After over a decade of waiting, a college football video game will be back this summer with EA Sports College Football. Much has been kept under wraps aside from an expected July 12, 2024 release date, but one of the first things likely to be revealed is the cover athlete. EA used to be limited to using former college stars on the cover of their games, but NIL has changed things. So, it seems likely we’ll get a current player on the cover in 2024, and these are a handful of the top options.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers
Texas football is one of the biggest brands in sports, and Quinn Ewers is back for another year after helping the Longhorns get to the College Football Playoff in 2023. Ewers was at the forefront of NIL back in 2021, and he’ll be one of the best players in the country next season while his school makes the jump to the high-profile SEC. So, Ewers has a lot going for him with the proficiency in NIL paired with being one of the main cogs in bringing Texas football all the way back under Steve Sarkisian.
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
One of the most underrated players in the nation and an arguable snub from the Heisman Trophy ceremony last season, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is the man in Tuscaloosa following legendary Nick Saban’s retirement (Saban should be a cover option, too). Milroe is basically college football’s version of Lamar Jackson with the way he can take over games, and he’ll undoubtedly be one of the most fun players to utilize on the virtual gridiron this summer.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
There will be plenty of people firmly against any suggestion of a quarterback on a sub-.500 team being a cover athlete, but Shedeur Sanders is clearly a star player—and Colorado has higher hopes in 2024. Sanders is easily marketable, and he tries to win from the pocket first and foremost before using his legs. We haven’t heard much about the gameplay in EA Sports College Football, but if it’s realistic Sanders would be a fine choice with his pro-like ability to play the quarterback position.
Michigan RB Donovan Edwards
Returning to school despite the opportunity to jump to the NFL, Donovan Edwards would be an excellent choice as the cover athlete for the return of college football video games. Edwards broke two long touchdown runs in Michigan’s national title win over Washington, and he’s set to star for the Wolverines again as the leader on offense with J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum leaving school.
OSU RBs TreVeyon Henderson & Quinshon Judkins
Finally, what about a new two-headed monster in Columbus headlining the EA Sports College Footballcover? Former Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins made the move to Ohio State, while TreVeyon Henderson decided to come back for another year—and they figure to be an extremely formidable duo for Ryan Day’s squad. We’ve seen a dual athlete cover with Barry Sanders and Robert Griffin III in 2013, but perhaps in today’s changing landscape we could see something similar with an incumbent and a transfer from the same team.