The Baylor Bears are once again sitting comfortably atop the NCATA rankings, marking their 16th consecutive No. 1 spot. As the 2026 NCATA National Championships approach, the Bears are proving why they're the ten-time defending national champions. With an unbeaten 7-0 record and the highest scoring average in the association, Baylor is setting the pace for the competition.
This year's championship, hosted by Azusa Pacific University at the Felix Events Center in California, promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent. The action kicks off on April 23 with four quarterfinal matchups, leading into the semifinals on Friday and culminating in the National Championship meet on Saturday evening. For fans eager to catch every flip and tumble, tickets are already available for purchase.
Oregon, holding the No. 2 ranking, is hot on Baylor's heels with a strong 4-1 record and a scoring average that’s turning heads. Quinnipiac, with a solid 3-1 record, claims the third spot, while Fairmont State remains unbeaten at 6-0, securing fourth place. Iona rounds out the top five, making a notable return after their first tournament appearance last year.
The rankings continue with Augustana at No. 6, followed by Gannon and Saint Leo. Duquesne and Azusa Pacific complete the top ten. Teams like Glenville State, Lander, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Wingate, and Hawaii Pacific are also making their presence felt in the top 15.
The NCATA committee has been meticulous in evaluating teams, taking into account their win-loss records, strength of schedule, head-to-head matchups, and scoring averages. This comprehensive approach ensures that each team’s journey through the season is thoroughly assessed.
Fans should keep an eye out for two more sets of rankings, scheduled for release on April 1 and April 8. The final championship field and at-large qualifiers will be announced on April 13, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying championship showdown.