The 2026-27 College Pickleball Tour (CPT) kicks off this week, signaling a new season of high-stakes collegiate competition fueled by a shifting transfer landscape and long-standing rivalries. As the DUPR and UPA-sanctioned tour begins, all eyes are on how roster changes and regional matchups will impact the national rankings.
Key Storylines for the 2026-27 Season
The upcoming season is defined by several major developments that promise to shake up the competitive hierarchy. Here are the primary storylines to watch as the tour gets underway:
- Opening Weekend Triple-Header: The season launches on October 3 with three simultaneous events: the Boiler Bash Regional 300 in West Lafayette, IN; the Texas Collegiate Pickleball Challenge in Waco, TX; and the Utah Super Regional 300 in Herriman, UT.
- Hunter Merritt’s Move to Utah Tech: The 5.2-rated senior is transferring from LSU to join the reigning College World Champion, Utah Tech. While he joins a stacked roster featuring Liam Duffin and Clayton Boydston, his arrival adds significant depth to a team already considered a title favorite.
- The Transfer Portal’s Impact on Florida: Following the graduation of 5.4-rated Christian Frankie, the University of Florida has utilized the transfer portal to secure 5.0-rated Zack Florendo. Notably, Florendo was recruited from their cross-state rival, Florida State, intensifying the existing tension between the two programs.
- The "Old Oaken Paddle" Rivalry: Indiana University (IU) and Purdue continue their historic rivalry on the pickleball court. IU has held the "Old Oaken Paddle" for three consecutive years, and the two teams are set to face off again during the October 3 Boiler Bash.
- Cross-School Camaraderie: Despite the intense competition, the tour maintains a culture of friendship. A prime example is former Purdue player Tori Burke, who is joining the IU competitive team for her graduate studies while maintaining close personal ties with her former Boilermaker teammates.
- The Fall Tournament Schedule: The season features a packed calendar leading up to the College World Championship. Key dates include the North Carolina Super Regional (Oct. 17-18), the Ohio Super Regional (Oct. 24-25), the College World Championship 400 in Farmers Branch, TX (Oct. 30-Nov. 1), and the Arizona Super Regional (Nov. 21-22).
As the season progresses, every match will directly influence individual DUPR ratings and the official college power rankings. Fans are encouraged to follow their respective schools through the DUPR app to track player performance and tournament outcomes throughout the fall.
