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Inside Iowa State's NCAA Football 25 submissions

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ATLANTIC – It was two console generations ago, and mostly a completely different sport, when gamers were last able to take a trip into the world of college football in EA Sports' “NCAA Football” series.

The last version appeared in 2013, when PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 were connected to televisions, most of which did not offer ultra-high definition resolution. After that, the series was discontinued.

Until this July, when it returns to everyone's living room in full 4K glory on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Most notable, however, is that changes to NCAA rules regarding name, appearance and likeness now allow real players to appear in the game—not thinly veiled replicas of them identified only by their position and jersey number.

“It's such a cool game and it's going to be cool for our guys,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said in an interview with the Register this week on the Cyclone Tailgate Tour. “Should some of the changes we made have been made a long time ago? Yes.

“This is probably one of those points where it just makes sense and is good for everyone involved.”

More: Matt Campbell on the ‘huge impact’ new tablet rules could have on Iowa State football

The latest game, “NCAA Football 25,” will be released on July 19 and features Donovan Edwards of Michigan, Travis Hunter of Colorado and Quinn Ewers of Texas on the cover.

All of Iowa State's players are believed to have opted into the licensing agreement with EA Sports, which pays players $600 and provides them with a free copy of the game. The game will only feature 85 players per team, and who those players are will be determined by EA Sports.

“My (sons) asked me this weekend, 'Can we get it?'” Campbell said. “Just like now (EA Sports' NFL game) 'Madden,' my boys are playing with (former Cyclones) Brock (Purdy) and Breece (Hall) and all the others.

“It will be a cool thing and our kids will love it.”

Campbell's sons probably won't have to worry about getting a copy of the game, as their father was an avid gamer himself a quarter of a century ago.

More: Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard discusses the future of NIL and revenue sharing

“That was my favorite game in high school and college,” Campbell said. “That was the most played game.”

EA Sports released a trailer this month with in-game footage that featured rival Iowa State's iconic “Wave,” but did not feature the Cyclones or Jack Trice Stadium.

So what can Iowa State fans expect on July 19? The Des Moines Register has filed a public records request to see what the school has submitted to EA Sports as part of an attempt to recreate the Ames game atmosphere and the Cyclone aesthetic.

Here's what we found out:

Uniforms

Iowa State submitted four different sets of uniforms – white, cardinal red, black and the retro uniforms worn in the 2023 Jack Trice Centennial Game.

The white, cardinal red and black uniforms feature helmets with the standard I-State logo (outlined in white on the black helmets) and the Jack Trice stripes on the jerseys.

The retro helmets are white with a cardinal stripe in the middle and the “AMES” logo on the sides. The retro pants also have the “AMES” logo.

All four helmets feature Trice’s iconic “I will” lettering on the rear bumper.

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Audio content

Preliminary team walkout: Cyclone weather warning

Team failure: “Power” over the loudspeaker system and the band plays “ISU Fights!”

Opening kick-off: “Live the Night”, “Money for Nothing”, “Play Ball”

Other impetus: “The kick”

1st down: The loudspeaker system says, “That’s another Cyclone,” followed by the fans cheering, “First down!” and the band’s first-down celebration song.

3rd below (defense): “Put your hands together”, “Sad but true” (Band)

4th below (defense): “Fury”

Landing: “ISU Fights!;” “Grove Street;” “Mo Bamba;” “One Way;” “Party Till We Die;” “Wobble;” “Left Right;” “Freaks.” A siren track plays over the band playing.

PAT, 2-point conversion (successful): “ISU Fights!” The siren sounds over the band playing.

Field Goal (successful): “ISU Fights!” The siren sounds over the band playing.

Takeaway/Fumble Recovery: “Emergency,” “Go low,” “Turbulence,” “Sound the alarm,” “ISU Fights!” The siren is going off above.

Big defensive stop: “Emergency,” “Go low,” “Turbulence,” “Raise the alarm,” “ISU is fighting!” The siren is going off above.

Tradition between the quarters: “I Won't Back Down” in “Power” or “Panama.” Note: “The sequence will only play if Iowa State leads at the end of the third quarter entering the fourth.”

After the game (victory): “ISU Fights!” in “Sweet Caroline.” Note: “Players will gather outside the student section and sing the fight song, then “Sweet Caroline” will be played over the PA system.”

Other moments/traditions: “Juicy Wiggle.” Note: “*HUGE FAN FAVORITE* This is usually played… for a very exciting touchdown and works best when a full timeout is called after the PAT… it needs a little buildup. Usually it isn't played until the second half. Press play immediately after the PAT and keep the song playing until the ensuing kickoff. The fans go crazy, do a special dance and often hold up cell phones with the flash on.”

Other moments/traditions: “Swag Surfin'” Note: “The team loves to play this song. The team gathers on the sidelines and dances as a group. Only works well when Iowa State is winning… and is usually played in the second half.”

Other moments traditions: “Beer Barrel Polka (Band);” “Wings”; “On a Boat”

Additional Information: After goals are scored, cannons are fired and a cyclone warning siren sounds. Fireworks are set off at the end of the games.

Photo details submitted

  • Cheerleading routines
  • Band performances
  • “ISU” flags
  • Ghost walk
  • Helmet and uniform details
  • Cy Mascot
  • Cannon cannon
  • Team entrance, from the changing room tunnel to the pitch
  • Captains meeting; children's captain
  • Aerial view of Jack Trice Stadium on game day
  • Exterior views of Jack Trice Stadium
  • End zone pylons with brand logo
  • Pedestrian bridge over University Avenue
  • “CyHawk Trophy” is used in the rivalry between Iowa State and Iowa
  • “Telephone Trophy” is used in the rivalry between Iowa State and Missouri

Travis Hines covers Iowa State University sports for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune. Reach him at [email protected] or (515) 284-8000. FFollow him on X at @TravisHines21.

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