MICHIGAN MUDBOWL
Get Dirty. Help Kids.
The historic collegiate tradition uniting students, alumni, and Greek life in an autumn tournament of mud football and volleyball to benefit healthcare and research at Michigan Medicine.
2026 Fundraising Campaign
Benefiting Michigan Medicine pediatric care and oncology research.
Supporting C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
via the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund
Men's Mud Football fundraising supports pediatric clinical care and clinical research at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital through the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund.
Supporting Rogel Cancer Center
via the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Women's Mud Volleyball fundraising directly supports cancer research and women's health at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.
100% of net fundraising proceeds (amount raised minus event costs, typically 90%+) benefit Michigan Medicine through two dedicated philanthropic paths.
The Road to the Mud
From campus-wide philanthropic competition to single-elimination play-ins and championship glory on Mudbowl Saturday.
Fundraising Challenge
Participating fraternities and sororities rally alumni, family, and supporters through official Givebutter campaigns. Direct gifts and Pre-Game Partner (PGP) bonuses determine composite standings. Strong fundraising earns coveted tournament seeding and entry-round bye advantages.
Play-In Tournaments
Men's Mud Football and Women's Mud Volleyball run separate, high-stakes single-elimination qualifying tournaments. Fundraising-derived seeding establishes the bracket paths as top teams contend for advancing spots to championship day.
Mudbowl Saturday
The pinnacle event of the season. Advancing tournament finalists battle through knee-deep mud in front of thousands of spectators. The day culminates with trophy presentations and ceremonial philanthropy checks to Michigan Medicine.
Why Mudbowl Exists
Michigan Mudbowl traces its roots to 1934, when SAE brother Karl “Bunny” Giller crossed Washtenaw to challenge Phi Delta Theta to a football game for a keg of beer around midterms. What began as a spirited campus challenge became one of Ann Arbor's most enduring charitable traditions (documented by AnnArbor.com).
Today, the Michigan Mudbowl Club operates as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity and University of Michigan student organization. 100% of net fundraising proceeds (amount raised minus event costs, typically 90%+) benefit Michigan Medicine through two dedicated philanthropic paths supporting pediatric care at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and cancer research at Rogel Cancer Center.
92-Year Tradition
The oldest active collegiate mud football and women's mud volleyball tradition in the world.
Philanthropic Mission
Over a million dollars raised historically for pediatric clinical research and breakthrough cancer medicine.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Governed with transparent financial compliance, student leadership, and donor accountability.
Proudly Supporting Michigan Medicine
The Michigan Mudbowl Club is honored to partner with Michigan Medicine, directing competition-driven philanthropy toward two distinct, world-class medical facilities.
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
Men's Mud Football fundraising supports pioneering pediatric research, cutting-edge clinical trials, and compassionate patient care at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. The Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund empowers physician-scientists to discover innovative treatments for complex childhood diseases.
Rogel Cancer Center
Women's Mud Volleyball fundraising directly supports cancer research and women's health at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, advancing breakthrough therapies and compassionate care.
Get Involved
Whether you're an undergraduate athlete, Greek chapter chair, alumni donor, or proud spectator, there are many ways to be part of the tradition.
Make a Donation
Support Michigan Medicine healthcare and cancer research. Contribute directly or credit your favorite fraternity or sorority to boost their standing.
Register & Participate
Greek chapters can join the tournament, invite team rosters, and complete digital liability waivers. Review our registration guide for requirements.
Become a Sponsor
Put your brand in front of thousands of students and alumni while championing pediatric and cancer research through Title and Field packages.
Volunteer on Game Day
Join the student operations crew assisting with field prep, spectator safety, check-in stations, and concessions throughout tournament weekend.
Official Mudbowl Shop
Pick up official 2026 apparel, tournament t-shirts, hoodies, and commemorative merchandise. All net proceeds benefit Michigan Medicine.
Follow the Leaderboards
Track real-time fundraising leaderboards, check Play-In tournament brackets, and keep tabs on which chapters are advancing to Mudbowl Saturday.
Capturing 92 Years of Spirit
Relive the mud, the camaraderie, and the philanthropic triumphs through photos, student reels, and historic archives.
Game-Day Mud Pit Battles
High-energy reels, sideline celebrations, and heart-stopping goal-line stands from tournament morning.
1934 Bunny Giller Archive
Vintage archives capturing Karl 'Bunny' Giller's 1934 SAE vs. Phi Delt keg challenge on Washtenaw.
Tradition Meets Greek Life
Behind-the-scenes chapter warmups, jersey reveals, pre-game partner tailgates, and sideline chants.
Check Presentation & Trophies
The crowning moment when champion teams hoist the Mudbowl Cup and present ceremonial donation checks to Michigan Medicine.
Proudly Championing Michigan Medicine
Supporting pediatric care at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and cancer research at Rogel Cancer Center.
Everything You Need to Know
Clear answers about tournament rules, philanthropic giving, and game-day logistics.