NCAA Football 09 enrolls July 15

The 2007-2008 NCAA college football season offered innumerable massive upsets, Cinderella runs, and smashed records, with the storied season culminating in the Ohio State Buckeyes seemingly falling into the BCS National Championship game--and the controversial two-loss LSU Tigers promptly trouncing them and making off with the coveted crystal trophy.

So, ready for next season? EA certainly is, as the publisher today confirmed NCAA Football 09 will greet the marching band on July 15 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable. Looking to spread the cover-star love this year, EA has decided to grace the boxes of the individual editions of the game with separate athletes. Leading with the Xbox 360 edition, EA has named University of Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden.

With 4,485 yards in 37 games, McFadden holds the distinction as the University of Arkansas' all-time leading rusher. Among the speedy power back's many awards and distinctions, McFadden has been selected for the First Team All-SEC three times, been named the SEC coaches and AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2006, was the first sophomore to receive the Doak Walker Award for best college tailback two years running, and is a two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up.

As for what EA Tiburon will be bringing to the table this year, NCAA Football 09 will feature an all-new "break away animation engine." The new mechanic will give players the ability to interrupt special moves on the fly, which EA hopes will give gamers more of a responsive, dynamic feel to the onscreen action.

EA plans to unveil the PS3 cover athlete on April 24, with the PS2 and PSP stars to be named in early May. The Wii cover will feature the winner of the NCAA Football 09 Cover Mascot Challenge, which will be announced on March 18. To keep tabs on the various cover stars, keep an eye on EA's official NCAA Football 09 Web site.