Huntington Times

Marshall University has achieved a significant milestone with its Esports team qualifying for the 2025 College CoD League (CCL) Nationals. This accomplishment comes after the team finished in the top six of the Southeast Regional playoffs. Notably, Marshall was the only university in the region to have two teams ranked within the top 32, at positions No. 21 and No. 32. The No. 21 team progressed to secure a place in the national tournament.

"I'm beyond proud of both teams this CCL season," remarked Kyle Trapp, the director of Esports and club sports at Marshall University. "For our first year as a fully invested varsity program and becoming one of the top 32 teams in the country, it has been an insane roller coaster."

The upcoming national championship includes the eight leading teams from each region, resulting in a 32-team, double-elimination bracket.

"We're one of 32 college Call of Duty teams remaining, making us one of the best in the country out of hundreds of schools competing," stated team captain Niko Thibeault, adding, "The national competition gives us a chance to compete for an in-person appearance and prize money."

The tournament is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. Marshall Esports will face No. 9 Cincinnati CoD. A watch party is set to take place at the Memorial Student Center, with a livestream available on Twitch at twitch.tv/marshallu_esports.

For inquiries regarding the team and competition, contact Kyle Trapp at 304-696-3504 or trappk@marshall.edu