Championship gaming, scholarships, and a community built for success: SAU Esports continues to rise
MAGNOLIA, AR (06/15/2026) Southern Arkansas University’s Marvel Rivals Esports team captured the PlayVS College League (PCL) East Division Championship this spring. The win adds another impressive milestone to the growing legacy of Mulerider Esports, following prior championships in Call of Duty, Valorant and Mortal Kombat. Competing against top collegiate programs from across the country, the Muleriders demonstrated the skill, teamwork, and dedication that have become hallmarks of SAU Esports.
The championship roster included sophomores Aaron Norton, Isaiah Gravesande, and Austin Hitchcock; junior Ellie Jenkins; and seniors Kavon Maloney and Zoe McKenna. The team was led by senior coaches Ken Hammontree and Rayland Ross, alongside recent SAU graduate Megan Riffe.
When asked how Esports has impacted his college experience, sophomore Marvel Rivals champion Aaron Norton shared, “Esports really gave me the time to do what I love with such cool people. I really appreciate being given the opportunity to be a captain and be with these amazing players.”
For those unfamiliar with the game, Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play, third-person, 6v6 team-based hero shooter featuring more than 50 characters from the Marvel universe, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and Wolverine. Players battle across iconic Marvel locations while utilizing strategy, communication, and teamwork to secure victory.
The Marvel Rivals championship was just one of many accomplishments for SAU Esports during the 2025-26 season. In the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC), SAU’s Rocket League and NBA 2K teams both finished among the Top 16 teams nationally, while the Tekken 8 team earned a Top 22 finish. SAU’s Fortnite Zero Build Duos team advanced all the way to the National Championship Finals, placing 7th in the nation.
The program found equal success in the PlayVS College League (PCL). SAU continued its impressive performance with Rocket League earning second place in the Central Division and Super Smash Bros. securing third place in the East Division. The Marvel Rivals Team’s East Division Championship highlighted one of many successful seasons in program history.
SAU offers opportunities for gamers of all interests and skill levels. Current Esports teams include Overwatch, Apex Legends, Madden, Fortnite, Rainbow Six, League of Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, EA Sports FC 24, Street Fighter 6, Valorant, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Mortal Kombat 1, Dragon Ball Fighter Z, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Marvel Rivals, NBA 2K, and Tekken 8.
Varsity Esports athletes at SAU compete against collegiate teams throughout the United States and Canada, facing elite competition while representing the University on a national stage. Varsity positions are highly competitive, and eligible student-athletes may receive Esports scholarships.
Students who are not on varsity teams still have numerous opportunities to participate. SAU Esports hosts open tryouts each semester and encourages players of all skill levels to become involved through local and online competitions, ranked play, and community events.
Whether your goal is to compete for championships, earn a scholarship, sharpen your skills, or simply connect with others who share your passion for gaming, SAU Esports offers a place to belong and opportunities to succeed. Ready to level up your college experience?
For more information about SAU Esports, scholarship opportunities, or upcoming tryouts, contact Sandra Martin.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.