Delaware State In NCAA 25: Will The Hornets Make The Cut?

by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Hey everyone! With the buzz around the upcoming NCAA 25 video game, fans are eager to know if their favorite teams will be featured. One question popping up frequently is: will Delaware State University (DSU) be in NCAA 25? Let's dive into what it takes for a team to make the cut and the likelihood of seeing the Hornets on virtual fields.

Factors Determining NCAA 25 Team Inclusion

Several factors play a crucial role in determining which teams make it into the NCAA football video game. Here's a breakdown:

  • Conference Affiliation: The primary determinant is whether a team belongs to an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference. These are the major conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12 (though the Pac-12's future is currently uncertain). Teams in these conferences are almost guaranteed a spot in the game due to licensing agreements and their prominence in college football.
  • Licensing Agreements: EA Sports, the developer of the NCAA series, needs to secure licensing agreements with conferences and individual schools. These agreements allow EA to use team names, logos, stadiums, and player likenesses. Without these agreements, a team can't be included.
  • Team Popularity and Marketability: While not as critical as conference affiliation and licensing, a team's popularity can influence inclusion. Teams with large fan bases, historical significance, or notable rivalries might get preferential treatment. However, this is more of a secondary consideration.
  • NCAA Football Participation: Any school participating in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is more likely to be included in the game. This is simply because the game aims to represent the landscape of college football as accurately as possible.

Delaware State University: A Look at Their Football Program

Delaware State University is a historically black university (HBCU) with a rich athletic tradition. The Hornets compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) as part of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Unlike FBS teams, FCS teams are generally less likely to be included in the NCAA video game due to the factors mentioned earlier.

  • Conference and Division: Delaware State competes in the MEAC, which is part of the FCS. FCS teams have historically had limited representation in NCAA football games.
  • Team Performance: While team performance isn't the primary factor, consistent success can raise a team's profile. Delaware State has had its moments of glory but hasn't consistently dominated its conference.
  • Fan Base and Media Coverage: Delaware State has a dedicated fan base, particularly among HBCU supporters. However, their media coverage is significantly less than that of FBS teams.

The Likelihood of Delaware State Appearing in NCAA 25

Given the criteria for team inclusion, the likelihood of Delaware State appearing in NCAA 25 is relatively low. Here’s why:

  • FCS Status: The biggest hurdle is Delaware State's FCS status. EA Sports typically focuses on including all FBS teams due to their higher profile and the licensing agreements in place with major conferences.
  • Historical Precedent: In past NCAA football games, FCS teams were rarely included, and when they were, it was usually a small, select group. There's no strong historical precedent to suggest widespread inclusion of FCS teams.
  • Resource Constraints: Including every FCS team would require significant resources for licensing and game development. EA Sports likely prioritizes FBS teams to maximize their return on investment.

That being said, there's always a slim chance. If EA Sports decides to expand the game to include a broader range of teams, or if they specifically want to highlight HBCU football programs, Delaware State could be considered. However, this would be an exception rather than the rule.

Potential Scenarios for Inclusion

While the odds may be stacked against them, here are a couple of scenarios where Delaware State could potentially make it into NCAA 25:

  • HBCU Showcase: EA Sports might decide to feature a selection of prominent HBCU teams to celebrate their contributions to college football. If this happens, Delaware State, with its rich history, could be a candidate.
  • Expanded FCS Inclusion: If EA Sports significantly expands the number of FCS teams in the game, Delaware State's conference affiliation with the MEAC could give them a chance.
  • Community Demand: A strong push from fans and the college football community could influence EA Sports' decision. Social media campaigns and petitions might catch their attention.

How Fans Can Support Delaware State's Inclusion

If you're a fan of Delaware State and want to see them in NCAA 25, here are some steps you can take:

  • Engage on Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to voice your support. Use relevant hashtags like #NCAA25, #DelState, and #HBCUFootball to amplify your message.
  • Contact EA Sports: Reach out to EA Sports through their official channels, such as their website or social media accounts, to express your desire to see Delaware State in the game.
  • Start or Sign Petitions: Online petitions can gather support and demonstrate the demand for Delaware State's inclusion.
  • Support Delaware State Football: Showing your support for the team through attendance at games, merchandise purchases, and general enthusiasm can raise the team's profile.

Other MEAC Teams and Their Chances

It’s also worth considering the chances of other teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Like Delaware State, these teams face similar challenges due to their FCS status. Schools like Howard University, North Carolina Central University, and South Carolina State also have passionate fan bases and rich traditions. If EA Sports considers including multiple FCS teams, these schools could also be in the running. However, the same factors apply: their inclusion would likely depend on a broader initiative to represent FCS programs or a specific focus on HBCU football.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while it would be awesome to see Delaware State University in NCAA 25, the odds are not in their favor due to their FCS status and the historical focus on FBS teams in the game. However, there are potential scenarios where they could be included, particularly if EA Sports decides to highlight HBCU football or expand FCS representation. If you're a Hornets fan, make your voice heard and show your support for the team! Who knows? Maybe we'll see them on the virtual gridiron after all. Thanks for reading, and keep the college football spirit alive!