Eli Drinkwitz jokingly criticizes EA College Football 25 for Missouri slight, highlights impact for program

griffin_mcveigh

Gus Malzahn Reveals Hilarious Story On Discovering Mike Norvell, Eli Drinkwit | 02.21.24

The hottest topic of conversation this offseason has to be the return of EA College Football 25. After years of waiting for another college football video game, it’s set to return. Over 130 teams from across the country will be involved and players will have the opportunity to see themselves in the game.

Eli Drinkwitz understands the importance of the game and is excited to have Mizzou be a part of it. While he may not be happy with where the Tigers offensive playbook ranks under Kirby Moore, he wants to play the game once released to the public.

“I think it’s really important for us,” Drinkwitz said. “Anytime we can market our brand, right? So, if you’re going to have EA Sports, it’s not a complete game unless you tell the story of Mizzou football and the players that we have here… I think it’s a great thing for college sports. As a guy who grew up playing college football on SEGA Genesis, I’m excited for it to come back. Although, I don’t know how to play on these new game consoles.”

EA Sports' College Football 25 is on the way this summer. #Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) talked what it means for the Tigers to be in the game, what it means for the student-athletes, and questioned Missouri's playbook ranking 🧐@BenArnetKOMU @KOMUsports pic.twitter.com/vp7JH4c36b
— Harrison Vapnek (@harrisonvapnek) February 26, 2024

Drinkwitz does not have to worry about not being up to speed with the Xbox Series X or PS5. His players will likely teach him how to play and have a ton of fun in the process. While he might be running Mizzou dynasty mode in real life, doing so in the game can be fun too.

Eli Drinkwitz believes opportunity to opt in is great one

For players that opt into the game, EA Sports will send over $600 and a free copy of the game. Some have questioned if it’s enough compensation for the players. Especially some of the stars who have earned more than a few hundred dollars through their NIL while in school.

With no past reference point, Drinkwitz thinks the $600 is a good amount for players. His key term in all of this is “opportunity” and being in a video game is a big one in his eyes.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our guys to opt in, to receive money, to receive a free game. Sometimes, I think it’s catch-22 when people are saying ‘They’re not being valued enough.’ Compared to what? Compared to not having the game and you’re not able to opt in?

“Or now, you get an opportunity to be paid and get to play the game for free. So, I think sometimes, opportunities have to be seized and then as the game increases, maybe there is opportunities for them to do more with it.