For two decades, the Michigan Region has been the gold standard of collegiate dodgeball, producing powerhouse programs and setting the bar for national success. From the inaugural season in 2005 until just last year, at least one Michigan team had always battled its way to the NCDA Championship game. That remarkable streak came to an end in 2025, marking the first time in league history that the region was absent from the title match. Now, as a new season is about to unfold, all eyes are on Michigan to see if its teams can reclaim their place at the top.
Michigan State
Since the return from COVID, no program has been more consistent than Michigan State. The Spartans have reached the National Championship game in three of the last four seasons (winning two) cementing themselves as the standard-bearer for the region. It is hard to call last year’s Final Four exit a let down, but I think their players and coaches would echo the sentiment of disappointment with not winning a third straight national championship. National Player of the Year Matt Barriball is back to lead the charge, and opponents will certainly have to plan around his presence on the court. Rookie of the Year Luke Foco also returns, looking to break out in his sophomore campaign. While this year’s recruiting class is still coming together, history suggests the Spartans will once again add fresh talent to an already loaded roster. Expectations remain sky-high in East Lansing, and anything short of a deep postseason run would be a surprise.
Grand Valley State
For years the Lakers didn’t just win championships, they defined them — a dynasty bordering on invincibility. However, the once feared program now finds itself on the verge of irrelevancy. In 2025, GVSU will return crafty veterans Matt Budai, Ryan Paddock, and Aidan Jacobs, giving the Lakers a solid core to lean on early in the season. However, recent history has shown that this group alone isn’t enough to carry them deep into Nationals Sunday. For GVSU to return to the national prominence they were once accustomed to, they will need significant growth and production from their 6–12 players. The blueprint for success is still there, but the question remains whether the Lakers can reestablish themselves among the league’s elite.
Western Michigan
WMU enters the new season facing the challenge of replacing key player, Ryan Allor. In his absence, Matt Barnett will be tasked with leading the Broncos and keeping them competitive in a tough Michigan Region. It is safe to say that if WMU wants to climb from the bottom of the standings, they will need to bring in top-level recruits and develop depth quickly. The program has shown flashes of potential, but turning that into sustained success will require both leadership and fresh talent.
Saginaw Valley State
SVSU enters the season without star player Cole Machiela, who graduated after being the centerpiece of their team for 4 years. In his absence, Owen Folsom will be leaned on heavily to carry much of the offensive load. For the Cardinals to rise above the middle of the pack, they’ll need returning players to take the next step and a strong recruiting class to provide depth. If those pieces come together, SVSU has the potential to make noise in the Michigan Region, but the path forward won’t be easy.
Central Michigan
CMU is still in the process of rebuilding after nearly going defunct in the wake of COVID, but the program has made impressive strides each of the past two seasons. The Chippewas will look to continue that momentum this year, though competing with established powerhouses like MSU and GVSU remains a tall task. Still, the direction is promising, and in a league that has shown how quickly programs can turn things around, CMU is proving that a full return to relevance may be closer than some expect.
Pre-Season OT6
Luke Foco (MSU)
Matt Barriball (MSU)
Zachary VanFleet (MSU)
Ryan Paddock (GVSU)
Matt Budai (GVSU)
Aidan Jacobs (GVSU)
Pre-Season Power Rankings
- Michigan State
- Grand Valley State
- Saginaw Valley State
- Central Michigan
- Western Michigan
Really enjoying these previews, can’t wait to see the rest. I do have one question, wasn’t the ’05 final match between OSU and Kent?