It’s been over two months since Champs, but rostermania isn’t quite over in the Call of Duty League, as we still don’t have confirmation on the starting lineups for a number of teams. Most of the big-name signings have been made, though, whether formally or rumored, which means we’re already starting to see how the balance of power is shifting ahead the 2022 season.

Of course, we don’t know how the introduction of a new game, Call of Duty: Vanguard (set for release on Nov. 5) will impact teams or individual players. But, at least on paper, it’s looking like these are the moves -- or non-moves, in some instances -- that will prove to be difference-makers come this winter when the new season begins.

All stats via breakingpoint.gg

5. Neptune to the New York Subliners

Ian “Crimsix” Porter might be the addition that has everybody looking at the Subliners as instant contenders (more on him later), but signing Travis “Neptune” McCloud is a quietly nice get, too.

Neptune may have been a tad overlooked playing for the Mutineers, and overshadowed by popular teammate Joseph “Owakening” Conley. He didn’t exactly post gaudy numbers in 2021, either, with a solid-yet-unspectacular 1.01 overall kill-death ratio. There were flashes of brilliance, though -- games where he would look invincible and go on incredible streaks, flat out taking over the map and carrying his mates to victory.

And that was a rookie playing on a middling team! Now, imagine Neptune in a sub duo with Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez (tied for fifth in the CDL with a 1.1 overall K/D in ‘21), getting coached up by multi-time world champions Crimsix and James “Clayster” Eubanks. If this had been NYSL’s only acquisition, it probably receives a lot more attention. Instead, signing Neptune actually might be underrated.

4. Loony to coach Minnesota ROKKR

We saw what the ROKKR can do when the team is firing on all cylinders at Major V, not only coming from nowhere to win the tournament, but doing so in dramatic fashion with a best-of-nine reverse sweep in the first LAN event in front of fans since the pandemic. No doubt, the victory played a big role in the org’s decision to keep its lineup of Dillon “Attach” Price, Michael “MajorManiak” Szymaniak, Preston “Priestahh” Greiner and Eli “Standy” Bentz together even though it took time to click, as Minnesota posted a 19-17 record and finished sixth in the standings and fourth at Champs.

How does this group take the next step to producing consistent results? Enter Danny “Loony” Loza, the long-time COD veteran joining Brian “Saintt” Baroska on a loaded coaching staff.

If you’re not gonna tinker with the roster -- and it’s hard to blame them -- bringing in an extra set of eyes is the next best thing. While not the most decorated, Loony brings nearly a decade of pro experience to the table and was consistently recognized as a great teammate and leader during his career. If he can help get this crew on the same page for a few months rather than one weekend or tournament here and there, the ROKKR could become legit contenders in 2022.

3. Atlanta FaZe, Toronto Ultra keep rosters intact

Photo credit: Atlanta FaZe

There’s an old saying in sports: sometimes the moves that aren’t made are the best. That certainly appears to be the case for the top two teams in the CDL.

FaZe didn’t merely win the world championship in 2021. They steamrolled the competition. The team of Tyler "aBeZy" Pharris, Alec “Arcitys” Sanderson, McArthur "Cellium" Jovel and Chris “Simp” Lehr won three of five majors and were runners-up in a fourth. They lost just seven matches all season when everybody else lost at least 17.

Meanwhile, the Ultra were one of the only crews to hang with FaZe all season, pulling off the upset in Major II before ultimately meeting them in the grand finals at Champs. There have been worse ideas than running it back with Benjamin “Bance” Bance, Cameron “Cammy” McKilligan, Tobias “CleanX” Juul Jønsson and Jamie “Insight” Craven, the latter of whom is coming off an amazing rookie campaign (fourth in CDL with a 1.13 Overall KD) and could be better still.

One could easily make the case that leaving the FaZe and Ultra rosters untouched were the best decisions of Rostermania. But that would be boring, so we’re moving on.

2. SlasheR to the Los Angeles Guerrillas

Don’t look now, but the Guerrillas have a real opportunity to shed their reputation as CDL cellar dwellers in 2022. The overhauled roster looks to feature Cuyler “Huke” Garland, a star-caliber talent coming off a rollercoaster year, and surrounds him with capable veterans in Obaid "Asim" Asim and Peirce "Gunless" Hillman.

But it’s Austin “SlasheR” Liddicoat who is expected to lead this ensemble cast after a forgettable year with the crosstown-rival Thieves that saw him shuffled in and out of the lineup.

He’s still plenty good on the sticks (1.03 overall K/D in ‘21) while bringing a world championship pedigree to LAG. And having already gotten to know and played alongside Huke for a minute last season on the Thieves after his shocking breakup with the Empire, SlasheR presumably was able to sign off on the club picking up one of the CDL’s most mysterious pros following a season full of drama.

It’s a gamble, but LAG are clearly banking on SlasheR having that familiarity with Huke and being able to help create a winning culture that lifts everybody around him. And it just might work!

1. Crimsix to the New York Subliners

Some may accuse me of being an NYSL shill for putting the team on this list twice. But when somebody goes out and acquires perhaps the greatest player in their game’s history, it doesn’t just change the landscape of the league. This was a statement.

FaZe are thinking dynasty, OpTic are moving to further cement their status as the most popular org, and the Subliners are essentially saying not so fast to both with the signing of Crimsix (also known as C6). Not only is he a three-time world champion and the winningest COD pro of all time, but his chemistry with fellow legend James “Clayster” Eubanks is well-documented, as the duo were victorious together with the Empire in 2020. If nothing else, the spotlight will certainly be on NYSL because wherever Crim goes, attention tends to follow.

The question is whether C6 to New York is more Tom Brady to Tampa Bay or Joe Montana to Kansas City. The Empire were still one of the better teams in the CDL last season without Clay and even after Huke’s departure, but nowhere near on a level with FaZe or even Ultra. Crim himself was a minus for the year with a 0.96 overall K/D.

Fortunately, he doesn’t necessarily have to carry a loaded NYSL squad. Clay can obviously hold his own, and the sub duo of HyDra and Neptune is shaping up to be one of the deadliest in the CDL.

It’s a team that should definitely have title aspirations while simultaneously moving some merch, too.

Lead photo credit: Call of Duty League