, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The PGA TOUR University Class of 2026 preseason rankings have been released, with Ben James from Virginia taking the top spot. As a standout golfer and member of the U.S. Walker Cup team, James enters his senior year with high expectations. The rankings also feature notable players like Michael La Sasso and Christiaan Maas. The excitement continues with players already making waves early in the college season, showcasing their potential for a future in professional golf.
Richmond, Va. — Ben James Tops the PGA TOUR University Class of 2026 Preseason Rankings
Big names, quick starts and a chase to the PGA TOUR
The full roster for the PGA TOUR University Class of 2026 is out, and it’s already stirring up chatter across college golf circles. Leading the pack is Ben James from Virginia, who holds the coveted No. 1 spot in the preseason ranking. He’s also sitting at No. 2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and was a member of the U.S. Walker Cup team that scored the big win at Cypress Point — credentials that make him the player everyone’s watching as he heads into his senior year.
James will kick off his final college season on September 15-16 at The Invitational at The Honors Course, and expectations are high. Behind him, the group is packed with familiar and rising faces: Ole Miss’ Michael La Sasso at No. 2, Texas’ Christiaan Maas at No. 3, Oklahoma’s Jase Summy at No. 4 and Texas’ Tommy Morrison at No. 5.
Early-season fireworks
The college season has barely gotten started, but some players have already made statements. Christiaan Maas opened the year with a strong T6 at the Sahalee Players Championship and was one of six PGA TOUR University players to finish in the top 10 there. Pepperdine’s Brady Siravo stole the show by winning the Sahalee Players Championship — his second collegiate victory — vaulting from unranked into the No. 22 spot in the first full PGA TOUR University ranking of the year.
Arizona’s Filip Jakubcik and UCLA’s Kyle An also made noise with top-10 ties at Sahalee, and Mahanth Chirravuri (No. 9) posted a T6. Arizona State’s Michael Alexander Mjaaseth—ranked No. 7—tied for fourth and helped Arizona State capture a team title. Over at the Carmel Cup, Wells Williams (No. 6) finished T6 and played a key role in Vanderbilt’s team win, while Jase Summy shared individual medalist honors to underline his standing.
Paths to the pro ranks and the Accelerated program
The PGA TOUR University system is more than a ranking list — it’s a pathway. The Accelerated program already has players making the jump. Ethan Fang from Oklahoma State has nine points in the Accelerated track, and Jackson Koivun managed to qualify for the PGA TOUR after racking up 20 points at the NCAA Championship. Koivun has since carved out momentum on the pro side with three top-11 finishes, including a T5 at the Wyndham Championship.
How the ranking works and what to watch
A few nuts-and-bolts points that matter to players and fans: the ranking counts the last two years of college play, and it includes NCAA Division I team competitions plus official PGA TOUR events. The ranking window for the Class of 2026 began in week 23 of 2024 and will wrap up on June 1, 2026. Rankings will be refreshed every Wednesday during the college season, so expect regular movement and drama.
Registration for players aiming to be part of the Class of 2026 is open until December 1, 2025. That deadline is a key date for any college player wanting to be evaluated for PGA TOUR University placement.
Why this matters
For fans, the preseason list is a snapshot of who’s trending and who could break out. For players, it’s a scoreboard and a stepping stone. With Ben James at the top and hungry challengers all around, the race for top status and the potential fast track to the PGA TOUR is shaping up to be must-watch drama all season long.
Quick hits
- Ben James — Preseason No. 1, World Amateur No. 2, Walker Cup team member
- Brady Siravo — Sahalee Players Champion, moved from unranked to No. 22
- Jackson Koivun — Earned PGA TOUR status via Accelerated program; already has top-11 finishes
- Ranking updates every Wednesday during the college season
- Registration for Class of 2026 open through December 1, 2025
FAQ
What is PGA TOUR University?
PGA TOUR University is a ranking and development pathway that evaluates college players over a two-year period to help top amateurs move toward the professional ranks, including direct access opportunities via the Accelerated program.
Who leads the Class of 2026 preseason rankings?
Ben James from Virginia holds the preseason No. 1 spot for the Class of 2026.
When will rankings be updated?
The PGA TOUR University Ranking is updated weekly on Wednesdays throughout the college golf season.
How are players ranked?
Rankings are based on the last two years of collegiate careers and include results from NCAA Division I team competitions as well as official PGA TOUR events.
When does the ranking window end for the Class of 2026?
The ranking period began in week 23 of 2024 and concludes on June 1, 2026.
How do players join the Class of 2026 ranking?
Player registration is open until December 1, 2025. Players must register to be included in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2026 rankings.
Top Preseason PGA TOUR U — Quick Reference
| Rank | Player | School | Notable Early Result / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben James | Virginia | World Amateur No. 2; Walker Cup member; season opens Sept 15-16 |
| 2 | Michael La Sasso | Ole Miss | Preseason No. 2 |
| 3 | Christiaan Maas | Texas | T6 at Sahalee Players Championship |
| 4 | Jase Summy | Oklahoma | Shared medalist honors at Carmel Cup |
| 5 | Tommy Morrison | Texas | Preseason Top 5 |
| 6 | Wells Williams | Vanderbilt | T6 at Carmel Cup; helped team title |
| 7 | Michael Alexander Mjaaseth | Arizona State | T4 at Sahalee; led ASU to team title |
| 9 | Mahanth Chirravuri | (noted) | T6 at Sahalee |
| 10 | Filip Jakubcik | Arizona | T9 at Sahalee |
| 22 | Brady Siravo | Pepperdine | Sahalee Champion; moved from unranked to No. 22 |
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