EA Sports has rolled out a 2024 update for its popular college football title, College Football 27, that lets real NCAA athletes opt into the game through name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements. The move marks a shift toward a more authentic representation of the sport, as the publisher seeks to fill long‑standing gaps in its virtual rosters.
Michigan’s new faces join the virtual gridiron
Among the most anticipated additions are twelve members of the Michigan Wolverines, the university’s football program. The new roster includes wide receiver Salesi Moa, who tops the list at No. 4 among receivers, along with running back Bryson Kuzdzal, defensive tackle Jordan Deck, edge rusher Julius Holly and several other linemen and backs.
The update also assigns overall ratings to the newcomers, with Moa earning a 78 overall and Kuzdzal a 75. Other offensive pieces such as Jacob Baggett (73) and tight end Mason Bonner (66) join the squad, while defensive standouts like Titan Davis (73) and Travis Moten (71) bolster the line.
Not every Michigan star makes the cut; Channing Goodwin remains absent despite his on‑field reputation, and Nico Crawford is listed as a tight end because the game lacks a dedicated long snapper position. These omissions highlight the delicate balance between licensing and in‑game mechanics.
Overall, the infusion of fresh talent not only enriches the gameplay experience but also reflects a broader trend of collegiate athletes leveraging digital platforms to expand their reach. As the virtual and real worlds converge, titles like College Football 27 are poised to become new frontiers for athlete branding.