SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 20, 2026) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces the latest points update to the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. A total of 20 points qualifying events have been contested so far this fall as schools compete to earn valuable points to count towards college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system. This points update is highlighted by the ACA’s second double points event of the 2026-27 season on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open. A record-breaking field of over 300 boats competed, with 1^st place receiving 2,000 and schools earning points for the two highest-placing teams inside of the Top 200.

In this latest points update, Carson-Newman University remains in 1^st place with a season total of 18,135 points. Emmanuel University holds firm in 2^nd, and Wabash Valley College closes the gap between themselves and 2^nd place to round out the Top 3.

Entering the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open, top ranked Carson-Newman was in 1^st place with a season total of 13,905 points. Their points total at that time gave them a 2,525-point lead over their nearest competitor. Following that ACA double points event at Lake Dardanelle, Carson-Newman’s lead over 2^nd place has grown to 3,605 points.

That increase in margin by more than 1,000 points was fueled by two Top 5 finishes at the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open. Easton Drennon & Chase McCarter received 1,970 points for a 4^th place finish. Earning points for 5^th place, Jake Rowlands & Trey Marco were awarded 1,960 points. All-total, those two Top 5 finishes earned Carson-Newman 3,930 points. That was the highest points total accumulated of any school to compete at Lake Dardanelle that weekend.

47 unique college bass fishing clubs and teams competed in the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open. Each of the current Top 24 ranked schools, and 30 of the Top 35, competed in the ACA’s second double points event of the season.

14 of the current Top 25 moved up in the rankings since the previous points update. Here are several that made significant moves inside of the Top 25 for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia:

5) Campbellsville University – Previously Ranked 6^th

7) McKendree University – Previously Ranked 8^th

8) LSU-Shreveport – Previously Ranked 10^th

11) Lander University – Previously Ranked 14^th

12) Auburn University – Previously Ranked 15^th

18) Adrian College – Previously Ranked 21^st

19) Oklahoma State University – Previously Ranked 22^nd

Click here to view the complete updated rankings.

20^th – 24^th in the latest points standings are occupied by teams that were previously ranked outside of the Top 25.

20) Texas A&M – Previously Ranked 28^th

21) Faulkner University – Previously Ranked 32^nd

22) Southern Arkansas University – Previously Ranked 30^th

23) Dallas Baptist University – Previously Ranked 27^th

24) Missouri State University – Previously Ranked 38^th

Numerous points qualifying events remain to be contested during this fall semester. School bass fishing clubs and teams have plenty of opportunities to increase their place in the rankings before reaching the halfway point in the season.  Follow this link to see a list of points eligible tournaments for the 2026-27 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.