In College Football 25, Program Tradition represents a holistic view of your program’s history and long-term success. It is one of the key factors that can influence recruits, transfers, and even player morale. This grade is based on a number of variables, including the number of conference and national championships your program has won, total wins accumulated over time, and individual awards earned by players and coaches. Your Program Tradition grade is a direct reflection of your school’s legacy on the gridiron.
The Program Tradition grade measures how your program has performed historically and establishes how appealing your school is based on its past success. Programs with storied histories like Alabama, Ohio State, or Notre Dame will naturally have higher Program Tradition grades thanks to their numerous championships, consistent winning seasons, and wealth of individual accolades. This grade is pivotal for recruiting as it tells prospective players that they are joining a program with a proven track record of success.
For schools looking to build their tradition, sustained success over several seasons, winning conference titles, and competing for national championships are key. Every major milestone, from individual player awards to season-ending trophies, contributes to the building of your program’s tradition.
Your Program Tradition grade is calculated based on several key factors:
Programs that consistently win bowl games, produce NFL talent, and build upon their reputation will see their Program Tradition grade rise over time.
A high Program Tradition grade is one of the most influential factors for recruits considering your school. Prospective players are drawn to programs with a history of success because it often means competing on the biggest stages, such as the College Football Playoff, and increasing their own visibility for future opportunities, like playing in the NFL. Recruits want to play for a program where they can win championships, gain exposure, and be a part of a school’s rich football history.
For programs that don’t have a rich tradition yet, building it can be a slow but rewarding process. Recruiting will be tougher in the early stages because players may choose schools with more established traditions. However, every victory, championship, and individual award helps develop your program’s legacy. Over time, your program can ascend to elite status, making it easier to attract top-tier talent.
Building Program Tradition takes time and sustained success. If you’re starting from the bottom or trying to rebuild a struggling program, here are some key strategies:
Once you’ve built a strong tradition, it becomes easier to maintain as elite recruits naturally gravitate towards your program. However, a dip in performance can negatively impact your Program Tradition grade over time, so consistent success is crucial.
Program Tradition is just one of 14 unique categories that comprise the My School Grades system in College Football 25. This system evaluates every school across these categories to give a comprehensive view of a program’s strengths and weaknesses. Here are the 14 grades that make up the My School Grades:
Each of these categories directly impacts your school’s appeal to recruits and transfers. The Program Tradition grade plays an essential role in shaping how recruits view your program in comparison to others with established histories.
As you progress through your dynasty, it’s important to keep tabs on your Program Tradition grade. Achievements in conference and national championships, consistent winning records, and individual accolades will all improve this grade. You can track your Program Tradition and other grades in the My School screen, which is accessible from the Recruiting Hub.
The My School report will also show how your actions and performance week to week are affecting each of your grades, including Program Tradition. If you notice that your grade is declining, it may be time to refocus your recruiting efforts or make coaching changes to get your team back on track.
In College Football 25, Program Tradition is a key factor in determining your school’s legacy and success on the recruiting trail. A program with a strong tradition has a significant advantage in attracting top talent, and every win, championship, and award builds toward a lasting football legacy. Whether you’re rebuilding a struggling team or maintaining a powerhouse, focusing on your program’s tradition will help you establish a long-term winning culture.