EA Sports College Football 25 fans blast Archie Manning for opting out of game

One of the more high-profile players in college football at the moment is Archie Manning, thanks to his last name and role at the University of Texas. Fans of the sport, and EA Sports College Football 25, have started to mock the player after he announced he will not opt-in to appear in the game.

EA Sports College Football is positioned as one of EA’s most-anticipated releases, thanks to the growth of college football in the past 10 years and the absence of the franchise. The last college football title to come from EA was in 2013.

The franchise, and its college basketball equivalent, were put on hold as players took legal action against EA and NCAA for the ability to earn money for their likeness in-game. Courtesy of some recent changes in college sports financiers around player likeness, EA is releasing a new title with players being able to opt into appearing.

Players only need to sign some forms and will receive $600 and a copy of the game. One high-profile college player, however, has announced that he does not intend to participate and fans are mocking his explanation.

Manning opts out of EA game with bizarre statement

Archie Manning, who was one of the hottest high school football recruits in his class, reportedly will not agree to appear in EA Sports College Football 25. According to reporter Anwar Richardson, Manning said he’s “focused on playing football on the field.”

Manning has not seen the field much since joining the Longhorns, only appearing for a few snaps in a 2023 game against Texas Tech. He is also expected to remain a backup for the program, behind veteran Quinn Ewers.

Fans of the game and college football have called out Manning for his bizarre statement and made fun of his unwillingness to cash a check.

“What does being in a video game have to do with on-field performance for real,” one fan said on social media.

“Bro was probably rated 59 OVR or something. Lol,” another fan said.

Media members pointed out how this is probably a move to not have any off-the-field press about Manning regarding his rating, or how players would use him or not in the game.

Regardless, fans seem to be ambivalent towards his inclusion in the game and seemed more surprised by his decision to opt-out.