ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College esports program is enjoying one of its most successful seasons to date, highlighted by historic performances, undefeated records and growing recognition on the national stage.
Leading the way is the Smash Bros. Ultimate team, which completed the first undefeated regular season in program history on November 2. After moving into a more challenging ECAC division, the Bulldogs finished 7-0 and won their group to earn a top-four overall seed in the ECAC B-Division national playoffs.
Adrian's young Smash Bros. Ultimate roster is led by sophomore captain Ben Burke alongside freshmen Wesley Campbell, Jayluand Knight and Roman McCormick. All four players ranked among the top five high school competitors in their respective states before joining the Bulldogs. Their passion, talent and commitment have helped Adrian establish itself as one of the rising programs in collegiate esports.
The Bulldogs also tested themselves against elite competition at Riptide Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort. The event allowed Adrian to compete against some of the best players in the world while building connections within the competitive gaming community. The team will also compete at Grand Rapids Comic Con in November and has received an invitation to Big Moves in downtown Manhattan in January.
Success has extended throughout the Adrian esports program. Rocket League also completed an undefeated ECAC regular season, while Overwatch posted a 5-2 record. The program recently added its 2026 Overwatch championship and the 2026 Coach of the Year award earned by Head Esports Coach Kenneth Beatty to its growing trophy case.
Adrian has also developed a strong sports gaming culture through Madden and NBA 2K, which combine to make up nearly one-third of the esports roster. Nearly every Adrian team secured an ECAC playoff berth this season, adding to an exciting fall filled with competitive events, LAN tournaments and memorable experiences.
Fans can support Adrian College esports and watch upcoming competitions live on the program's official Twitch channel.
