Madden 25 vs. College Football 25: Comparing top gameplay feature differences

Madden 25 and College Football 25 are two of the most anticipated American football video games on the market. The games involve the NFL and NCAA, respectively, and can be played online and offline.

Before the respective release dates, let's examine the key differences in gameplay between the potential competing gaming entities.

The key differences between Madden 25 and College Football 25 gameplay features

1. Career Simulation: Franchise Mode vs. Dynasty Mode

Simulating careers has always been a major part of Madden and College Football, and the feature will return to both gaming franchises. Madden has franchise mode, while College Football has dynasty mode.

According to longtime Madden developer Josh Looman, 70 new storylines will progress during the season and require players to make role-playing choices that affect an individual player's progression as well as the franchises. These gameplay alterations are designed to breathe new life into a Madden gameplay feature that has been criticized for being stale in the past few years.

On the other hand, dynasty mode will allow users to start as either a head coach, offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator. Furthermore, conferences can be customized, and leagues can be created with up to 20 programs. Recruitment is also set to feature heavily in the first iteration of College Football in ages.

2. BOOM Tech vs. CampusIQ gameplay

BOOM Tech and CampusIQ gameplay are long-standing statement features of Madden and College Football. They'll be making debuts this year.

Boom Tech features three core principles: Physics-Based Handling, the Reloaded Hit Stick, and Ball Carrier Balance. Each is expected to give Madden 25 players a more realistic feel when playing the game.

CampusIQ gameplay includes the wear-and-tear system, home-field advantage, player abilities, unique playbooks and additional new mechanics that provide fast-paced gameplay unique to College Football.

3. Player Awards

Pivoting back to the career modes, Madden 25 and College Football 25 are set to have contrasting situations regarding award ceremonies after a grueling season.

In Madden 25's Franchise and Superstar Mode, players will get the chance of winning the major NFL Awards, notably head coach of the year, MVP, and All-Pro selections. This gives the player something to look forward to during and after the football season.

In the case of College Football 25, there aren't such awards in dynasty mode or Road to Glory. That's because the National College Football Awards Association declined an offer to allow EA Sports to use its awards in the game.

Hence, players won't be able to win the Biletnikoff, Davey O'Brien, Bednarik, Ray Guy, Outland, and Maxwell Awards in the game. At least they'll be able to hoist the Heisman Trophy as the Heisman Trust announced in March that it would allow EA Sports to use the trophy in "College Football 25".