In the most recent CRCA top 20 poll from November 2, the University of Kentucky and the University of Nebraska have claimed a tie for the No. 1 spot, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Both programs have a strong history of excellence in NCAA rifle, and their early-season performances suggest another potential championship clash down the line.
Kentucky rifle delivered its second-best team score of the season Sunday, October 26, highlighted by the top air rifle performance of the match, but finished second overall in a quad meet with Nebraska, Mount Aloysius College and Norwich hosted at Army West Point. Nebraska, coached by former Kentucky All-American Richard Clark, edged the Wildcats 4747–4743 with a smallbore score of 2369, while the Wildcats posted the highest air rifle mark at 2385. Kentucky junior Braden Peiser claimed the top individual spot with a 1194-102X aggregate, followed by strong showings from several Wildcats, as the team continues to build momentum early in the season ahead of its home dual against Memphis on Saturday, November 8.
No. 2 Nebraska remained undefeated Sunday, November 2, improving to 9-0 with a dominant 4742–4417 win over Schreiner. The Huskers swept the top five individual spots, led by Katlyn Sullivan’s 1188-94X aggregate and standout 599-55X in air rifle, followed closely by Emma Rhode (1187-87X) and Maddy Moyer (1183-80X). Nebraska topped both disciplines with team scores of 2364 in smallbore and 2378 in air rifle, as Head Coach Richard Clark praised his team’s focus and resilience heading into a short break before facing No. 13 UTEP on Saturday, November 15.
Coming in at No. 3, West Virginia University (WVU) continues to demonstrate consistency and depth. WVU rifle extended its winning streak to 32 straight matches with a dominant 4741–4535 victory over Mount Aloysius College in its home opener Saturday, November 1, at the Bill McKenzie Mobile Rifle Range in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Mountaineers swept both disciplines, posting team scores of 2359 in smallbore and 2382 in air rifle, led by Camryn Camp’s season-best 1188-77X aggregate that included match highs of 592-31X in smallbore and 596-46X in air rifle. WVU claimed the top six individual spots overall, with solid performances from Ashlyn Blake, Lauri Syrja, Jennifer Kocher and Jack Ogoreuc, as the team now looks ahead to its upcoming matchups against TCU, UTEP and Murray State next weekend.
The Mountaineers remain one of the most storied programs in collegiate rifle history, and the defending NCAA Rifle National Champions appear poised to challenge for the top once again.
A tie for fourth place features Georgia Southern and Texas Christian University (TCU), two elite rifle programs that are always contenders. Both teams have shown impressive balance between smallbore and air rifle events, signaling their potential to disrupt the rankings, especially later in the season.
Here is the full CRCA top 20 ranking as of November 2, 2025.
| Rank | School |
|---|---|
| T-1 | Kentucky |
| T-1 | Nebraska |
| 3 | WVU |
| T-4 | Georgia Southern |
| T-4 | TCU |
| 6 | Memphis |
| 7 | Navy |
| 8 | Alaska Fairbanks |
| 9 | Ole Miss |
| 10 | Murray State |
| 11 | Air Force |
| T-12 | Jax State |
| T-12 | UTEP |
| 14 | Ohio State |
| 15 | Army |
| 16 | Morehead State |
| 17 | Akron |
| 18 | North Georgia |
| 19 | UT Martin |
| 20 | UAB |
With the season heating up, fans and competitors alike are watching closely to see whether Kentucky and Nebraska can maintain their hold on the top spot—or if WVU or another challenger will rise to the occasion as the 2026 NCAA rifle championship picture develops.
