner for NCAA reclassification.
University of California, San Diego: CSU Bakersfield and UC San Diego joined the Big West Conference.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore does not sponsor a football program.

EA Sports' Approach to College Football 25

EA Sports has emphasized its commitment to creating an authentic and immersive college football experience. This includes securing the rights to use team names, logos, and uniforms, as well as featuring real players through name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements.