It's a highly anticipated week for many football fanatics around the world. Friday marks the official release of EA Sports' College Football 25, and the game features several familiar faces.
It's been an 11-year hiatus since the last edition of the game was released in July of 2013.
"To make a big game that's gonna boom, it has to take a long time to make," said Dunbar alum and Colorado freshman Kyeran Garcia.
College football fans everywhere are gearing up to join their team's dynasty.
"It’s a part of history," said Omarion Cooper, Lehigh alum and Florida State senior. "It's cool."
For more than a decade, college football players patiently waited for their chance to be in the game.
"I mean, I've thought about it," said Cooper. "But, like, at the same time, you never know what's really gonna happen in the future."
Dozens of players from Southwest Florida can now see themselves on the virtual field with their names front and center.
"It’s actually very big because when I was a kid, and I was playing it, I really didn't have in mind that one day I'd be in this game," said Eric Fletcher, Dunbar alum and East Carolina freshman. "It gives you chills to see yourself in the video game."
This time around, every guy in the game is getting compensated for their appearance thanks to the updated name, image and likeness deal — $600 and a copy of the game, but it's more than that.
"Just to be a part of this, it just shows like the hard work that we had to put in to get to this level," Cooper said. "I'm just proud of all the guys who just keep going."
Because of this milestone, their legacy is forever cemented in history.
"The older I get, I can look back and be like, wow, I was in the game," Fletcher said.
The countdown is on — the college football season returns on Aug. 24. But if you're a gamer, it starts now.