Video game football has been limited to Madden in recent years, so fans have been pretty much dealing with the same systems year in and year out when it comes to the kicking game. With the release of NCAA College Football 25, players have to learn an all new kicking system for this game. In this guide we’ll explain everything you need to know about kicking in NCAA College Football 25 from kick-offs, to field goals and punts.
How to Kick-Off in NCAA College Football 25
After selecting your kick-off formation of either kick-off options to the middle, left, right, and onsides you will be thrust onto the field to execute your kick-off plan. There are some options to deal with here as regardless of how you’ve selected your players to run the play, you still have options to aim the kick wherever you want and use the power meter to kick longer or shorter.
The left stick is used to aim the kick and you must hold the left stick at the angle that you want to kick-off, otherwise it will return to center. Using left and right on the left thumbstick changes the direction of kick from left to right, but you can also give it a higher or lower trajectory by pressing up or down or combinations of the two.
On the kick-off you also have options for a “Sky Kick” by pressing the Y Button (Xbox) or Triangle Button (PlayStation). The second option is a normal kick which is selected with the RB Button (Xbox) R1 (PlayStation). Lastly, the third option is the Squib kick which can be selected by pressing the LB Button (Xbox) or L1 (PlayStation).
- Change the angle of the kick with the Left Thumbstick
- Select Sky Kick with the Y/Triangle Button
- Select Normal Kick with the RB/R1 Button
- Select Squib Kick with the LB/L1 Button
The last thing that you have to deal with is the power meter, which is a football bouncing across an arc which has red (low power) on the sides of the arc, yellow (medium power), and green (max power). Once you’ve selected the kick you want to make you can select the power of the kick by then A/X button wherever on the power meter you intend for it to stop.
How to Punt in NCAA College Football 25
Punting functions very similarly to the kick-off in NCAA 25, but there are some differences. While the Left Thumbstick still controls the direction and trajectory of the kick, there are different types of punts that can be made. Punting also features a sky kick and normal kick, but the third option is to put backspin on the ball which can be useful on short fields.
- Change the angle of the kick with the Left Thumbstick
- Select Sky Kick with the Y/Triangle Button
- Select Normal Kick with the RB/R1 Button
- Select Backspin Kick with the LB/L1 Button
In terms of the power meter, it functions identically to the kick-off power meter.
How to Kick Field Goals in NCAA College Football 25
Field Goals work a little bit differently than either of the other two aspects of the kicking game. The first difference is that there are not any kicking options when kicking a field goal. Meaning you aren’t going to need to select the type of kick you want to make. It’s going to be pretty straight forward in aiming with the Left Thumbstick and then making sure that you stop the power meter with enough on it to get the ball to your target.
Making things just a little harder, depending on kicker ratings and the distance of the kick, the power meter will faster or slower depending on the situation.
- Change the angle of the kick with the Left Thumbstick
- Press the A/X Button to stop the power meter
Changing Kick Controls
It’s possible to change your kicking controls as well. Just head into the Options>Settings Menu and go to Kicking Control Scheme. You can select between “Tap and Hold” or “Tap and Tap”. The different between these two methods is that with Tap and Hold you tap once to lock in your accuracy hold and let go to lock in your power. Where Tap and Tap is a tap to lock in your accuracy and then tap again to lock in power. The only real difference here is that you will need to lock in both your accuracy and power with a tap instead of holding the left thumbstick for the direction of your kick.
Field goals, while more straightforward in terms of options, still present a challenge with a varying power meter speed based on kicker ratings and kick distance. This ensures that every kick, whether for a crucial field goal or a strategic punt, requires careful consideration and skill.
By mastering these new mechanics, players can gain a significant advantage on the field, turning special teams into a strategic asset. Embrace the new kicking system in NCAA College Football 25, and elevate your game to new heights as you lead your team to victory.
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