Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in digital systems worldwide. At the same time, millions of cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled, leaving organizations vulnerable to emerging threats.
Against that backdrop, Cedarville University cyber operations students demonstrated their readiness for real-world cyber defense by earning a third-place finish at the National Cyber League (NCL) competition last fall.
What Is the National Cyber League Competition
The National Cyber League is among the largest premier cybersecurity competitions in the country, challenging high school and college students to identify and solve real-world cybersecurity scenarios in individual and team settings. The competition tests a wide range of cybersecurity skills, including cryptography, log analysis, digital forensics, intelligence gathering and password cracking. With the fall competition complete, Cedarville students are preparing to apply those skills again as they look ahead to the NCL’s spring competition on April 10-12 and 24-26, 2026.
9,000+ Students Compete in National Cyber League Fall Season
The team’s level of success did not come easily. More than 9,000 students from 549 colleges and universities participated. More than 80 Cedarville students across four majors competed. Only 17 students nationwide earned perfect scores, including two from Cedarville: Jaden Butler, a junior from Liverpool, New York, and Alex Taylor, a senior from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Both students are double-majoring in computer science and cyber operations.
Cedarville Earns Highest National NCL Finish in Program History
Nick Parry, assistant professor of cyber operations and faculty coach for the university team, said the finish was the highest national placement in the university’s history. Combined with the program’s accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and Cyber Operations (CAE-DO), Cedarville’s cyber operations students are at the forefront of cybersecurity education.
“Only 21 schools in the entire nation hold the designation of National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, and Cedarville is one of them,” said Parry. “When you pair that with a top three finish in the National Cyber League, it shows that God is blessing a program that is both rigorous and competitive.”
Cyber Operations Program Builds Technical and Leadership Skills
Parry explained that Cedarville’s cyber operations program is intended to prepare students to succeed beyond technical performance. “Our goal isn’t just to teach technical content; it’s to shape communicators, teammates and leaders,” he said. “The way we structure classes, labs and competitions is meant to develop those soft skills employers demand right alongside deep technical expertise.”
Cedarville Student Says NCL Prepared Him for Internships
For students, that preparation extends well beyond competition day. Nathan Berlie, a junior from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, studying computer science and cyber operations, found that his academic experience prepared him not just to participate in the NCL competition but also to succeed in professional work environments. “In internships, I’ve worked alongside graduate students from other schools without feeling behind,” said Berlie. “The NCL competition reinforced that Cedarville is preparing us really well — we’re able to step into high-level environments and excel in them.”
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve globally, the demand for graduates who can think critically, collaborate effectively and respond under pressure continues to grow. As Cedarville students prepare to compete in the NCL’s spring competition, their fall performance reflects a program built not just for competition but for long-term impact in the cybersecurity field.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.