SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 7, 2026) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces the program details for the 2026-27 chase for Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. College fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system is a 12 month-long race. Hundreds of college fishing teams compete in national, regional, and local tournaments across the country. Earning valuable points along the way, college fishing programs vie to finish the year in the Top 25, Top 10, or even be ranked number one.

View the complete program details here.

“We are excited for a new season of the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia to begin,” said Wade Middleton, ACA Director and President of CarecoTV. “Each and every college bass fishing team in the nation works extremely hard, maintaining their class work, putting in time on the water, and representing their university. This year long race, and the notoriety that comes with it, rewards these anglers and teams for their efforts throughout the season and helps showcase collegiate programs who are consistently ranked in the Top 25 in the nation.”

The Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia was first introduced during the 2012 season. Arkansas Tech University, located in Russellville, AR, claimed the title during the inaugural season. Since its inception, eight different schools have finished the year ranked number one in college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system. Three of those schools have won the title multiple times. Here is a look at the schools that have won the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia:

University of Montevallo (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 20245)

McKendree University (2019, 2020)

University of North Alabama (2014, 2015)

Bethel University (2018)

Bryan College (2017)

University of Alabama (2016)

University of Louisiana – Monroe (2013)

Arkansas Tech University (2012)

Follow this link to view a list of current points eligible events for the 2026-27 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.

To submit an event to be eligible for points, email [email protected].