Highly Conflicting Rating As 2 Cougs have a beef with College Football 25 ratings

More than 25 Cougs weighed in this fall camp on their video game rating

PULLMAN — During fall camp, Cougfan.com asked Washington State players about their ratings in College Football 25 after practice. While many players were happy with their ratings, a few expressed confusion.

“That’s not right,” linebacker Taariq Al-Uqdah remarked. “It’s completely wrong. I should be at least an 83—maybe even an 85. Plus, they have my number wrong; I’m still listed as No. 18. I’ve emailed and tweeted them to fix it, but I haven’t heard back, so hopefully they see this.”

Al-Uqdah, a starting linebacker for the Cougars, currently has an overall rating of 79. Although he lacks extensive experience, he had a solid season last year with 40 tackles and five starts, suggesting he’s ready for a breakout year.

Defensive tackle David Gusta took it a step further, as previously reported by CF.C (see related story below). Anticipated to be a key player for the Cougars, Gusta received a rather low rating of 76.

“I sent them an email,” Gusta said, making a face. “I wouldn’t say I was mad, just really passionate about it. I asked them to change my rating to a 99, but that didn’t happen. Plus, my character doesn’t resemble me at all. If you see this, please update my character’s appearance. I don’t have hair anymore; I let it grow because I’m too lazy to shave it.”

Left tackle Esa Pole was fine with his 75 rating, but his family took the chance to tease him about it.

“I haven’t proven myself yet,” Pole said. “I’ll take my 75, keep quiet, and show them what I can do this season. I shouldn’t have told my family about my rating because they just ripped into me.”

What do the other Cougs think? Here are their reactions, along with their overall ratings:

• Syrus Webster (78): “I’m okay with it for now. Let’s see how the season plays out.”
• John Mateer (77): “I haven’t started a game yet, but I’m really bothered by my 76 speed more than my overall rating.”
• Zevi Eckhaus (77): “I’m not upset. Seven months ago, I was in FCS and wouldn’t have been in the game at all. My friends were really excited when they saw my animated character. I think my rating will go up as the season goes on based on my performance.”
• Stephen Hall (not in the game): “I just forgot to opt in… A huge mistake. It’s a dream to be in the game, so I opted in now. I hope to be in future updates, I’d probably get around a 70 or 73. I’ll take a 73 because I have a lot to prove.”
• Devin Kylany (74): “Mom, I’m in the game! I wasn’t allowed to play shooting games growing up, so being in a sports game is amazing.”
• Josh Meredith (66): “I don’t have any tape, so they went off numbers. Maybe if I had a bigger name? It’s whatever; it’s still a fun game. I’m still going to play and aim for 200 yards.”
• Dylan Paine (71): “I love it! Rate me lower; I haven’t proven enough yet, so I can’t wait to see that number rise this season.”
• Kapena Gushiken (83): “I’m happy with my rating, but my speed is a 90—some might consider that fast. I’m one of the fastest on the team, so I think that should be higher.”
• Tony Freeman (68): “I felt a bit disrespected by that, but it is what it is. My speed rating is accurate, so hopefully, I’ll see an increase this season.”
• Keith Brown (75): “Give me a few weeks into the season, and we’ll see. I’m fine with a 75 for now.”
• Ansel Din-Mbuh (71): “I respect it; I haven’t proved much yet. But I plan to raise my rating each week, so they better update it.”
• Wayshawn Parker (66): “I understand; I’m a freshman, so they don’t know much about me. But I’ll show who I really am once I’m on the field.”
• Jackson Lataimua (71): “I can’t say much about the game; it is what it is. I’m focused on real-life stuff.”
• Kris Hutson (80): “I think it could have been higher, but I missed most of last year. I expect upgrades either during or after the season.”
• Ethan O’Connor (not in game): “That’s completely on me for not signing the contract. I hope they update it so I can be in the game. As a freshman, I’d say I’m at least a 77, maybe an 81 or 82.”
• Quinn Roff (78): “I need at least an 82.”
• Tyson Durant (78): “Considering my background, I’m satisfied with 78. I’m ready to raise that rating!”
• Brock Dieu (81): “I work hard and try to do everything right. It’s amazing to be in a video game.”
• Parker McKenna (74): “I think it’s fair; I’m not too upset about it.”
• Leo Pulalasi (75): “I’m not worried, I’ve only played a couple of games. Hopefully, by the end of the year, I’ll be at a 99.”
• Kyle Maxwell (76): “It’s just a game—I can’t be too upset. I just need to keep working.”
• Tanner Moku (74): “I hope they have updates, as my speed isn’t where I want it to be.”
• Khalil Laufau (not in game): “I guess I just don’t measure up. I’m not good enough.”
• Tre Shackelford (77): “I’m fine with it, especially moving from FCS to FBS. It’s time to show what I can do.”
• Raam Stevenson (73): “It could always be worse. I’m just grateful to be in the game.”