Why Travis Hunter, not Shedeur Sanders or Deion Sanders, made the College Football 25 cover
The cover of College Football 25 was officially announced today, showing off stars Quinn Ewers, Donovan Edwards, and Travis Hunter. We found the leak yesterday, but now it's cemented that this trio will represent their schools on the standard edition of the NCAA Football reboot. Each of these three players was a bit of a […]
The cover of College Football 25 was officially announced today, showing off stars Quinn Ewers, Donovan Edwards, and Travis Hunter. We found the leak yesterday, but now it's cemented that this trio will represent their schools on the standard edition of the NCAA Football reboot. Each of these three players was a bit of a surprising choice for different reasons, but Hunter's inclusion over Shedeur Sanders and Deion Sanders is most interesting.
Neither Sanders is on College Football 25's standard or deluxe covers. Why is that? We dive into that answer because it's more complex than just about talent.
Why Isn't Shedeur Sanders on the College Football 25 Cover?
While Hunter is talented, Sanders has the brightest spotlight we've seen on a collegiate athlete in some time. Shedeur and Deion Sanders made Colorado relevant immediately upon landing in Boulder. Some of that is for good, as they brought an exciting style of play and big personalities to a dormant program.
However, the duo has also been divisive thus far. Coach Prime has been abrasive with his student-athletes, and that frankness isn't welcomed by many outsiders who haven't seen the inner workings of college and pro sports. Several transfers have made negative comments on Sanders' approach as a coach.
At the end of the day, these are kids likely facing real adversity for the first time in their lives. Sanders was an NFL legend who saw the game's business end firsthand many times. It's easy to see why there's a disconnect.
Shedeur hasn't been ruffling quite as many feathers in the same manner but is still unique for many fans. The fact he wears a watch and celebrates by pointing to it was fun when Colorado was 3-0 but not 4-8. Projected as a possible first-round pick next April, his confidence doesn't fit more traditional views of what someone should act like at the quarterback position.
According to Matt McChesney of the Zero 2 Sixty Podcast, both Sanders have their fair share of fans, but EA Sports opted against picking a lightning rod cover athlete or coach. The former NFL guard claimed he knew this was more about business and "the hate is real" for Colorado's program.
Why Travis Hunter is on the College Football 25 Cover
If McChesney is right, then it makes more sense for the two-way sensation to be on the cover over either Sanders. Hunter is far less likely to draw criticism and, in fact, is incredibly likable because he logs heavy snap counts and visibly tries to fight through injuries.
The former 5-star recruit and All-American caught 57 passes for 721 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. I'd argue he's an even better cornerback, where he totaled three picks, five pass breakups, and 30 tackles. He projects as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially as a corner.