EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Indiana Tech men's rugby team closed out its 2026 regular season with a 25-21 road victory over Michigan State University on Saturday afternoon at Neville's Field, securing its fifth victory of the season.

Michigan State struck first, crossing the try line in just the second minute and adding the conversion to take an early 7-0 lead.

The Warriors responded almost immediately when Dakota Faulkner found the try zone in the fifth minute. Faulkner converted his own score to even the contest at 7-7.

Indiana Tech took its first lead in the 13th minute when Max Ledbetter recorded his first collegiate try. Ledbetter made a dash toward the corner, slamming the ball down on the try line to put the Warriors ahead 12-7.

The Spartans answered in the 24th minute with their second converted try of the afternoon, reclaiming the lead at 14-12.

Indiana Tech responded through the boot of Faulkner, who successfully converted penalty kicks in the 28th and 33rd minutes to put the Warriors back in front 18-14.

One of the afternoon's highlights came in the 35th minute when Noah Hughes produced an impressive individual effort. Hughes broke free from 60 meters out, evading multiple Michigan State defenders as he raced downfield for the try. Faulkner added the conversion, extending Indiana Tech's advantage to 25-14 heading into halftime.

The second half developed into a defensive battle, with neither team finding the scoreboard until the 68th minute. Michigan State broke through for its third try of the afternoon and successfully converted, cutting the Warriors' lead to just four points at 25-21.

With momentum shifting toward the Spartans, Indiana Tech held firm over the final 12 minutes, keeping Michigan State off the scoreboard to preserve the 25-21 victory.

Faulkner led the Warriors offensively with 15 points, recording one try, two conversions, and two penalty kicks. Hughes and Ledbetter each contributed a try, with Ledbetter celebrating his first collegiate score.

The victory marked Indiana Tech's second consecutive win following its 34-17 conference victory over Rio Grande on October 17. The Warriors finish the regular season with a 5-2 record in their second year of varsity competition, continuing the program's development at the Division I level of National Collegiate Rugby.

Up Next

Indiana Tech now turns its attention to postseason competition, where the Warriors will face Aquinas College in the Big Rivers Rugby Conference semifinals on Saturday, October 31, at 4:00 p.m. at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis.

The matchup offers Indiana Tech an opportunity to avenge its narrow 32-29 loss to Aquinas earlier this season, with a spot in the Big Rivers Rugby Conference Championship.