a way way way too early prediction for DCI 2026

[NewArpege]

2 hours ago, LabMaster said:

I may have rushed my look back as I had a short break in my middle school substitute schedule but a quick view of where previous winners placed on a following year (excluding BD following themselves) I had 

8 times 1 dropped to 2

5 times 1 dropped to 3

3 times 1 dropped to 5

2 times 1 dropped to 4

0 times 1 dropped to 6, 7, or 8

1 time 1 dropped to 9

The time period I looked at was from 1999 thru 2025.  Looking back over the past 25 years seems an adequate sampling, to dispel the notion that previous winners will fall to 5th in a following season.  There is more likelihood they go to 2nd.  The drop to 9th is definitely an aberration.  Disregarding that drop, the average is a drop to 3rd. Check my math.  It was during a short free period that I looked at Finals scores.  Just a funliner exercise.

I’d be shocked if BAC fell to 4-5. Their talent level is so high that their captions will likely keep them in the medal mix. 
 

BAC could win this year again.  It’s not probable based on statistics, but they are certainly capable with the right theme and design. 

[KVG_DC]

4 hours ago, LabMaster said:

 

1 time 1 dropped to 9

 

[corps8294]

The Boston Crusaders and the Bluecoats are the two "it" corps currently. I could see them holding onto the top two spots with the Blue Devils and Vanguard placing 3rd and 4th. 

Edited January 16 by corps8294

[Tim K]

2 hours ago, corps8294 said:

The Boston Crusaders and the Bluecoats are the two "it" corps currently. I could see them holding on to the top two spots with the Blue Devils and Vanguard placing 3rd and 4th. 

I agree. I won’t count the Blue Devils out or minimize the potential of Santa Clara for 2026, but as the season developed in 2024 it was not the Blue Devils that Bloo had to beat, it was Boston Crusaders. In 2025 it was not Blue Devils BAC had to beat, it was Bloo. Though it was clear from early on that 2024 would be Bloo’s year, Bloo did not win in 2024 due to BAC’s weaknesses, and BAC did not win in 2025 due to Bloo’s flaws. Both were formidable opponents and a rivalry has developed, and from what I see a healthy one. 

 

[NewArpege]

2 hours ago, Tim K said:

I agree. I won’t count the Blue Devils out or minimize the potential of Santa Clara for 2026, but as the season developed in 2024 it was not the Blue Devils that Bloo had to beat, it was Boston Crusaders. In 2025 it was not Blue Devils BAC had to beat, it was Bloo. Though it was clear from early on that 2024 would be Bloo’s year, Bloo did not win in 2024 due to BAC’s weaknesses, and BAC did not win in 2025 due to Bloo’s flaws. Both were formidable opponents and a rivalry has developed, and from what I see a healthy one. 

 

For sure, Bloo and BAC are the “it” corps right now. And SCV has shown by going from a year off to third place in 2 years that they have the formula figured out:  great staff synergy, talented MMs, and great designs. 
 

BD, PR, and Crown have stalled and settled a bit in last season.  None of these will advance upward without some deep reflection and work. I’m not counting any of these corps out, but I also don’t expect them to surge into medals easily either.  BD and PR had teams in place, talent, and design language over past 2 seasons that shows they are capable of going upward if one of those top 3 falter of quality of show from last year.  Crown is more complicated case as they lacked right staff in key positions and non-brass captions weren’t competitive.  The big unknown with Crown is does percussion continue to improve, does Keith fix design, and does Rosie fix guard?  If those areas lock in, they’ll be competitive for medals again…but otherwise, not so much.

But hopefully, I’m wrong on BD, PR, and Crown. Maybe one of them have a unicorn show being developed right now. Crazier things have happened…

[greg_orangecounty]

21 hours ago, LabMaster said:

0 times 1 dropped to 6, 7, or 8

Well…….the Kingsmen went from #1 in 1972 to #6 in 1973.  But I’m sure Boston won’t do that. 

[perc2100]

8 hours ago, Tim K said:

I agree. I won’t count the Blue Devils out or minimize the potential of Santa Clara for 2026, but as the season developed in 2024 it was not the Blue Devils that Bloo had to beat, it was Boston Crusaders. In 2025 it was not Blue Devils BAC had to beat, it was Bloo. Though it was clear from early on that 2024 would be Bloo’s year, Bloo did not win in 2024 due to BAC’s weaknesses, and BAC did not win in 2025 due to Bloo’s flaws. Both were formidable opponents and a rivalry has developed, and from what I see a healthy one. 

 

Both of those years felt like a flip-of-the-coin who would win, both Finals close spreads between 1 & 2.  This is exciting for the activity, with neither being the 'dominant' corps running over everyone else, but still being the front runners displaying design style and setting the pace execution-wise.  Fun times for fans!

[Jeff Ream]

On 1/15/2026 at 12:23 PM, greg_orangecounty said:

Well…….the Kingsmen went from #1 in 1972 to #6 in 1973.  But I’m sure Boston won’t do that. 

didn't Madison go 1 to 7 in 89 after 88?

[perc2100]

3 hours ago, Jeff Ream said:

didn't Madison go 1 to 7 in 89 after 88?

Yes

Cadets went 1-6 in 90/91

(obviously 1) Jeff & I went back well beyond the original scope and 2) Greg referenced the tick system days which were obviously substantially different judging-wise than now - but, you know, discussion is discussion especially when it's nostalgic to the older farts 🤪)

Edited January 16 by perc2100

[Mikah]

I predict the top four of 2026 will be, in no particular order, Blue Devils, SCV, Bluecoats, and Boston Crusaders, with Phantom Regiment following closely behind.