Bowling Slotted Sixth in NTCA Preseason Top 25 Poll
10/4/2026 6:03:00 PM | Bowling
Youngstown, Ohio — Youngstown State's bowling team was picked sixth in the National Tenpin Coaches Association Top 25 Poll that was released on Thursday for the start of the sport's official practice window.
The sixth-place ranking matches the third-highest preseason ranking in program history, tying the 2023-24 squad. YSU ranked eighth in the final poll of the 2025-26 season.
The Penguins received 1,232 points on the 38 submitted ballots, which was squarely sixth behind Nebraska's 1,330 points and ahead of Louisiana Tech's 1,1156 points. Youngstown State was one of nine Conference USA members ranking in the top 11, and all 11 teams rank in the top 21.
Defending National Champion Jacksonville State was the unanimous favorite, receiving all 38 first-place votes and 1,620 total points. Vanderbilt was slotted second with 1,484 points, and Wichita State, last year's National Runner-Up, was picked third with 1,420 points. The Shockers were followed by No. 4 Arkansas State, which had a six-point edge on No. 5 Nebraska. The top five matched the rankings in the final poll for the 2025-26 season.
Youngstown State had the biggest jump among the top 10 and tied for the highest in the top 15, moving up from eighth to sixth. The Penguins return their entire team from the 2025-26 squad that went 73-37 and competed at the NCAA Lansing Regional and will have a boost from talented newcomers Malayna Calo and Elizabeth Teuber.
Louisiana Tech, which is competing as an independent after being in Conference USA, Sam Houston, North Carolina A&T and Sacred Heart wrap up the top 10. Duquesne is the only team in the poll to move up more than two spots from the end-of-season rankings, elevating from 19th to 16th.
Youngstown State's 2026-27 season will begin on Oct. 16-18 by hosting the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic at Holiday Bowl in Struthers.
