The Significance of the EA Sports "NCAA Football" Cover: A Boost for Colorado, a Game Changer for Deion Sanders

The release of the EA Sports "NCAA Football" cover athletes has sparked conversations about Heisman and national title contenders. This year's cover stars, Quinn Ewers, Donovan Edwards, and Travis Hunter, represent the resurgence of college football programs and the impact of NIL.

The release of the EA Sports "NCAA Football" cover athletes has become a highly anticipated event in the college football world, setting the stage for Heisman and national title discussions. This year's cover features Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.

For Colorado, the inclusion of Hunter on the cover is a momentous achievement. The program had never had a player featured on the cover of "NCAA Football." Now, Hunter joins two players who competed in the College Football Playoff, one a national champion tailback, and the other a standout quarterback who helped revitalize Texas.

This cover recognition serves as a significant victory for Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Despite the absence of his sons Deion, Shilo, or Shedeur on the cover, Coach Prime's program has seen a surge in enthusiasm. Season tickets have sold out for the second consecutive year, and prospective students and alumni donors have flocked to Colorado in support.

The decision to feature Hunter on the cover highlights the growing influence of video games in college football. The video game industry is worth billions of dollars, far exceeding the revenue generated by college football. This suggests that the popularity of video games, particularly sports simulations, can play a role in shaping the perception of college football programs and athletes.

Hunter's inclusion on the cover is a testament to his exceptional talent. The former top-ranked recruit excelled as a two-way player for Colorado in 2022, recording impressive stats on both offense and defense. He is the first defender featured on the cover of "NCAA Football" since Brian Orakpo in 2009.

While EA Sports pays cover athletes a flat $600 fee for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), players can still benefit financially from the exposure. Shedeur Sanders, who is not featured on the cover, has an NIL valuation of nearly $5 million. The Sanders family has shown a keen understanding of the financial potential of NIL.

Hunter, unlike some players, has prioritized the prestige of being on the cover over NIL opportunities. He stated, "We don't care about NIL. It's a dream come true." As a result, he has emerged as a preseason Heisman candidate, despite Colorado's 4-8 record last season.

Hunter's journey from Jackson State, an HBCU facing water shortages, to the cover of "NCAA Football" is a testament to his perseverance and the transformative power of Coach Prime. Prime has shown that it is possible for a Black head coach to attract attention and admiration for an overlooked program.

The inclusion of Hunter on the "NCAA Football" cover is just one example of the growing list of organizations lining up to benefit from Coach Prime's success. His ability to attract recruits, generate revenue, and raise the profile of programs has made him a highly sought-after commodity in college football.