Best Defensive Playbook in EA Sports College Football 25: The Ultimate Guide to the 4-2-5 Defense

While EA Sports College Football 25 will not be released worldwide until July 19, fans who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition of the game have been given a three-day early access.

It is one of the most highly-anticipated releases of the year as it is the franchise's first college football game since NCAA Football 14, which debuted in 2013.

There are many defenses available in the game, and much of it will come down to the team you are using and your opponent. On that note, take a look at the ultimate guide to a 4-2-5 defense:

Best Defensive Playbook in EA Sports College Football 25

Knowing your personnel and the type of offense that your opponent runs will play a huge factor in the style of defense you will use. Unlike in the Madden franchise, where the passing game reigns supreme, offenses are much more difficult to predict.

Early results have shown that the 4-2-5 base defense may be the best option as fans look to contain the passing game, running game, and run-pass options. A 4-2-5 base defense gives users four defensive linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs.

The ability to rush at least four on each down will help contain the running game while allowing defenses to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, several play calls within the playbook provide the option to blitz more than four players.

Having five defensive backs on the field allows a much quicker defense and helps limit the opponent's passing game, particularly when it comes to deep routes. While having just two linebackers will limit the defense's size, several personnel groups within the 4-2-5 defense allow for three—and, in some cases, four—linebackers to be on the field.

As has often been the case in football video games, speed will likely be very important in EA Sports College Football 25. The 4-2-5 base playbook allows users to match the opposing offense's speed while also getting after the quarterback and running back in the backfield. Furthermore, with the run-pass option among the most popular offensive plays in the game, the personnel in the 4-2-5 playbook will help defenses with containment.