Final Coaches Polls in Men’s College Golf for Fall 2025-2026 Season
As the fall portion of the 2025-2026 men’s college golf season comes to a close, the release of the final Bushnell/Golfweek coaches polls highlights the outstanding performances that shaped this year’s standings. This comprehensive overview covers the Division I, Division II, Division III, and two divisions of junior college golf, highlighting the teams that triumphed and those that are poised to go deeper into the competition.
Division I Coaches Poll: Virginia Claims the Top Spot
In a remarkable show of consistency, the University of Virginia concluded the fall season ranked No. 1 in the Division I coaches poll. The Cavaliers showcased their dominance by finishing either first or second in all four of their fall events, earning 18 first-place votes and a total of 543 points. Following closely behind are LSU in second place with two first-place votes and Vanderbilt in third with one. This performance illustrates Virginia’s readiness for the challenges ahead, as they aim to maintain their position in the rankings.
Key Rankings and Changes
- Virginia (18 votes): 543 points, previous rank: 2
- LSU (2 votes): 513 points, previous rank: 10
- Vanderbilt (1 vote): 492 points, previous rank: 3
Other noteworthy performances include Oklahoma State, which secured the remaining first-place vote and landed at ninth. Teams like Texas, Arizona State, and Illinois also made significant strides, emphasizing the competitiveness of NCAA Division I golf this year.
Division II Coaches Poll: Lee University Breaks Ground
In a significant turn of events, Lee University reclaimed the top ranking in the Division II coaches poll for the first time in over three years. The Flames impressed by winning the Fripp Island to Bermuda Invite by a stifling margin of 18 strokes. This victory not only solidified their top ranking but also propelled individual champion Drew Zielinski into the PGA Tour’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship, a milestone for any active Division II player.
Division II Rankings Overview
- Lee (5 votes): 405 points, previous rank: 4
- Grand Valley State (7 votes): 388 points, previous rank: 7
- West Florida (3 votes): 387 points, previous rank: 1
This shift in leadership underscores Lee’s development as they head into the next season, alongside solid competition from teams like West Florida and Central Oklahoma, who strive to maintain their high standings.
Division III Coaches Poll: Huntingdon Achieves Historic Victory
After a significant absence from the top position, Huntingdon College surged to the forefront of the Division III coaches poll. With 13 first-place votes and a total of 386 points, the Hawks climbed from sixth place to clinch the top spot, narrowly edging out former No. 1 Emory University which received three first-place votes.
Division III Rankings Snapshot
- Huntingdon (13 votes): 386 points, previous rank: 6
- Emory (3 votes): 384 points, previous rank: 1
Huntingdon’s ascent reveals the dynamic nature of Division III golf, as teams like Carnegie Mellon and Illinois Wesleyan also jockey for position in this evolving landscape.
NAIA Coaches Poll: Keiser Reigns Supreme
For the second consecutive poll, Keiser University holds the top position in the NAIA coaches poll. Their performance, which included victories in two out of four fall tournaments—most notably the Jupiter Collegiate Invitational—secured them the first rank with a total of 199 points. Tied for second place are Reinhardt and Oklahoma City, both showing promising competitive spirit as we move into spring 2026.
NAIA Rankings Breakdown
- Keiser (7 votes): 199 points, previous rank: 1
- Reinhardt (1 vote): 180 points, previous rank: 12
- Oklahoma City: 180 points, previous rank: 3
Strengthening their position, Keiser remains a force to be reckoned with, yet Reinhardt’s surge illustrates the potential for volatility in the rankings moving forward.
NJCAA Division I Poll: Odessa Takes the Crown
In a remarkable turnaround, Odessa College captured the top position in the NJCAA Division I coaches poll. A strong finish winning two out of three fall tournaments, including a commanding 13-stroke victory in the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invite, positioned the Wranglers at number one with five first-place votes and a total of 86 points.
NJCAA Division I Rankings Summary
- Odessa (5 votes): 86 points, previous rank: 2
- Midland (2 votes): 80 points, previous rank: 1
- Indian Hills: 74 points, previous rank: 4
Odessa’s achievement marks a significant moment in their season and sets high expectations for the upcoming competitions.
NJCAA Division II Poll: Mississippi Gulf Coast Wins Top Honors
Mississippi Gulf Coast College finished the fall season ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA Division II coaches poll. With strong performances yielding top-three finishes in their last three tournaments, the Bulldogs achieved two first-place votes and a total of 38 points.
NJCAA Division II Rankings Overview
- Mississippi Gulf Coast (2 votes): 38 points, previous rank: 3
- Heartland (1 vote): 34 points, previous rank: 1
- Kirkwood (1 vote): 33 points, previous rank: 2
As the Bulldogs take the lead, Heartland and Kirkwood’s competitive standings indicate a fierce race as they prepare for future tournaments.
Conclusion: An Exciting Season Ahead
The final coaches polls for men’s college golf reflect a competitive and dynamic fall season across all divisions. With teams like Virginia, Lee, Huntingdon, Keiser, Odessa, and Mississippi Gulf Coast showcasing their strengths, this season sets the stage for an exciting spring campaign. As teams prepare to sharpen their skills and improve their standings, the focus will undoubtedly intensify as they look to make their mark in collegiate golf.
The journey ahead promises to be thrilling for players and fans alike, with every tournament offering new possibilities and the potential for shifting rankings as the spring season unfolds.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Bushnell/Golfweek Coaches Polls for Oct. 31 final fall rankings of 2025
