Briar Cliff University Overwatch team continues to make its mark on the collegiate esports landscape, moving up to No.4 in the latest OWCRA rankings ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Chargers' new national ranking comes after an impressive spring campaign in which Briar Cliff finished 27-14 overall and earned a spot among the nation's top 10 teams in the final OWCRA rankings.

Briar Cliff's success extended beyond the regular season, with the Chargers making several deep tournaments runs. The team advanced to the Top 12 at the Overwatch Collegiate Championships Open, the Top 8 in the Varsity division, and the Top 4 at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup. Briar Cliff also finished as the Unified Collegiate League runner-up.

Along the way, the Chargers picked up victories over several nationally competitive programs, including Miami University (Ohio), Bellevue University and NC State, further establishing Briar Cliff as a program capable of competing at the highest levels of collegiate Overwatch.

With several members of last season's roster departing, the Chargers have added three players to help fill out the 2026-27 lineup. Alexander "Tred" Madgwick-Smith joins the team as a Tank, while Coy "Fear" Willis adds depth at DPS and Alina "Cake Queen" Chandler joins the team as a Flex Support

Tred brings collegiate championship experience to Sioux City after helping St. Clair College reach the championship match of the OWCC Varsity competition last semester. His addition gives Briar Cliff another experienced option on the frontline and adds flexibility to the Chargers' lineup.

The newcomers will join returning players, including Juan "Juvn" Villa and Kolby "Khatch" Hatch, as Briar Cliff looks to build on the momentum established last season.

The jump from a No.9 final ranking in the spring to No. 4 entering the 2026-27 season represents another milestone for the Chargers' growing esports program.

With a strong returning foundation, several new additions and a Top 5 national ranking, Briar Cliff will look to continue its upward trajectory throughout the upcoming collegiate Overwatch season.


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