GamesSportsCollege Football 25College Football 25 best playbooks for offense and defenseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesSportsCollege Football 25College Football 25 best playbooks for offense and defenseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: EA)

There’s plenty of enjoyment to be found among College Football 25 playbooks throughout the postseason and beyond. Even if your team is out of bowl contention,College Football 25serves up NCAA thrills catered to your preferences, from aerial bombardments to endless RPO trickery. You can even evolve your approach over time in dynasty, depending on yourCollege Football 25 Recruitingadditions. We round up the best nine offenses and top two defenses in your College Football 25 best playbooks guide.
The best College Football 25 offense playbooks
(Image credit: EA)

Here are the best nine College Football 25 offense playbooks suited to all play styles, and experience levels. We’ve listed them alphabetically, but if pressed would choose Arizona as our number one. (For now!) Try them all using ourCollege Football 25 slidersto determine your top choice…
Air Force Falcons
(Image credit: EA)

A really fun playbook, thanks to its focus on the Flexbone. NFL die-hards won’t know it too well, but the scheme is easy to fall in love with. For instance, in Flexbone Split, the QB stands behind Center, with two WRs and a HB out wide, and the FB behind him. After snapping the ball, he can run himself, handoff to the FB, or fire off a quick pass. It’s fast-moving and can be hard for Ds to react to, especially if you go no-huddle.
Arizona Wildcats
(Image credit: EA)

Pass, pass, pass. The Wildcats' playbook features 16 Shotgun sets and three Singleback ones, making it a formidable choice for those with a ‘ready, aim, fire’ approach to football. Wide Bunch pools a trio of receivers on the far side of the field, which can be a serious headache for defenses – particularly if you have a speedy QB and roll out the opposite way. Throw in a load of trick plays and this is our early season number one.
Army Black Knights
(Image credit: EA)

Aerial offenses and high-scoring matches are a huge element of the college game. Which makes the Army playbook a breath of fresh, um, turf. Literally: it’s a run-heavy compendium, offering up the opportunity to ground and pound opposition defenses, and slow the game down to your own speed.
Kansas State Wildcats
(Image credit: EA)

Since the Michael Vick years of Madden, gamers have loved running all over the shop with a mobile QB. The Kansas State playbook is specifically designed to do exactly that. Current QB Avery Johnson has 88 speed, so it’s tailored to him – but will work with any pocket rocket. Try out Shotgun > F Twins Over for six plays all guaranteed to trigger mayhem.
Michigan Wolverines
(Image credit: EA)

A divinely balanced pro-style offense that will feel natural to anyone making the leap from Madden. The I Form gives a decent selection of traditional running and passing plays, while ten Shotgun sets provide the chance to go fully aerial if you’re trailing, or just wish to take deep shots at a frail secondary.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
(Image credit: EA)

A good passing playbook which is especially notable for its placement in the College Football 25 meta. Community players and influencers reckon Shotgun Bunch HB Str is the most OP scheme in the game, giving you un-coverable downfield options – and a couple of cheeky running plays, too. The Cowboys' 5WR set is similarly monstrous.
Oregon Ducks
(Image credit: EA)

UNLV Rebels
(Image credit: EA)

As discussed in GR’sCollege Football 25 tipsguide, RPO plays can be the difference between winning and losing when it comes to Saturday Gridiron. That acronym stands for run-pass option, and the Rebels playbook is packed with this style of play. Triple Options, Reverses, Screens – it’s hellacious to go up against, and endlessly thrilling to handle yourself.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
(Image credit: EA)

This one is fascinating as it contains a bunch of unique RPO Walk plays. These give you a split-second longer than standard RPOs in order to decide whether to keep the ball, feed it to your RB, or unleash a pass. It’s a brilliant way to learn the run-pass option, with some satisfying nuances once you’ve mastered it.
The top two College Football 25 defense playbooks
(Image credit: EA)

For most online ballers it’s all about offense, but you do need to pay some attention to what’s going on across the line of scrimmage. Marry these defensive schemes up with ourCollege Football 25 best teamsandCollege Football 25 best playersguides for elite results, in both Dynasty and Ultimate Team.
3-3-5 Tite
(Image credit: EA)

Spread offenses are a key focus of the college approach, and this formation provides a good match-up for them. Five defensive backs ensure speed to cover both wide and deep threats, while three linebackers and three defensive linemen offer sufficient beef to stop surprise runs. There’s even scope to throw in the odd blitz – just don’t get overly aggressive on every play.
4-2-5
(Image credit: EA)

Here’s one you won’t see inMadden 25. With only two linebackers you’re sacrificing coverage close to the line of scrimmage, but the upsides are a strong defensive front that can stop the run or pressurise the CB – and, once again, five D-Backs who use their speed to cover the pass. If your approach is bend-but-don’t-break, and you’re content to give up field goals rather than TDs, then this is the defensive playbook for you.
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”