Seton Hall Esports Opens Spring 2026 Season with Addition of VALORANT

Seton Hall Esports begins the Spring 2026 competitive season with its most expansive lineup to date, highlighted by the addition of the program’s first varsity VALORANT team.

The Spring schedule also introduces a new school-versus-school conference format, with Seton Hall facing a single BIG EAST opponent each week across all participating titles.  Under this structure, when Seton Hall competes against a conference opponent such as Villanova or Marquette, all teams play their respective matchups throughout the week. The format strengthens institutional rivalries and creates a more unified competitive experience for teams and fans. 

"Adding VALORANT and moving to a school-based format represents an important step forward for the program," said Victor Gomez, esports manager at Seton Hall University. "It brings our teams together under a shared competitive identity and gives new players an immediate introduction to BIG EAST play."

Team Outlooks 

Seton Hall Esports enters Spring 2026 with its established programs adjusting to the new conference format that places an increased emphasis on week-to-week performance and cohesion across rosters. 

In League of Legends, conference play begins with a focus on adaptability as teams navigate the Spring schedule. "With recent game changes and updates, this season gives us a great opportunity to see how the roster responds in a conference setting," explains Jacob Black, League of Legends head coach. "BIG EAST play is always competitive and these matches will show us where we stand and what we can build on." 

Rocket League, one of Seton Hall’s longest-standing esports programs, enters the Spring season with high expectations as newer players step into conference competition alongside returning Pirates.  "There’s a strong legacy behind Rocket League at Seton Hall and the expectation is always to compete at a high level, " said Antonio Riozzi, Rocket League head coach. "This season is about bringing parts of the roster into BIG EAST competition and helping them understand what it takes to succeed at this level." 

Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also open the Spring season focused on steady execution, using consistent conference matchups as an opportunity to measure progress and performance over the course of the semester.

VALORANT Season Preview 

Seton Hall’s newest esports team, VALORANT, makes its conference debut this week. As the program’s latest addition, the team enters BIG EAST play with an emphasis on balancing performance with development. Led by captain Uriel Concepcion (Approved), the group prioritizes communication, discipline and situational awareness, all essential in a strategy-driven title. Preseason preparation focused on building chemistry and adapting to the pace of conference play. 

Spring 2026 VALORANT roster 

• Samuel Chen (Rayker) 

• Aidan Nazario (Potadyn) 

• Aadith Nadarajah (v4len) 

• Alexander Sharpe (RaptopNA) 

• Uriel Concepcion (Approved), captain 

• Tyson Crudup (Ichikasu) 

• Jahmai LeBlanc (Erosd) 

Spring 2026 Conference Matchups 

Seton Hall Esports opens BIG EAST conference play the week of January 19 under a structured weekly format, with each title assigned a consistent competition day and start time throughout the season. A full, up-to-date match schedule with dates and start times is available through the Seton Hall Esports events calendar. 

Seton Hall's Weekly Match Schedule 

• Rocket League: Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

• Overwatch 2: Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

• VALORANT: Thursdays, 7 p.m.

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Fridays, 7 p.m. 

• League of Legends: Saturdays, 3 p.m.

Conference Opponents 

• Week of January 19: Villanova, Creighton 

• Week of January 26: Butler 

• Week of February 2: St. John’s 

• Week of February 9: Marquette 

• Week of February 16: UConn 

• Week of February 23: DePaul 

Postseason play begins in March, with conference semifinal rounds followed by the BIG EAST championship later in the month. Fans are encouraged to follow Seton Hall Esports throughout the Spring season for match updates, results and postseason announcements. 

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