Esports team takes second place in nation

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Esports team finished off a decorated 2025-26 academic year with a second-place finish in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Marvel Rivals tournament held May 15-17 in San Antonio, Texas.

"It feels good to know that a grassroots program like us can compete on the national stage," said Branyan Daniel, a senior from McDonough, Georgia, pursuing a degree in finance.

This spring's strong showing came on the heels of UNG winning the Peach Belt Conference championship and taking second in the nation in the Marvel Rivals game in the fall.

Brayden Bryant, a sophomore from Watkinsville, Georgia, who is also pursuing a degree in finance, said NECC "was the biggest stage I've ever competed on." He said UNG's players are invested in each other.

"I've made some great friends along the way," Bryant said. "I've been able to learn a lot from my teammates, grow as a player and get better at the game because of them."

Matthew Vue, a senior from Winder, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting, says UNG's team competed well against more well-funded teams thanks to a competitive edge.

"Our whole team has a drive to win," Vue said.

Nathaniel Hehl, UNG Esports coach, was grateful to see his players finish their season on a high note.

"This was a massive success for our program after a very strong school year," Hehl said.

These are the latest in a long line of recent successes for UNG after a Halo national title in fall 2024 and a second-place national finish at NECC in spring 2025.