As summer draws to a close and the air turns crisp with the first hints of fall, one unmistakable truth rises with the changing winds—dodgeball is back.
Across the country, players are lacing up and teams are retooling. But in one region, the energy feels different. Sharper. Hungrier. More storied. This is Ohio—the beating heart of collegiate dodgeball, where tradition meets talent, and rivalries run deep. Without further ado, here is the 2025-2026 season preview for the Ohio region.
Ohio State
Ohio State enters the 2025 season as my unbiased national title favorite. After a strong campaign last year that saw the Buckeyes lose in the quarter finals, OSU returns nearly all of their star power. Bolstering a core of All-American stars that includes Nick Kemer and Colson Bunch will be the best player on last season’s best team, former Miami captain Max Edling. Not all news is good news for OSU, though, as former standout rookie Braylon Jarvis will miss the first half of the season due to a foot injury, leaving a temporary hole in their lineup that will need to be filled. One other player that will need to have a breakout season for Ohio State is Will Dalton. Simply put, this kid is a unit.
“It would be a safe bet to bet both of your kidneys on OSU winning the natty this year” – Ohio State Captain Jackson Bolognia
Ohio
Ohio returns to action this season with a mix of familiar leadership and fresh challenges. Veteran Terence Checkett is back to anchor the Bobcats. However, they’ll have to move forward without emerging star Eman Miller, who transferred to Kent State in the offseason after a 2nd Team All American Season.
The 24-25 season ended on a bit of a sour note for OU, with a disappointing early exit at Nationals in a rivalry matchup against James Madison. Still, there’s plenty to build on from a solid campaign. With Checkett steering the ship and a chip on their shoulder, the Bobcats will look to regroup, reload, and prove they belong in the conversation with the region’s elite.
“We lost a bit of star power from last season, but love the depth and continuity we bring back, which includes multiple OT6 seniors and over 20 players to attend a tournament last season, suiting up again this year.” – Anon. OU Captain
Kent State
Kent State finds itself in unfamiliar—but well-earned—territory heading into the new season: ranked #3 in the way-too-early power rankings and widely viewed as a legitimate contender. Just a few years removed from the brink of extinction, the Golden Flashes have quietly rebuilt into one of the most complete teams in the country. With nearly all of last year’s contributors returning, this group has the experience, depth, and momentum to make serious noise.
At the helm for the third straight year is Mike Bilczo, whose leadership and steady hand have been instrumental in the program’s resurgence. Also key for Kent this year will be All-Americans JJ Oldenburg and Eman Miller. Kent State might still be flying slightly under the radar, but that won’t last long. This team has Final Four potential—and possibly more. Don’t be surprised when the Golden Flashes start turning heads.
“We put the league on notice with some big wins and close games against top teams last year, and we are only going to get better as a unit. However, we still have everything to prove. A lot of key players are returning, and we are all bought into the program and the plan of winning nationals.” – Kent State Captain Evan Harbison
Akron
Akron reached new heights last season with an impressive Final Four run—the program’s strongest showing to date. But maintaining that level of play will be no easy task. The Zips suffered heavy losses in the offseason, parting ways with a core group of talent including Chance Preece, Jeremy Faircloth, and Carter Crawford. It is safe to say there are big shoes to fill in Akron.
This year, the leadership responsibilities will fall on captains Alexis Schultz and Kyle Vonscio. For Akron to stay competitive, a strong recruiting push will be essential. The pieces may not all be in place yet, but the foundation is there. The Zips proved what they’re capable of—now the challenge is doing it again.
Miami
Miami enters the new season as the defending national champions, but the road to a repeat got a lot tougher this off-season, as the Red Hawks lose All-Americans Max Edling and Cole Ginocchio.
Fortunately, leadership won’t be lacking. Phil Hampton is poised to be the vocal and playmaking anchor of this year’s squad, bringing intensity, experience, and a championship pedigree to a retooling roster. Recruitment will be key—Miami doesn’t just need bodies, they need impact players ready to rise to the moment.
Cleveland State
Cleveland State experienced a true program renaissance last season, fueled by the return of All-American Leon Rockamore Jr. His presence sparked new life into the Vikings, turning them from an afterthought into a legitimate threat. The highlight of their resurgence came on Nationals Saturday, when they shocked the dodgeball world by taking down longtime powerhouse Grand Valley State—a win that surely had GVSU greats like Kevin Bailey in disbelief.
Now, the Vikings are looking to retool and build off that momentum. With Rockamore Jr. back to lead the charge, Cleveland State has its sights set higher. They’re no longer content with just turning heads—they’re ready to compete with the top teams in the country and make sure last year wasn’t just a flash in the pan.
“Ball up top” – CSU Captain Leon Rockamore
Bowling Green State
Bowling Green has found itself in a state of post-COVID limbo—perpetually stuck in the middle of the Ohio region. While they’ve struggled to break through into the upper tier, the Falcons have consistently fielded a deep and disciplined roster. What they may lack in star power compared to regional heavyweights, they make up for in consistency and balance. From players 1 through 12, there’s less drop-off than you’ll see on many sidelines.
For BGSU to take the next step, they’ll need big seasons from Jack Price and Gavin Gillard—two players capable of anchoring both ends of the court. If that duo can elevate their play and bring some much-needed firepower to the roster, the Falcons could finally shake the “middle-of-the-pack” label.
“After graduating eight seniors, including six starters, this year is about building from the ground up. We may be a new roster, but the work we put in now will set the tone for the season. Competing is still the standard and we are looking forward to getting started.” – BGSU Captain Gavin Gillard
Cincinnati
Cincinnati enters the new season still feeling the sting of choking away last year’s national championship—a heartbreaking loss to in-state rival Miami. For the better part of five years, the Bearcats held the upper hand in that rivalry, but in the biggest moment, the script flipped. Now, with redemption on their minds, Cincinnati turns the page to a new chapter.
Gone are long-time cornerstones Ryan Engelman and Matt Rosinski—names that seemed etched into the Bearcat lineup for eternity. Their leadership and presence will be missed, but a new era is ready to take shape. At the center of it all is Will Hyatt, now the unquestioned face of the program. Hyatt’s combination of size, athleticism, and high-IQ play will be key to keeping Cincinnati in the national spotlight. The Bearcats might have unfinished business, but they’ll have to earn every inch of it in a region that won’t wait for anyone to catch up.
“Despite a few key losses our team is strong and still has depth to take us the distance. You should definitely keep an eye out for us this season!” – UC Captain Gavin Moseley
Pre-Season OT6
JJ Oldenburg (Kent)
Colson Bunch (OSU)
Leon Rockamore (CSU)
Max Edling (OSU)
Will Hyatt (UC)
Will Dalton (OSU)
Pre-Season Power Rankings
- Ohio State
- Kent State
- Miami
- Cincinnati
- Akron
- Cleveland State
- Ohio
- Bowling Green State