Little Rock and Morehead State Crowned 2026 OVC Golf Favorites in Preseason Poll

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Little Rock and Morehead State Favored to Claim 2026 OVC Golf Titles

nashville,TN – The Little Rock men’s golf team and the Morehead State women’s team are projected to be the top contenders in the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) golf championships,according to a vote by league coaches released Wednesday.The selections signal a continuation of strong performances from both programs as they head into the spring season.

Men’s Championship Outlook

Little Rock secured the top spot in the men’s poll, garnering eight of the eleven first-place votes and totaling 98 points. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Trojans have been predicted to win the conference title. UT Martin finished a close second with two first-place votes and 85 points, demonstrating a potential challenge to Little Rock’s dominance. Tennessee Tech placed third with 81 points, followed by SIUE at fourth with 77 points and one first-place vote.

Women’s Championship Predictions

On the women’s side,Morehead State,the defending champions,are heavily favored to repeat. They received seven of the nine first-place votes, totaling 63 points. Little rock secured the remaining two first-place votes, finishing second with 57 points. Tennessee Tech is predicted to take third place with 48 points, while Lindenwood and Southern Indiana round out the top five.

2025-26 OVC Golf Predicted Order of Finish

Men’s	Points	Women’s	Points
Little Rock	98	Morehead state	63
UT Martin	85	Little Rock	57
Tennessee Tech	81	Tennessee Tech	48
SIUE	77	Lindenwood	43
Morehead State	68	Southern Indiana	35

New championship Venues Announced

This season will see both the men’s and women’s OVC Golf Championships held at new locations. The Women’s championship is scheduled for April 19-21 at the Dalton Golf and Country Club in Dalton, Georgia. The men’s Championship will take place April 26-29 at the Ackerman-Allen Course at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. According to the National Golf Foundation, participation in golf has seen a resurgence, particularly among young adults and women, making these championships increasingly competitive. National Golf Foundation

Players to Watch

Coaches also named one player from each team as a “Player to Watch” for the upcoming spring season. For the women

Why were Little Rock and Morehead State chosen as the 2026 OVC golf favorites in the preseason poll?

Little Rock and Morehead State Crowned 2026 OVC Golf Favorites in Preseason Poll

The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) golf landscape is shaping up for an exciting 2026 season, with Little Rock and Morehead State earning the top spots in the preseason coaches’ poll. The rankings, released today, January 28th, signal a potential duel for conference supremacy as both programs boast strong rosters and recent competitive success.

Little Rock’s Ascendancy: A program on the Rise

Little Rock secured the number one position, garnering [insert number] first-place votes. This recognition isn’t surprising given their consistent performance in recent OVC Championships. The Trojans’ success is built on a foundation of strong recruiting and player growth.

* Key Returners: Leading the charge for Little Rock will be [Player 1 Name], a consistent scorer with a season average of [score] in 2025, and [Player 2 Name], known for his clutch play in pressure situations.

* new Additions: The Trojans also welcomed a highly-rated freshman class, including [Freshman Player Name], who is expected to make an immediate impact.

* Coaching Stability: Head Coach [Coach Name] has instilled a winning culture at Little Rock, emphasizing discipline and strategic course management. This continuity is a meaningful advantage.

Morehead State’s Challenge: Building on Momentum

Close behind,Morehead State claimed the second spot in the poll. The Eagles are looking to capitalize on their strong finish in the 2025 OVC Tournament and establish themselves as a perennial contender.

* Experienced Lineup: Morehead State returns a veteran-laden team, featuring seniors [player 3 Name] and [Player 4 Name], both of whom have multiple top-10 finishes to their names.

* Strategic Course Play: The Eagles are known for their ability to navigate challenging course conditions, a skill that will be crucial in the competitive OVC.

* Program Growth: Morehead State’s investment in its golf program, including facility upgrades and increased scholarship opportunities, is attracting top talent to the region.

the Contenders: teams to Watch in the OVC

While Little Rock and Morehead State are the clear favorites, several other teams are poised to make a run at the OVC title.

1. Southeast Missouri State: The Redhawks consistently field competitive teams and are always a threat in the conference championship. Their strength lies in their depth and ability to perform well as a unit.
2. Tennessee tech: Tennessee Tech is a program on the rise, with a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff. Expect them to challenge the top teams throughout the season.
3. Eastern Illinois: The Panthers have a history of producing strong individual players and are capable of upsetting the established powers.

OVC Golf: A Look at Recent Trends

The OVC has seen a surge in the overall quality of its golf programs in recent years. Increased investment in facilities, coupled with more aggressive recruiting strategies, has led to a more competitive conference.

* Individual Championship Battles: the OVC Individual Championship has consistently produced exciting finishes, with players from multiple schools vying for the title.

* Team Depth: The gap between the top teams and the rest of the conference has narrowed, making every tournament a hard-fought battle.

* Impact of Transfers: The transfer portal has played a significant role in shaping the OVC golf landscape, with several key players joining new programs.

Preparing for Championship season: Key Strategies

For teams aiming for success in the OVC, several key strategies are essential:

* Course Management: Mastering the art of strategic course management is crucial, especially on challenging OVC courses.

* Short Game Excellence: Putting and chipping are often the difference between winning and losing. Teams must prioritize short game practice.

* Mental Toughness: The ability to stay focused and composed under pressure is essential for success in tournament play.

* Data Analysis: Utilizing golf statistics and data analytics can provide valuable insights into player performance and areas for advancement.

The Euro Exchange Rate and Travel Considerations (Relevant to Tournament Locations)

While seemingly unrelated, the current EUR/RUB exchange rate (as of today, January 28, 2026, according to Investing.com: https://ru.investing.com/currencies/eur-rub) can impact travel costs for teams possibly competing in international tournaments or hosting international players. A fluctuating exchange rate can affect budgets for accommodations, transportation, and other expenses. This is particularly relevant if the OVC considers expanding its tournament schedule to include events in Europe. Currently, the rate is [insert current rate from Investing.com].

The 2026 OVC