1^st – University of Montevallo, 2^nd – Carson-Newman University, 3^rd – University of North Alabama

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The 2025-26 season is complete for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.  The top three were made up of perineal bass fishing powerhouse names with the University of Montevallo earning its 6^thSchool of Year title, followed by 2^nd place Carson-Newman University, and the University of North Alabama rounds out the Top 3.

To see all of the schools ranking in the Top 25 in the nation, as well as where the rest of the schools in the nation finished the season, you can view the final rankings here.

The 2025-26 season of the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia marks the 15^th season in which the ACA has awarded this title. During this historic 15^thseason, a total of 129 teams earned points. 55 points earning events were contested, with close to 1,000,000 points being awarded. From Michigan down to Florida, and many places in between, thousands of elite college anglers competed in local, regional, and major national tournaments.

Numerous major milestones and accomplishments were achieved by multiple different schools. The University of Montevallo secured its 6^th straight title as Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Carson-Newman earned its highest-ever finish by placing 2^nd.

The last event of the season was recently contested on the James River and both Carson-Newman and UNA earned points at the B.A.S.S. event last week. This allowed those schools to close the gap between themselves and the top spot, however the lead Montevallo had too much to overcome thanks to high finishes at the recent ACA Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Montevallo earned a total of 40,285 points this season. Carson-Newman finished 1,765 points behind in 2^nd, and UNA amassed 34,430 points.

Here is a look at teams that also made significant moves at the James River event to end the year higher up in the rankings for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia:

4) Adrian College – Previously Ranked 7^th

13) Auburn University – Previously Ranked 14^th

15) Troy University – Previously ranked 17^th

20) University of South Carolina-Union – Previously Ranked 23^rd

Congratulations to all the teams in the Top 25 this past season.  The 2026-27 season for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia is now underway. View the program details here, and see a schedule of points earning events at this link.