The team caps a standout season with three NECC national titles, key runner-up finishes, and a milestone pro Call of Duty signing.
The roar from Northwood University’s esports arena had barely settled before it became clear: this season was different. What began as a promising year for a young roster quickly transformed into a statement.
As interest in esports careers continues to surge, Northwood stands at the intersection of academic rigor and competitive excellence, proving once again why it is a destination for students who want more than an esports management degree; they want a stage, a team, and a future in the business of competitive gaming.
Northwood University Esports Claims Three New National Championships
How These Titles Reinforce Northwood’s Leadership in Collegiate Esports
Among the five Northwood teams that advanced to NECC Grand Finals last week, three captured national titles in Overwatch, Rocket League, and Marvel Rivals. Marvel Rivals delivered yet another significant achievement in the season, earning Northwood its first championship in the title’s inaugural year of collegiate competition.
The win comes after Northwood invested early in high-level talent as the game entered the collegiate esports landscape.
“Winning three NECC championships in a single season speaks to the consistency of our athletes and the competitive standard that’s been established across the program,” said Northwood Esports Coach Jacob R. Jacob. “What makes this stretch especially exciting is seeing newer titles like Marvel Rivals already competing for championships at the national level. It shows that our systems, preparation, and culture translate no matter the game.”
In addition to the three championships, Northwood earned runner-up finishes in both Valorant and Super Smash Bros.:
“These results continue to validate the level of preparation our students bring into every match,” Jacob added. “At this point, competing for championships isn’t the exception; it’s the expectation.”
This continues a trend in which the program routinely places among the nation’s top two teams across multiple titles during each competitive cycle.
Breakout Player Jeremiah “Nium” Harrison Signs Professional Call of Duty Contract
Pathways from Northwood’s Esports Programs to Professional Esports
Adding to the landmark season, Northwood Call of Duty standout Jeremiah “Nium” Harrison has signed a professional contract with OpTic Gaming to compete for its Call of Duty Challengers roster, Huntsmen. The Call of Duty Challengers circuit is the official amateur competitive pathway operated by Activision and serves as a direct line to the professional Call of Duty League.
“Jeremiah has definitely been a standout player this year in the Call of Duty scene. Not only has he been a consistent top player, but those efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he was picked up to compete in the Esports World Cup earlier this year. We’re excited to see how he develops now that he has access to those high-level professional resources.”
Aden Frosch, Northwood Esports Communications Director
The Huntsmen operate as the official academy team for OpTic Texas, giving Harrison access to elite coaching staffs, enhanced training resources, and a clear pathway to the highest level of professional Call of Duty competition.
Northwood Prepares for PlayVS Grand Finals with 20 Esports Athletes
Multiple Game Titles Put NU in Position for Another Championship Run
Northwood Esports will next travel with 20 student-athletes from Dec. 12–14 to Akron, Ohio, to compete in the Grand Finals of the PlayVS College League, marking the program’s largest travel event of the fall semester. Northwood rosters will compete for national titles in Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros., while the PlayVS Marvel Rivals Grand Finals will take place online.
“The way this season has unfolded has only raised the bar for what’s next,” Jacob said. “As we move toward the spring semester and the start of leagues like College League of Legends and College Valorant, the focus remains the same: compete for championships in every title.”
The Fall 2025 esports season will officially conclude following the PlayVS Grand Finals. The program’s success extends beyond competition, with several Northwood athletes having signed professional contracts while participating in Northwood’s Esports Management program, while others continue to represent the university on a global stage.
Northwood University has quickly become one of the nation’s premier collegiate programs, earning two world championships and over 30 national titles across multiple games against more than 500 colleges across the U.S.
The team is equipped to train and perform at the highest level with a state-of-the-art gaming center. For more information, visit our esports website or connect with our coaches to explore opportunities to visit the Northwood Esports Arena.
