College Football 25 defense tips: 5 biggest ways to improve your defensive game

EA Sports College Football 25 has finally been released and players are itching to make big plays on offense. But what about the defense? Whether you play the computer or fight online battles, defense plays an important role.

Here are five things to know about stopping opposing offenses in College Football 25.

5 best College Football 25 defense tips

Defense can be a significant challenge in College Football 25. (Photo credit: IMAGN)

#1 The conservative tackle is your friend

If you don't want to end up on the wrong end of blowout games, the conservative tackle will be your friend. Unlike the old days of EA football, where you could dive tackle or hit stick, the conservative tackle is the safe alternative.

It's the X button on the PS5 or the A button on the Xbox. In a game where open-field tackling is not a friendly experience, the conservative tackle is your basic defensive tactic. Use it early and often and bust out the dive or hit stick only once you're comfortable with the conservative tackle.

#2 Coverage is more important than blitzing

Two things are given: online players will want to chuck deep passes and blitz. The blitz is glamorous but often leaves weak-tackling defenses exposed. The blitz has a time and place, but think more about coverage than rushing the passer.

Online players in particular will be vulnerable to a smart coverage look. Sacks might be glamorous, but turnovers -- particularly interceptions -- will win games.

#3 Learn the "Guess Pass" feature

Another tweak to help with pass-heavy opponents is the new guess pass feature. If you're certain a pass is coming, hit the R1 or RB button and push the right stick up. This tells your defense to get aggressive in going after the passer. It's a less risky tactic than calling all-out blitzes and can have the same impact.

#4 Bend but don't break

Many past college football games seemed to value aggression more than strategy. College Football 25 isn't really in that mode. An aggressive strategy should be used periodically and not constantly. Make opponents drive down the field methodically and the odds that they make a mistake soar. That's when your defense can pounce, but it's certainly not every play.

#5 Get a good team

The bottom line is this -- good teams will play good defense. It's obvious and simple, but stick to the top defensive teams to improve your defense. The top handful of defensive teams includes Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame and Michigan. Having good players -- as in real life -- will make life much easier in College Football 25.

How's the defense going for you in College Football 25? Share your stories below in our comments section!