Men D2 Gamebreakers for Early Fall

10.08.2025College Men

October is what it’s ALL about in men’s D2 college rugby.

September is important, November is hugely important for the playoff-bound, but October is when you find out if you are playoff-bound.

So the players in this list have made a noticeable impact as teams try to put themselves into the championship conversation.

Rob MacLehose, Villanova

The ‘Nova fullback can thank his defense for putting him here because it is Villanova’s front-line D that forces teams to kick, and when they kick, MacLehose gets the opportunity to slice them up on counter-attacks, which he does, repeatedly.

Mason and Hunter Lim, Towson

The brothers play hooker and prop and help set the set piece and possession platform for a Towson side that is unbeaten in conference play.

Jake Peterson, Norwich

Unable to finish the playoff run for the Cadets in 2024 (because of, ahem, a red card) Peterson has been outstanding at lock and No. 8 for his side this year, highlighted by a two-try performance against New Hampshire.

Quinten Pienaar, RPI

The Engineers’ flyhalf has created and exploited space brilliantly in an RPI side that has perhaps surprised as a major conference contender.

Hunter Adams, Central Michigan

The CMU lock is a massively hard worker and defensive force for a 2-0 Exiles side.

Aiden Reilly, GVSU

The Grand Valley State No. 8 helped power the Lakers through to a comeback win over Miami of Ohio.

Marshall and Mason Wiseman, UNCW

The brothers form an impressive scrumhalf-flyhalf combination as the Seahawks have moved to GRR’s #1 ranking.

Dylan Deasy, IUP

A dynamic fullback for the Crimson Hawks, Deasy has exploded this early fall to put IUP in position to, maybe, threepeat.

Jaden Woolary, Salisbury

Playing lock for the Sharks, Woolary is an imposing physical present in the breakdown and has been hugely influential as a ballcarrier.

Cameron Jones, St. Louis University

A speedy wing with a good step Jones has added the X factor for the Billikens.

David Kuebler, Marquette

At flyhalf Kuebler has been able to spark the Marquette attack as they have beaten Illinois State and UW-Whitewater.

Jake Ortiz, Benedictine

Ortiz is club president and prop for the Benedictine team in the Gateway Conference, and he has led from the front in their strong start.

Layne McDonald, Northern Iowa

UNI is again a contender for the Great Midwest, and at No. 8 McDonald has them surging forward.

Ian Milosovic, Miami (OH)

The second row is a possession machine. He steals lineout, he wns rucks, and he forces turnovers.