The competitive debate season began this last weekend. With the presidential election less than two months away, we are sure to see some great debates on the various debating circuits. In particular, the International Public Debate Association has announced its busiest schedule since the pandemic, with even more competitive opportunities than before.
We released a list of the Top 50 Competitive College Debate Programs in the US earlier this year, compiling programs from seven different competitive debate circuits and formats. While the list was based on a variety of criteria, including competitive success, that was not the only criteria for our ranking. As the season is kicking off, we're taking a moment to highlight a few debate programs that will be competitive powerhouses in the International Public Debate Association this year. Keep on eye on these teams, because they are sure to take home some serious hardware.
Mississippi State University This team has become a powerhouse in recent years, winning a few national titles along the way. Last year, they were frequent contenders to win individual and sweepstakes awards at major tournaments, and took home a few titles at the 2024 National Championship. The team boasts a busy competition schedule, travelling throughout the Southern United States to compete in both individual and team events throughout the year. They are very strong competitors, and we can expect more of the same from them this year.
Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Perhaps the most underappreciated collegiate debate program in the country, LSUS consistently punches above its weight class, garnering dozens of national championships in recent years. They usually have a deep roster of debaters in the Varsity, Professional, and Team divisions, and a strong coaching staff with decades of experience in the International Public Debate Association. The Pilots are likely to have a strong showing and content for even more national titles this year.
Abilene Christian University
Since Sheila Ritchie became Director of Debate in 2018, ACU has grown into one of the strongest teams on the IPDA circuit. The Wildcats are very competitive, usually fielding a top 10 competitor in at least 2 divisions. ACU also boasts two members of the IPDA governing board. If they're firing on all cylinders again this year, expect them to take home a national title or two.
Union University
This team is known for being one of the largest competitive debate programs in the country. They usually keep a limited schedule of 7-8 tournaments per year, but usually field the most competitors of any program at those tournaments. They are also known for the strength of their undergraduate divisions, and don't rely on alumni debaters to buoy their program, as many IPDA programs often do. This has helped them earn 12 of the last 14 season-long scholastic sweepstakes awards, and they are expected to be top contenders again this year.
Point Loma Nazarene University
A powerhouse of the west, PLNU is strong competitor at the national championship every year. Unfortunately for them, they do not typically have a lot of IPDA-sanctioned tournaments on their regular season calendar, which makes it hard to compete for season-long national titles. On the other hand, their debate style and solid coaching resources make them a top contender during the most important tournament of the year in April.
Dallas Baptist University
The Patriots are one of the newest additions to the IPDA circuit, and they have had an incredible showing in the last few years. They have earned nearly 50 team awards in the last three years, and secured a handful of national titles in that timeframe. They have certainly secured themselves a spot as one of the strongest competitors in the nation. Expect big things from them again this year.
The International Public Debate Association is a US-based collegiate competitive debate league known for its one-on-one debating format, unique topics each round, and open competition.