Four Florida Gators received ratings boosts in the latest title update for EA College Football 25 — center [autotag]Jake Slaughter[/autotag] (88), quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] (81), running back [autotag]Ja’Kobi Jackson[/autotag] (75), and wide receiver [autotag]TJ Abrams[/autotag] (70).
Slaughter is the only every-down player for Florida on that list. He’s played all but 13 of Florida’s 249 offensive snaps this season and is the top-ranked pass-blocking center in the country, according to Pro Football Focus.
The fourth-year center is the anchor of Florida’s offensive line, so it’s not too surprising to see him increase his overall rating in the video game by one. Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. remains the only Gator with a higher overall.
Despite being a true freshman, Lagway’s might be the most famous name on this list. A former five-star recruit, Lagway was thrust into a starting role in Week 2 against Samford with Graham Mertz recovering from a concussion. He’s now splitting time under center with Mertz, taking every third drive two weeks ago against Mississippi State.
But it’s the one game Lagway started that has his overall up one rating point to an 81. He threw for 456 yards against Samford, setting both a program record among freshman and the national high through five weeks of the 2024 season. The memorable performance may have come against an FCS team, but no one is holding that against Lagway.
Junior college transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson is the biggest mover on Florida’s roster, jumping up 11 spot to a 75 overall rating. Jackson has only seen the field for 12 snaps, but he’s made the most of his 11 attempts by rushing for 68 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.
His overall rating on PFF (77.3) is the highest of any Gators running back as is his 76.1 grade on run plays. Ball security plays a big role for Jackson. Only Treyaun Webb has ran the ball (21 attempts) more without fumbling.
Last on the list is another true freshman, wide receiver TJ Abrams, who has played just 13 snaps. He reeled in his only target of the season, gaining three yards on the play, but this promotion is mostly because he’s getting playing time as a true freshman.
EA likely pegged him as a non-factor in his first year with Florida, but seeing the field has forced the developers to give him a bump from his initial 68 overall rating.
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