Let's Talk Recruiting (CFB 25)

[canes21]

I'm really happy that we're finally getting the real positional designations that we've all wanted forever. But my gut is telling me we're going to need a lot of refinement on the execution of this going forward. I'd really like to see the evolution of the depth charts becoming dynamic based on each team's scheme. This isn't going to be an issue for the user as we understand where each depth chart spot is going to place the player positionally, and of course, we have formation subs now. But with the 3-4, for example, is the CPU going to have 5 techs properly in place, or are they going to have their edges there? Are the two outside backers going to be their Edge players, or is the game going to default those to the SAM and Will backer spot with the first and second Mikes at the two inside backer spots? My instincts are telling me it's going to be the second (and incorrect, for the most part) options in these two scenarios when we get our hands on the game. Though, I guess with the first scenario, it does seem like they are going to have big Edge types for these 3-man front schemes, so here's to hoping that the CPU properly understands that and recruits accordingly. I do disagree with having these guys as Edges overall though, as 280lbs+, 5/4i techs are typically closer to a lengthy defensive tackle than a traditional Defensive End.

I still think they should have gone with Edge and then just D-Lineman for the two defensive line positions. And then further delineate the types of each (ex. Nose tackle, 3 tech, 5 tech for D-lineman) with the archetypes and physical profiles. There's more nuance that would have to go into thinking this out because now I've just created a position (D-lineman), a role (Nose tackle, 3 tech, 5 tech) and then you'd still have the archetype (Run stopper, Power Rusher, etc.) but ultimately they either need to figure out something like this, or do it via dynamic depth charts based on the schemes while really having the CPU recruiting properly to their scheme firmly nailed down. I just know I'm going to be a bit annoyed the first time I play a 3 man front that's trotting out a couple 235 lb. Edges as their 5 techs.

I think the setup is closer to what you want than you might realize. We're getting two edge designations, Left and Right, and then the DT position. That is similar to what you are asking for with it being just Edge and DL. I do wish they'd get rid of the Left and Right designations for all player positions and only have them present as depth chart positions for alignment purposes, but what we're getting is essentially what you're asking for, the only difference is the game still calls them DTs while you just want them called DL, which I agree with.

People also have said with both the beta for this and the Madden beta that the OLBs in the 3-4 are Edge players, all 3 down linemen are DTs.

I do agree that the big question is will the 3-4 teams have logic in place to go for the appropriate sized DL? We know the depth chart has a Nose Tackle position but will the CPU teams understand they need different types of DL to fill the different roles on the DL? The new Edge branding is nice for the schemes, but will 4-3 and 3-4 teams have logic in place to make sure they are targeting the appropriate edge players?

I think that is the big question. Either way, it is a step in the right direction. How big a step is the main question. The blog wasn't completely clear on it, but it seemed like the defense may even actually align properly based on offensive formation strength. They've had some formations in game do that already, but not all, and it was the same case in the beta from what I read. Is that something that will be there in the release version?

[Kyleimb]

"People also have said with both the beta for this and the Madden beta that the OLBs in the 3-4 are Edge players, all 3 down linemen are DTs."......This is great news! I hadn't seen this nugget anywhere, so that's big for me. I'll be curious to see if, let's say the CPUs 3rd highest rated defensive tackle is a nose tackle archetype, will that be one of the 5 techs? I imagine it probably will be so that could be a more specific area for improvement but, I still like this setup much better than what I detailed my concern would be with these alignments. It seems the final question for how they've set everything up this year will just be whether or not the CPU recruits within the bounds of their scheme.

[georgiafan]

Some abilities as seen in RTG so looks like the list is correct so far

Screenshot 2025-06-27 111854.png Screenshot 2025-06-27 110645.png Screenshot 2025-06-27 110726.png

[illwill10]

Some abilities as seen in RTG so looks like the list is correct so far

Screenshot 2025-06-27 111854.png Screenshot 2025-06-27 110645.png Screenshot 2025-06-27 110726.png

It did mention the Pure Runners archetypes have Magician and Workhorse. So if I were to guess, the other 3 are Ball Security, Option King, likely Shifty/Downhill

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[boubucarow20]

It did mention the Pure Runners archetypes have Magician and Workhorse. So if I were to guess, the other 3 are Ball Security, Option King, likely Shifty/Downhill

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That would be wonderful for flexbone offenses.

[boubucarow20]

I am currently in an offline Navy dynasty where I don't accept transfers, no redshirts. and I only am allowed to offer to 6 3-star recruits and the fill in the class with 2-stars.

I am currently in the empty year for Navy (they start with only 2 freshmen) so my first recruiting class is almost the entire rotation as juniors. I have the motivation training boosts and my team rating has maintained around 80 all three years. I have a 2-star LB with normal development who was a 59 as a freshman and is now an 83 as a junior.

It is cool that I have maintained and next year will have a few upper 80 players just like the initial season.

[illwill10]

Some abilities as seen in RTG so looks like the list is correct so far

Screenshot 2025-06-27 111854.png Screenshot 2025-06-27 110645.png Screenshot 2025-06-27 110726.png

I know these are more geared towards RTG, but some of the attribute caps looks odd. Both pocket passer and contact seeker has full Elusiveness attribute cap.

