Rebranded Bassmaster College Classic Cup presented by Lew’s to debut on Wilson Lake
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The future of college bass fishing will take center stage Oct. 9-11 when the newly rebranded Bassmaster College Classic Cup presented by Lew’s debuts on Wilson Lake in Florence, Ala., featuring a brand-new three-day tournament format and a prize package designed to help its champion take the next step in competitive bass fishing.
The stakes will be higher than ever, with the winner earning a berth in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour as well as the Dream Package, an extensive prize package providing the equipment, financial support and tournament opportunities needed to pursue a career at the professional level.
“This is an exciting evolution for college fishing and an incredible opportunity for these young anglers,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. College, High School and Youth Tournament Manager. “The Bassmaster College Classic Cup is about more than winning a tournament. We want to give these anglers a platform to showcase their talent and, for the champion, provide a real opportunity to take that next step in their fishing career. To leave Wilson Lake with a spot in the Bassmaster Classic and the Dream Package is something that can change the trajectory of a young angler’s career.”
The Bassmaster College Classic Cup presented by Lew’s represents a new chapter for B.A.S.S. college competition, placing an even greater spotlight on the anglers who have distinguished themselves throughout the season. The three-day format will test competitors on one of Alabama’s most storied fisheries while creating a championship atmosphere worthy of the opportunities awaiting the winner.
The champion’s Dream Package will include a Toyota Tundra professionally wrapped in the winner’s school logo and colors for use throughout the year at eligible events. The winner will also receive a fully-rigged Nitro boat, similarly wrapped to showcase their school, for use throughout the season.
In addition to the truck and boat, the champion will receive $7,500 in prize money and paid entry into one Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender division of their choice, providing an immediate opportunity to test their skills against anglers pursuing the highest levels of professional bass fishing.
The ultimate prize will be a berth in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, giving the College Classic Cup champion the opportunity to compete on bass fishing’s biggest stage in Greenville, South Carolina which will be held March 19-21.
“This new format creates a clear connection between college fishing and the opportunities available at the professional level,” Cale said. “College anglers put an incredible amount of work into balancing school, travel and competition, and this event gives them something significant to chase. One angler is going to leave Florence with resources and opportunities that can help turn a dream of professional fishing into a reality.”
Wilson Lake, a Tennessee River impoundment in northwest Alabama, will provide a fitting venue for the inaugural event under the Bassmaster College Classic Cup name. The fishery offers competitors a variety of options and will challenge anglers to make adjustments throughout three days of October competition.
Florence and the surrounding Shoals area have a rich connection to fishing and the outdoors, while Alabama has long played an important role in the history of B.A.S.S. and competitive bass fishing. Bringing the rebranded championship to Wilson Lake will give college anglers an opportunity to compete in a state synonymous with the sport while pursuing one of the biggest prizes available in college fishing.
The Bassmaster College Classic Cup presented by Lew’s will also provide a showcase for college fishing programs and the student-athletes who represent them. With the champion’s Toyota Tundra and Nitro boat wrapped in their school’s colors and logo, the Dream Package will allow the winner to represent their university throughout the following season while competing at the next level.
Competition will take place Oct. 9-11 on Wilson Lake. Additional information regarding the tournament format, qualified anglers, daily takeoff and weigh-in locations and fan activities will be announced at Bassmaster.com.
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
