Ryan Baker

The Madison Radicals kick off their 2026 season Saturday night, facing the Indianapolis AlleyCats on the road at 6 p.m. EST. These teams haven’t met in a season opener since 2019.

Madison has historically dominated this matchup, winning the last four games, but this season poses a bigger challenge.

Indy’s offseason additions make them one of the most intriguing teams in the league and have shifted the Central Division’s dynamics. Madison’s previous game plans against the AlleyCats won’t apply in 2026.

“Since they will be fielding a new team, we are focusing inwards on ourselves and making sure we are prepared as we can be for the beginning of our season,” said Head Coach Jacob Spiro. “While I would think that with limited reps they will stick with what they have done in the past offensively, it’s not something I’ll hang my hat on.”

Madison's advantage is its established chemistry. The core has been together for several years and could be more dangerous than ever. The combination of Anthony Gutowsky, Eric Sjostrom, Kainoa Chun-Moy, Gabe Vordick, and Pieran Robert has one of the highest ceilings in the league, but finishing games is key.

“Obviously, they have a bunch of new guys, and the team will look quite different than last year's, but I think what our team has embraced that I really appreciate is focusing on how we can improve and how good a team we can be,” said Ian McCosky. “Other teams can bring in whoever they want to bring in; we know when we put our best foot forward, we’re hard to stop.”

The Radicals have often failed to play a full four quarters, digging holes in the second half. Their offseason work may help, and the return of Victor Luo and Sterling Knoche brings veteran presence.

“Obviously, the bus ride home always feels better after a win. I want to see our composure as a team improve,” said Spiro. “We have a veteran squad now, and I would like to see us handle adversity with more positivity than we have in the past.”

On the flip side, Madison will be without two key guys for their season opener. Luke Marks and Ted Schewe will not be suiting up in this one. Marks, who was third in the league in blocks last year, is a major hit to this D-line, and not having Schewe’s swiss-army knife abilities is a tough hit.

Jake Carrico, Mitchell McCarthy, and Joe Leibforth must step up to fill Marks' role and counter Indy's star power. Madison will face familiar Indy players like Cameron Brock and William Wettengel, as well as newcomers James Pollard, Nate Little, and Jake Felton.

“Practices these last few months have been intense, and the D-line has really been bringing it,” said Vordick. “They haven’t been making it easy for us, and I know that when they line up across from Indy this weekend, they won’t make it easy either.”

Even with Marks out, Madison's defense remains strong. The offense’s consistency will be key. If McCosky integrates smoothly with Chun-Moy and Sjostrom, and consistently connects with Gutowsky, Nico Ranabhat, and Jack Nelson, Madison’s attack could be more threatening than before.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about it,” said McCosky. “I’ve played bigger offensive roles with my club and former college team, but all five years I’ve played in the UFA, I’ve been on the defensive side of things. With all the hard work and time you put into the sport, it feels really good to have the opportunity to showcase that and prove I can excel in a bigger role.”

A point of emphasis from Vordick is that the offense needs to be able to get punched in the mouth and punch right back, and there will be a ton of haymakers thrown in this game, so if Madison can prevent a three-point run by Indy, spoiling their attitude, they will put themselves in a good position to start the season off 1-0.

“The sky is the limit for this team, and a win to start off the season proves that,” said Vordick. “Indy is a tough opponent. Starting off that series 1-0, especially in an away game, puts us in the driver’s seat and gives us that momentum we need to win the rest. The mental difference between 1-0 and 0-1 cannot be overstated.”

Vordick also hinted at some new looks for this Madison offense, and taking this one would go a long way toward boosting confidence and proving that the tweaks are going to pay off. This is a team that has made the full transition from an older core to a younger group, but that transition happened over the last couple of years. Now, they have guys in the same roles they held last year, gaining experience and developing their talents.

“Having that added chemistry and giving a year for players to build confidence is an immeasurable advantage,” said Vordick. “Being out there with guys who can make such a difference with their throws opens up everything for the rest of us. It’s pretty damn cool to watch. I don’t think the league has realized that this isn’t the same Radicals team that has come out the last few years.”

With Tim DeByl switching to offense and Ben Gagne-Maynard to defense, and with all the hints from the players, the new look offense will be the biggest thing to watch for in this one.

Madison’s success hinges on exploiting Indy’s lack of chemistry and proving the offense’s new approach works. If Madison overcomes adversity and maintains consistency throughout four quarters, they will start the season with a win.

To watch the Radicals’ season opener, go here!