Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty are the headliners of the College Football 25 (CFB 25) after seeing significant increases in the rankings. The rise not only highlights their immense talent, but also underscores how important individual performance can be in determining a team’s success in college football. Both Hunter and Jeanty have shown tremendous skill and dedication this season, making them worthy of the attention of college football pundits and fans alike.
Travis Hunter: A Phenomenal All-Round Player
Travis Hunter, who plays for the Colorado Buffaloes, is one of the brightest talents in college football today. His versatile skills as a cornerback and wide receiver have been the talk of the town. Players with such two-position abilities are rare at this level, and Hunter seems to be mastering both roles seamlessly. Under the guidance of coach Deion Sanders, Hunter has shown significant improvement on both sides of the ball.
As a cornerback, Hunter has an uncanny instinct for reading the game and athletic ability that allows him to keep receivers tight. Meanwhile, as a wide receiver, he has shown speed, strong hands, and the ability to make key catches in crucial moments. This balance makes Hunter a dual threat that opponents will have a hard time dealing with, making his rise in the CFB 25 a natural progression.
In addition to his technical prowess, Hunter’s mentality and work ethic are also reasons why he is so highly regarded. The young player has a lot of confidence and an incredible focus on the field, which makes him always ready to give his best every game.
Max Olson, ESPN Staff Writer
Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty received big boosts in the first-ever, in-season player ratings update for EA Sports College Football 25 on Wednesday.
Hunter, Colorado’s do-it-all wide receiver/cornerback, saw his player rating improve from 95 to 97 overall, which tied for the best in the game. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson surpassed Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II as the highest-rated player in College Football 25.
After his epic start to the 2024 season, Jeanty’s overall rating was bumped up from 91 to 96, making him the top running back and No. 3 overall player in CFB 25. Jeanty has rushed for 845 yards and 13 touchdowns through just four games for the No. 21 Broncos.
With the addition of Jeanty, there is a new top 10 of highest-rated players in College Football 25.
Since College Football 25 is the first game in the revived series to pay for the use of real players’ name, image and likeness, this is the first time EA Sports has been allowed to provide downloadable rosters with updated ratings during a college football season. After this round of updates, Ohio State (95) and Georgia (95) remain the two highest-rated teams in the game.
Another big mover this week? Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The talented transfer is now the fifth-best quarterback at 91 overall and among the top 100 players in the game after throwing for 1,782 yards (second-most in FBS) and 18 touchdowns through his first five games.
Seven more players moved into the top 100 in the update: Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr., Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, Purdue Boilermakers center Gus Hartwig, Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter, Tulane running back Makhi Hughes, Syracuse safety Justin Barron and Utah tight end Brant Kuithe.
Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, one of three cover athletes for CFB 25, dropped just outside of the top 100 with a 90 overall rating. Edwards has rushed for 258 yards and two touchdowns through five games for the defending national champions. Michigan’s leading rusher, Kalel Mullings, got a nice boost from 81 to 87 overall after his hot start.
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, the second-leading rusher in FBS this season, earned a much-deserved ratings boost from 74 to 87 overall. South Carolina pass rusher Dylan Stewart also saw a big spike in his overall rating, from 78 to 87, making him the highest-rated true freshman in the game.
The CFB 25 ratings update also brought ratings decreases for several notable quarterbacks, including Florida State’s DJ Uiagalelei (from 86 overall to 84), Kansas’ Jalon Daniels (90 to 88) and Michigan’s Alex Orji (78 down to 74).
Ashton Jeanty: Boise State’s Powerhouse
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s running back, is another big name who has seen a boost in the CFB 25. Jeanty has proven himself to be a very reliable player moving the ball, contributing greatly to Boise State’s competitive season. Jeanty has an impressive combination of speed, agility, and strength, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Jeanty’s rise in the rankings is largely due to his incredible performance in recent games, where he has been able to pick apart opposing defenses with long, decisive runs. Jeanty has also shown to have keen field vision, allowing him to find gaps in defenses that others have difficulty seeing. His physical toughness and mentality to keep the pressure on opponents even in difficult situations show that he is one of the most promising running backs in college football.
Not only that, but Jeanty is also known for being humble and hardworking off the field, which makes his rise in the rankings even more deserving. His consistent performances on the pitch prove that he is not only talented, but also has the determination to improve week by week.
How These Rankings Can Impact the CFB Season
The rise in the rankings of Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty in the CFB 25 is a clear sign that both players are on the road to great careers. Not only are they key players for their respective teams, but they are also starting to draw attention from professional observers who see potential in the NFL. These rankings also show how an individual’s impact can impact a team’s journey in the highly competitive college football game.
For Hunter, this ranking increase not only solidifies his status as one of the best players this season, but it also validates Deion Sanders’ decision to draft him and rely on him in the larger scheme of things. Jeanty, on the other hand, shows that Boise State still has the ability to produce talented stars, and he could be the centerpiece of the team’s resurgence in the next few years.
Conclusion
The rise in the rankings of Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty in the CFB 25 shows that both players are on the right track to great success in college football and possibly in the pros as well. Hunter’s rare two-position ability and Jeanty’s explosive style of play have brought widespread attention to themselves. The two players have not only redefined the standards of individual performance in college football, but have also become an inspiration to other young players looking to make their mark on the same stage. This rise in the rankings is just the beginning of promising careers for both players.