The Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia is college fishing’s only all-encompassing national rankings system. Over the course of a 12-month season, thousands of college anglers representing hundreds of schools compete in dozens of points earning events. Each year, teams enter the new season with high hopes and the goal of being ranked inside of the Top 25.
To kick off the new season, the Association of Collegiate Anglers has conducted its 4th annual Preseason Poll. Here's a look at the Top 5 in the poll, as voted upon by anglers, coaches and media members.
1. University of Montevallo
2. McKendree University
3. Carson-Newman University
4. Auburn University
5. Adrian College
The Top 5 is comprised of some of the historically best teams in collegiate bass fishing. The Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia has been awarded for 13 seasons and two of the teams account for five of those 13 trophies. The other three teams are seeking their first-ever title this season.
1. University of Montevallo
In 2023, the University of Montevallo achieved a milestone by becoming the first team to ever win the School of the Year three times. One year later, Montevallo added to its legacy by winning the school’s fourth title. This marks the third time that Montevallo has been selected in top position going into a new year (2021, 2022, 2024). During this upcoming campaign, Montevallo will have an opportunity to continue to rewrite the history books.
2. McKendree University
Another team that's won School of the Year multiple times, McKendree University has finished the season ranked No. 1 on two different occasions (2019, 2020). Along with the University of North Alabama and the University of Montevallo, McKendree is one of three teams to have claimed two or more titles. McKendree finished last season ranked fourth.
3. Carson-Newman University
Like the other teams on this list, Carson-Newman University is among the preseason Top 5 for the fourth straight season. Here is a look at the school's preseason rankings over the past four years:
2021: 3rd
2022: 4th
2023: 4th
2024: 3rd
Over the course of the last five seasons, Carson-Newman has finished the year ranked inside of the Top 10 every time. The team from Jefferson City, Tenn. has achieved its highest end-of-season ranking each of the past two years, as Carson-Newman finished third in 2023 and 2024. It's seeking to claim its first-ever title this season.
4. Auburn University
Auburn was selected as the No. 1 team entering the 2023-24 season. The team’s lowest-ever preseason ranking was 5th (2021). Auburn finished last season ranked fifth. Auburn anglers have the opportunity to achieve a history-making feat for their club if they can finish this season ranked No. 1.
5. Adrian College
Adrian finished last season ranked seventh. Here is a look at the school's preseason rankings over the last four seasons:
2021: 2nd
2022: 5th
2023:3rd
2024: 5th
For seven straight years, Adrian College has finished the season ranked inside of the Top 10. The program’s highest-ever end-of-season ranking was third.
