EA Sports College Football 25: Wear and Tear, Explained

American football is a physically demanding sport, and while major injuries often grab the headlines, the accumulation of smaller hits can take just as much of a toll on a player's performance. EA Sports College Football 25 introduces a new Wear and Tear System, adding a layer of realism that forces players to manage fatigue, injuries, and substitutions strategically.

Unlike previous football games where injuries were mostly binary-either a player was fine or completely out-Wear and Tear gradually affects a player's effectiveness throughout a game or season. This system ensures that while your star players might stay on the field, their performance could diminish over time, making depth management a critical part of your coaching strategy.

How Does Wear and Tear Work?

Every player's character model is divided into multiple body sections (e.g., arms, torso, legs). Each time they take a big hit, that specific area accumulates damage.

Effects of Wear and Tear:

Reduced Performance - A running back who takes repeated hits to the legs will lose speed and agility, making them less effective.

Increased Injury Risk - The more damage a player absorbs, the higher their risk of suffering a full-blown injury that could sideline them.

Position-Specific Impact - A QB taking shots to the torso may struggle with throw power, while a receiver with worn-down legs might struggle to get separation.

For example, a power running back who takes 20+ carries will start slowing down, making it harder to break tackles. If their wear and tear reaches critical levels, keeping them in the game could mean risking a major injury.

This system forces players to consider when to rest starters and use backups, adding a level of strategy beyond just calling plays.

How to Manage Wear and Tear

1. Rotate Players to Prevent Fatigue

To avoid wear and tear accumulating too quickly, make sure to rotate players-especially at high-contact positions like running back, linebacker, and offensive line.

Use running back committees rather than relying on one workhorse.

Sub receivers and tight ends to keep legs fresh in long drives.

On defense, rotate linemen and linebackers to keep them explosive.

2. Monitor Key Players Throughout the Game

Keep an eye on injury risk indicators (such as wear and tear bars or alerts in the coaching menu). If a player is showing signs of slowing down, consider resting them for a few plays-or even an entire quarter-to avoid injuries.

3. Substitute Players When Necessary

If you need to take a player out:

Pause the game and go to the Coaching Menu.

Select Depth Chart, which lists your team's active roster.

Highlight the player you want to remove.

Choose their backup, typically listed right below them.

Confirm the swap and a fresh player will take the field.

Why the Wear and Tear System Matters

Enhances Realism - No player stays at 100% throughout a full game or season.

Adds Coaching Strategy - Knowing when to rest players or push through fatigue is a key decision.

Forces Smart Roster Management - Depth matters, making recruiting and team-building more critical.

If you're looking to optimize your team and roster in College Football 25, using CFB 25 coins can help you secure key player upgrades, recruit high-potential athletes, or unlock essential team enhancements.

By balancing stamina, health, and player rotation, you can keep your team competitive throughout a game-and an entire season. EA Sports College Football 25's Wear and Tear System rewards smart coaching, making every snap and decision count.