Press release courtesy of Minnesota State University, Mankato
MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato has been accepted into Esports Collegiate (ESC), a league created by the member universities of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The move places Maverick Esports alongside programs from 10 universities with NCAA Division I athletics.
Minnesota State Mankato joins ESC alongside programs from Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Northern Illinois, Ohio and Miami University – institutions with some of the most established programs in collegiate esports.
For those unfamiliar with collegiate esports, the significance is similar to an athletics program earning a place in a more elite conference. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) provides the broader competition and tournament structure in which ESC teams participate, giving the Mavericks regular competition against leading programs and a more visible national platform.
Minnesota State Mankato competes primarily in NCAA Division II, with men’s and women’s hockey at Division I. Joining ESC gives another Maverick program the opportunity to compete regularly within a field made up of Division I institutions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Minnesota State University, Mankato to Esports Collegiate,” said Mike Vuraich, Executive Director of Esports Collegiate. “Minnesota State shares ESC’s commitment to high-level, structured esports competition and to advancing esports as a varsity-sanctioned activity. Their addition further strengthens the depth and quality of our conference and reinforces ESC’s position as a premier home for collegiate esports. We look forward to the impact Minnesota State will have on our conference and to the continued growth and success of esports across our membership.”
“Joining ESC validates the model we have been building at Minnesota State Mankato – a dedicated facility, knowledgeable coaches and staff, and meaningful, structured competition,” said Levi Arnett, Maverick Esports Assistant Director and Head Coach. “Being accepted into this conference and competing alongside these universities is a major accomplishment. It shows that Maverick Esports has earned a place at that table.”
The move recognizes Minnesota State Mankato’s commitment to its varsity esports program, including the Esports Training Facility, professional coaching and student opportunities in competition, marketing, broadcasting and production. It also strengthens recruitment as more high school competitors look to continue playing at the collegiate level.
That pathway is growing. The Minnesota State High School League recently approved an esports pilot for 2026–27, with its first state tournament planned for 2027-28, a major milestone for the sport statewide.
Maverick Esports will make its ESC debut against Bowling Green State University in Overwatch at 6 p.m. Central Monday, September 21. Watch live on Minnesota State Mankato’s Twitch channel.
Learn more and view upcoming matches at esports.mnsu.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact: Amy Linde, amy.linde@mnsu.edu or 507.389.1551.
About Minnesota State University, Mankato:
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,721 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
About Maverick Esports:
Founded in 2020, Maverick Esports, a program of Minnesota State University, Mankato, is dedicated to fostering a competitive and casual esports community. The program provides students with opportunities to compete, build connections, develop leadership skills, and engage with the growing esports industry.