The Contact Seeker ability load-out doesn't match the attribute caps. The ability load-out fits a power RB, but Elusiveness, Quickness, and Hands have maxed attribute caps. It explains why Contact Seeker doesn’t have Headfirst, but the attribute caps looks like it is for an Elusive Backfield Threat

[georgiafan]

where did you see the contact seeker one ? I was distracted the last few days

[georgiafan]

For my fellow pen and paper people I made this simple recruiting sheet to print out. I maxed out the lines for sloppy writing. This was using the base of the spread sheet posted here. If you want me to email to you or something just send me DM

im going to work on some other next using that same format

IMG_4981.jpg

[illwill10]

I am looking forward to the Teambuilder site, which is likely becoming available later this week. I definitely want to get an idea of what some archetypes abilities really are. I want to see what the Gadget player ability load out really is. I seriously doubt it is QB-centric

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[georgiafan]

My guess this guy he has the game early since he is an YouTuber and tweets about the portal being chaotic.

https://x.com/papaxc4/status/1939867936195301527?s=46&t=O1HXTNc2zhTCFe6bVgsXhA

It will be interesting to see how the cheesy YouTubers
talk about the portal. It seems like the kind of thing they will be against as you can’t sign three 4* gems at QB in year 1 and keep them all as a 2* school

[Solidice]

It's definitely going to swap around my recruiting. in CFB 25, after a few years, didn't have to think about 1-3* players anymore. just 4-5*.
now may end up looking for star 4-5* then fill out roster with 3* to build and maintain depth.

[illwill10]

My guess this guy he has the game early since he is an YouTuber and tweets about the portal being chaotic.

https://x.com/papaxc4/status/1939867936195301527?s=46&t=O1HXTNc2zhTCFe6bVgsXhA

It will be interesting to see how the cheesy YouTubers
talk about the portal. It seems like the kind of thing they will be against as you can’t sign three 4* gems at QB in year 1 and keep them all as a 2* school

I do think that a lot of the content creators have the game already. Especially since they'll likely stream the game all weekend. I know Kurt Benkert made a post last week that suggested he already had the game

At least with the Transfer portal, we have sliders for both User, CPU, and total number of transfers per teams. I do plan on heavily focusing on the Portal, so I definitely want to wait and see how the portal turns out.

So If I were to plan ahead, I have to limit the amount of recruits I target. It'll be easier starting off as a smaller school with less hours. I want to get 15 or so 2/3 star players with high upside. I want to target 10-15 transfers a year.

[georgiafan]

If any of the mods see this maybe add "Transfer Portal" to the subject of the thread.

Here's some big picture thoughts and questions I have on recruiting / portal when it comes to the strategy side of things. We should get some video's at some point this week for some real info. Hopefully the first look at recruiting will not be the guy who spent the whole video trying to sign a 5* at small school.

1. What House rules will be needed for the portal?
All signs point to the portal being a real factor this year. We should see soon if the portal still has a ton of people we aren't allowed to go after. hopefully the 1* open up. We all kind of have our own house rules and what works for recruiting, but we didn't need any for the portal. I'm likely going to add something like if a player was productive at a big school I can't sign him. With the way they redone portal rankings we could see some players worth getting in the 1 and 2* for positions we are desperate at.

2. How will the portal look like on year 5?
I'm expecting chaos the first 4 years, but what about year 5+ when its fake players? I'm not sure we get this from the videos this week

3. How much slower are recruits?
Way too many mid 90's speed last year and supposedly that's been toned down

4. What's new for athletes?
We haven't seen much of anything from the athlete recruits so I'm anxious which archetype those are. Will they be more versatile ? Are QB's still to OP to sign ?

5. New Archetypes
We have talked a lot about this one here and it's exciting to see which ones fit and what abilities they have

6. How Hard is It Hanging On to roster?
The most exciting to me and maybe we don't know this till we play it and that's how many players transfer from our team. Will a bunch of key backups actually transfer out if they don't play? Will my star HB leave for a bigger school after he leads the country in rushing despite a 81 overall? If this turns out to happen it will add a whole new layer to building a roster. I think this results in needing some 2* who will not be at risk of transferring out for a few years as they have low overalls

7 Goodbye Redshirt Cheese?
Let's be honest we have all been guilty of this one redshirting the true freshman who was good enough to play because you wanted that 5th year. If he is a bigger recruit will that risk not be worth it and you have to play him as a backup to get him some snaps. I think this will result in being selective over the high profile commits as we will not be able to stash them for 3 years down the road.

[illwill10]

I'm also curious about Athletes. They mentioned about reducing the number of ATHs and lesser highest potential ATHs. But, we don't know what the positional archetypes.

[georgiafan]

I'm also curious about Athletes. They mentioned about reducing the number of ATHs and lesser highest potential ATHs. But, we don't know what the positional archetypes.

yea that’s one I feel we should know later In the week. Last year some of the ath positions like run stopping mlb or power rush de didn’t have offense skills

[illwill10]

yea that’s one I feel we should know later In the week. Last year some of the ath positions like run stopping mlb or power rush de didn’t have offense skills

And that there was my issue with ATHs in general. ATHs(for the most part) were just extensions of the base archetypes. The ATH scouting breakdown shouldn't just show the base position attribute layout. If I see an ATH QB, I don't want to see only QB ratings. I rather see the top ratings. It's hard to actually know if an ATH can play other positions.

The Teambuilder site should be active this week, so we can see the archetypes and abilities

We should see more videos starting Thursday

[illwill10]

The Pure Runner ability load out.

That's what I expected. Even though, I would've wanted to see Power running QBs


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