OpTic Texas: CDL 2026 Team Preview
In an offseason defined by sweeping changes and blockbuster trades, OpTic Texas stands alone as the beacon of stability. The back-to-back defending world champions are the only team in the Call of Duty League running it back with the same four players for the 2026 Black Ops 7 season. After a miraculous 2025 run that saw them overcome a historically poor regular-season stretch to hoist the championship trophy, the Green Wall is betting on their proven chemistry and undeniable talent to chase a historic three-peat.
OpTic Texas Roster Overview
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. OpTic Texas returns with the exact same lineup that completed one of the most incredible turnarounds in esports history. This decision reflects a deep trust in the roster’s ability to perform when the pressure is highest and a belief that their chemistry is their greatest asset.
The 2026 OpTic Texas starting roster is:
- Main AR: Brandon “Dashy” Otell
- Flex: Mason “Mercules” Ramsey
- SMG: Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro
- SMG: Cuyler “Huke” Garland
Key Players to Watch
Shotzzy: A former MVP and one of the most electric players in the game, Shotzzy is the engine that drives OpTic Texas. His creative movement and aggressive playmaking often break open maps and create opportunities that other players simply can’t. As the emotional leader and primary entry player, his performance dictates the pace and energy of the entire team. His consistency will be crucial as OpTic aims to maintain its spot at the top of the league.
Mercules: The story of OpTic’s 2025 championship cannot be told without Mercules. His mid-season signing was the catalyst for the team’s dramatic reversal of fortunes, turning them from a struggling squad into world champions. As the flex player, his versatility, composure, and ability to seamlessly fit into the team’s system were pivotal. Now, with a full offseason and a pre-season tournament win under his belt, the league will be watching to see if he can elevate his game even further.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
OpTic’s greatest strength is their unparalleled chemistry and experience as a unit. In a league where every other team is integrating new players, OpTic already has a deep understanding of each other’s playstyles and tendencies. This roster has been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together, forging a resilience that can’t be manufactured. Their slaying power is undeniable, with all four players capable of taking over a game. They have already started the season strong with a win at the Monster Energy Launch Invitational, proving their system is as effective as ever.
Weaknesses:
If there is a weakness for this team, it’s the potential for complacency and the immense pressure that comes with being the defending champions twice over. Every other team in the league has upgraded their roster with the specific goal of dethroning them. While they proved they could overcome their regular-season struggles last year, they will need to find a higher level of consistency from the start to fend off a league full of hungry new superteams.
Season Outlook
The mission for OpTic Texas is clear: make history. They are not just chasing another championship; they are chasing a three-peat, a feat that would cement this roster’s legacy as one of the greatest of all time. As the only team with no roster changes, they enter the 2026 season as the definitive team to beat.
They have already fired a warning shot by winning the pre-season Launch Invitational, demonstrating that their championship form has carried over into Black Ops 7. Expect OpTic Texas to be a dominant force throughout the year. They are the final boss of the Call of Duty League, and every team will be measuring their own success against them. Anything less than a grand finals appearance at every Major will feel like a surprise for the Green Wall.
