DALLAS – Jax State remains on top of the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll, the association announced Tuesday morning. All 12 Conference USA teams are still within the top 25 as well, with nine making up the top ten.
The Gamecocks received 41 first place votes after earning their third tournament title, moving to 43-8 on the season. Jax State’s standout performer,
Gianna Brandolino, is the top scorer in the NCAA.
Vanderbilt (50-15) and Arkansas State (46-19) hold on the No. 2 and No. 3 positions following January competition. The Commodores also received three first place votes.
Wichita State made a strong jump from sixth to fourth, following a third place finish at the Northeast Classic and a runner-up finish at the Maryville Saints Invite.
Five other CUSA teams sit in the top ten, including No. 5 LA Tech, No. 6 Nebraska, No. 8 Youngstown State, No. 9 Wright State and No. 10 Sacred Heart.
Sam Houston and Tulane maintained their respective placements at No. 14 and 17, while Valparaiso rounds out CUSA programs in the 19th spot.
There is one month left of the regular season before teams prepare for the Conference USA tournament, set to begin March 19 at Colonial Lanes in Harahan, La.
2025-26 NTCA February Coaches Poll (First place votes)
- Jacksonville State (41)
- Vanderbilt University (3)
- Arkansas State
- Wichita State
- Louisiana Tech
- University of Nebraska
- Maryville University
- Youngstown State
- Wright State
- Sacred Heart
- Niagara University
- North Carolina A&T State
- McKendree University
- Sam Houston State University
- Newman University
- Mount St. Mary’s
- Tulane University
- Monmouth University
- Valparaiso University
- Saint Vincent College
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Duquesne University
- University of Central Missouri
- Bryant University
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania