First insight to where teams stand going into the 2016-2017 Collegiate Dodgeball Season.
Disclaimer: These rankings have zero impact on seeding for the National Tournament or actual ranking. They provide insight into where teams are currently performing during a given part of the season.
1. Grand Valley State University
5th-peat? Is that even a thing? Lose 3x MVP in Kevin Bailey and All-American Austin Morley, but return everyone else. Hard to not place them in first place heading into the season.
2. Central Michigan University
If history repeats itself the Chippewas will win it all this year. Is it finally their time? Lose two All-Americans in Jacob Leski and Brett Hadwin, but return the presumed #1 player in the country Mike Riley and the rest of the squad with plenty of National Title experience.
3. Saginaw Valley State University
Return a large majority of their top players from last season. Lose All-American Kyle Foster, but this team is hungry after an unexpected exit in the quarterfinals at last year’s Nationals.
4. Kentucky University
Took Central Michigan to OT and lost to Grand Valley 3-2 at Nationals. They return All-American Drew Greenwalt and the majority of their squad from last year. The Wildcats are poised for their first trip back to the semifinals since 2013.
5. Michigan State University
The loss of All-American Colin O’Brien and the other impactful seniors will hurt, but look to MSU’s new captain Lucas Salinas to lead this team to victory. The back-end of this roster will need to step-up to keep this team as competitive as they were last year.
6. Towson University
Early exit at Nationals. Improves year after year. If they find the missing pieces from last year they will be a forced to be reckoned with and the new power in the East.
7. James Madison University
Don’t expect the Dukes to give up their reigns on the East Coast so easily. Returning All-American Doug Schilling will look to lead this team back to the Final Four.
8. Kent State University
New leadership in Kent, will that lead to new goals and fix the chemistry troubles they experienced last season? We think so. But only time will tell.
9. Virginia Commonwealth University
Steadily improved throughout the season thanks to the leadership of Hunter Ford. Expect them to continue their progress this season.
10. The Ohio State University
Ohio State impressed many last season, especially when they defeated SVSU in the quarterfinals and advanced to their first Final Four in many years. Large turnover of seniors. Look for Felix Perrone to develop their younger players.
11. University of Virginia
Great leadership, expect them to make noise, especially in the 2nd half of the season.
12. University of Wisconsin Platteville
Loss of Matt Bautch hurts, but lots of young talent ready to perform.
13. University of Maryland
They’ll be looking to make it to Nationals this season and make up for a poor season a year before.
14. Penn State University
Always an unknown. Hope to get more than 3 regular season games in this year.
15. U
niversity of Wisconsin Whitewater
They are keen to start playing. They have plenty of experience, don’t take them lightly.
16. Akron University
Top heavy. Could be achilles heel.
17. Cleveland State University
Former Kent State standout Matt Klembara looks to lead this new team to victory.
18. Western Kentucky University
Sorry Felix, but the Hilltoppers still have lots to prove to move up in the rankings.
19. Baldwin Wallace University
Have incredible talent, just lacking in numbers, which could inevitably be their downfall.
20. Bowling Green State University
Too unpredictable to place anywhere, but towards the middle of the pack.
21. DePaul University
Loss of Niko will be painful. May be another tough season.
22. North Georgia University
Unless they travel often and far, they will struggle to get games in.
23. Stevenson University
Another wild card. Steady improvement each season. Hopefully they have the numbers for Nationals.
24. Miami (OH) University
It’s comeback season for the RedHawks!! Been over 4 years since their last game. Look for them to strike early.
25. Ohio University
Still looking for that first win. Patience is a virtue.
26. Northern Illinois University
In a perfect area to muster up some early wins. Their success all depends on how far they will travel.
27. Virginia Tech University
Ready to see them perform. They will have ample opportunities to play.
28. University of Pittsburgh
They are here to play! Expect the Panthers to make some noise later in the season.
29. Georgia Southern
They will need to travel far and wide to find an adequate amount of games this season.
30. University of Nebraska
Still waiting for them to get in more games than three this season. Need to prove themselves.
31. University of North Texas
Been a long time since they last played a game. Hope to see them make their very first Nationals this year.
As more teams develop throughout the season they will be added to this list.
Opinion Power Rankings will be released every 2-4 weeks.
Well we get Colin back in the spring and still have Zajac sooo…. ?
Then your PR will more than likely improve in the spring… But right now it’s fall.
Love seeing these new teams! I would’ve loved to go play Pitt!
GVSU at #1? Wow that’s bold. Losing Kevin Bailey is going to hurt them, a lot. Kevin Bailey is the Moses of dodgeball, but instead of leading the Jews to the promised land he led GVSU to four national titles. GVSU without Bailey is the equivalent of having the Cincinnati Zoo without Harambe. And like Harambe was killed, GVSU will be killed this year. I predict GVSU to go 0-38. Don’t @ me.
I can’t breathe