2026 Inaugural Preseason Rugby Rankings

Our first ever preseason rankings set the tone for the season and the results from this past season backed them up. Detroit Catholic Central capped off a dominant, undefeated run by defeating West Ottawa 66-17 in the finals and winning their first Rugby State Championship in School History. While the Shamrocks handled business in Division I, Grand Rapids Catholic Rugby Football Club that consists of student-athletes from Sparta, Muskegon Catholic Central, Union, Cedar Springs & West Catholic High Schools, powered there way to an 11-0 Finish capturing the Club's first Division II Side State Championship over St. Joseph.

The Inaugural rankings for Michigan Prep Rugby is built to spotlight the top programs across Michigan heading into the 2026 Season, factoring in returning talent, recent success and overall program momentum. These are not just a snapshot, these were a measuring stick for expectations, competitiveness and the ever evolving landscape of Prep Rugby in Michigan.

So here it is!!!

#. School/Club Name (2025 Record)

Overall Preseason Rankings

1. Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks (12-0)

2. Rockford Rams (5-3)

3. West Ottawa Panthers (7-2)

4. Detroit Loyola Bulldogs (5-3)

5. Traverse Area Alliance RFC (2-5)

6. Grand Rapids Catholic RFC (11-0)

7. Grandville Bulldogs (2-5)

8. St. Joseph Bears (6-3-1)

9. Portage Muskies RFC (4-2)

10. Brighton Bulldogs (1-6)

11. Birmingham Buccaneers RFC (7-1)

12. Forest Hills United RFC (0-6)

13. Howell Highlanders (4-2)

14. Kentwood Reds RFC (1-3)

15. Anchor Bay Tars (2-2-1)

16. Grand Haven Buccaneers (0-5)

17. Washentaw RFC (2-3)

18. Berkley Bears (1-4)

19. Troy United RFC (0-3-1)

Here are the preseason rankings separated by divisions.

Forest Hills United RFC, Relegated to Division II.

Genesee County RFC & Stevensville Lakeshore Lancers announced they'll be fielding rugby XVs this season. I won't have them in the ranking for now, but once they get a few games in, we'll add them in. They'll both compete in the Division II Side, best of luck to both squads!

Division I Side

1. Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks

2. Rockford Rams

3. West Ottawa Panthers

4. Detroit Loyola Bulldogs

5. Traverse Area Alliance RFC

6. Grandville Bulldogs

7. Brighton Bulldogs

Division II Side

1. Grand Rapids Catholic RFC

2. St. Joseph Bears

3. Portage Muskies RFC

4. Birmingham Buccaneers RFC

5. Forest Hills United RFC

6. Howell Highlanders

7. Kentwood Reds RFC

8. Anchor Bay Tars

9. Grand Haven Buccaneers

10. Washentaw RFC

11. Berkley Bears

12. Troy United RFC