In an eagerly anticipated move, EA Sports is set to release College Football 25, giving fans a chance to play as their favorite college teams and players. However, not all Buckeyes will be featured in the game, leaving some Ohio State football enthusiasts disappointed.

Unlike previous versions of the game, College Football 25 will automatically update rosters, sparing players the hassle of manual downloads. The game developers allowed players to opt in, granting permission for their names and likeness to be used. Unfortunately, a notable group of Ohio State players decided against participating.

One prominent name absent from College Football 25 is star defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau. Known for his game-changing performances against teams like Penn State in 2022 and Notre Dame in recent years, Tuimoloau has established himself as one of college football's top defensive ends. Fans will miss the opportunity to virtually play alongside him.

Fans will also notice a void at left tackle, as Josh Simmons is not included in the game. Simmons transferred from San Diego State last year and secured the starting left tackle position for the 2023 season. Despite a learning curve, he excelled by the end of last year and is expected to hold that position for the upcoming season.

Other Buckeye players missing from College Football 25 include defensive ends Eddrick Houston and Dominic Kirks, wide receiver Mylan Graham, offensive linemen Ian Moore, Gabe VanSickle, and Miles Walker, tight end Damarion Witten, defensive tackle Will Smith Jr., linebacker Garrett Stover, and punter Nick McLarty. However, these players still have the option to join the game through future updates.

While Ohio State fans will have the chance to control the 2024 Buckeyes in the game's immersive virtual environment, the absence of these key players will undoubtedly be felt. As the team gears up for the upcoming season with spring practice and offseason discussions, fans will eagerly await news about any updates involving their favorite players.

College Football 25 is set to be released on Friday, following an early launch on Monday for those who purchased the Deluxe Edition. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the debut of this highly-anticipated title, Buckeye fans hope for the inclusion of their missing stars in future updates.