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EA Sports NCAA Football Series Cover Contenders Over the Last Decade
After 11 long years, EA Sports has finally released a new cover of its famed NCAA football game, marking a significant milestone for both fans and gamers alike. The game, which had been absent since NCAA Football 2014 graced screens in 2013, has returned with a bang, promising a nostalgic trip down memory lane with current college football players updated in the rosters. This resurgence is largely due to the NCAA’s decision to allow name, image, and likeness contracts in 2021, breathing new life into the beloved franchise.
Exploring Hypothetical Cover Athletes for the Missing Seasons
During the game’s heyday from 1993 to 2013, cover images featured active players who had already transitioned to the NFL. However, envisioning a world where the NCAA allowed NIL starting in 2014 opens up a realm of possibilities for selecting hypothetical cover athletes for each of the 11 missing seasons. This alternate reality presents an exciting opportunity to honor standout college football stars, past and present.
NCAA Football 15
Expected release: Summer 2014
The contenders: Florida State QB Jameis Winston, Florida State WR Rashad Greene, Oregon QB Marcus Mariota, Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon, Navy QB Keenan Reynolds, Clemson DE Vic Beasley
The absence of NCAA Football after the 2013 season deprived fans of potential cover stars like Winston, Greene, or Mariota, who had shown promise in the college ranks. However, Greene’s standout performances for the FSU national championship team make him a deserving hypothetical cover athlete for NCAA Football 15.
NCAA Football 16
Expected release: Summer 2015
The contenders: Ohio State DE Joey Bosa, RB Ezekiel Elliott, QBs J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones, Arizona LB Scooby Wright, Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey, Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott, Alabama RB Derrick Henry
The wealth of returning talent for NCAA Football 16 offers a plethora of options for cover athletes, with Bosa’s dominant performance in Ohio State’s championship run in 2014 making him a prime choice for the cover.
NCAA Football 17
Expected release: Summer 2016
The contenders: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield, LSU RB Leonard Fournette, Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey, Florida State RB Dalvin Cook
In a season brimming with exceptional college football talent, McCaffrey’s remarkable performance and versatility on the field set him apart as an ideal candidate for the cover of NCAA Football 17.
NCAA Football 18
Expected release: Summer 2017
The contenders: Mayfield, Penn State RB Saquon Barkley, Louisville QB Lamar Jackson, Alabama S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Amid a field of standout contenders, Jackson’s electrifying style of play and unique skill set make him a compelling choice for the cover of NCAA Football 18, symbolizing the diverse talent present in the college football landscape.
NCAA Football 19
Expected release: Summer 2018
The contenders: Stanford RB Bryce Love, Houston DE Ed Oliver, Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa, Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor, FAU RB Devin Singletary, Arizona State WR N’Keal Harry, Clemson defensive line
Tagovailoa’s emergence as a rising star and his pivotal role in Alabama’s success position him as a standout candidate for the cover of NCAA Football 19, embodying the talent and excitement synonymous with the college football experience.
NCAA Football 20
Expected release: Summer 2019
The contenders: Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne, Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor, Purdue WR Rondale Moore, Ohio State DE Chase Young, Oklahoma State WR Tylan Wallace, Alabama QB Tagovailoa and WR Jeudy, LSU DB Greedy Williams
Lawrence’s meteoric rise and undeniable talent make him a fitting choice for the cover of NCAA Football 20, encapsulating the essence of a new era of college football stars poised for greatness.
NCAA Football 21
Expected release: Summer 2020
The contenders: LSU CB Derek Stingley and WR JaMarr Chase, Alabama WR DeVonta Smith, Oregon OL Penei Sewell, Penn State LB Micah Parsons, Minnesota CB Antoine Winfield Jr., Ohio State QB Justin Fields
Stingley’s exceptional skills and impact on LSU’s national title victory cement his status as a standout candidate for the cover of NCAA Football 21, showcasing the depth of talent and competition within the college football landscape.
NCAA Football 22
Expected release: Summer 2021
The contenders: Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei, Alabama QB Bryce Young, LSU’s Stingley, Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Cincinnati CB Sauce Gardner, Iowa State RB Breece Hall
Uiagalelei’s potential and promise as a rising star in college football position him as a prominent contender for the cover of NCAA Football 22, reflecting the evolving landscape and talent pool of the sport.
NCAA Football 23
Expected release: Summer 2022
The contenders: Georgia DT Jalen Carter, TE Brock Bowers and QB Stetson Bennett, Alabama QB Young and OLB Will Anderson, Kansas State RB Deuce Vaughn, USC QB Caleb Williams and WR Jordan Addison, Ohio State QB CJ Stroud, Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke, Texas RB Bijan Robinson
With a diverse array of talented players vying for the cover spot, Williams’ prowess and accolades as the reigning Heisman winner position him as a top contender for the honor, showcasing the depth and skill present in college football.
NCAA Football 24
Expected release: Summer 2023
The contenders: USC’s Williams, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, QB Shedeur Sanders and head coach Deion Sanders, Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU LB Harold Perkins, UNC QB Drake Maye
Williams’ continued success and impact in college football make him a formidable contender for the cover of NCAA Football 24, underscoring the evolving narrative and excitement surrounding the sport’s top talents.
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