,, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The release of the preseason college golf rankings ignites discussions among fans, with Oklahoma State at No. 1, Virginia at No. 2, and Texas at a notable No. 3. The rankings highlight the strength of Texas teams, along with BYU coming in at No. 12. Veteran recruits and promising new talent set the stage for a competitive season ahead, as teams aim for NCAA Championship spots after standout performances last year.
Austin — Preseason Shockwaves: Top College Golf Teams Get the Spotlight
This week brought the kind of preseason list that gets golf fans buzzing — lineups, rankings, and a few eyebrow-raising placements. A widely watched preseason ranking was released on August 27, 2025, and the message is loud and clear: Texas teams are front and center, while a veteran coach is quietly plotting another deep NCAA run.
The big picture
At the top of the list sits Oklahoma State at No. 1, with Virginia nudging in at No. 2. Not far behind, the University of Texas landed at an eye-catching No. 3. The preseason roll call also places several Southeastern programs high in the mix — including Auburn at 4, Florida at 5, and Ole Miss at 6. A notable line in the release states that Texas is counted among 12 SEC schools in the top-30, a stat that will raise heads and spark debate among conference followers.
BYU: veteran leadership and fresh faces
The Cougars are pegged at No. 12 in the preseason order. That ranking comes with a steady hand at the helm — Bruce Brockbank is entering his 34th year as head coach and is clearly aiming to guide BYU back to the NCAA Championship for the fourth time in five seasons. The program wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign with a solid showing, finishing 13th at the NCAA Championship in May 2025.
What’s fueling that consistency? BYU won three events last season: the Big 12 Match Play, the Arizona N.I.T., and the NCAA Reno Regional. They were a model of consistency too — top-five finishes in nine of 13 events and a final position of No. 19 on the Clippd Scoreboard.
Key returners for BYU include seniors Simon Kwon and Tyson Shelley, and junior Peter Kim. Expect those names to carry the experience, while newcomers are ready to make noise. Incoming freshman Kihei Akina arrives with a headline: he won the Utah Open and checks in at No. 58 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). Add the transfer of Parker Bunn from Oklahoma State, plus rising sophomores Jackson Mauss and Kevin Wu, and junior Angus Klintworth, and BYU looks like a blend of polish and upside.
Texas: continuity and a deep lineup
The Longhorns are getting lots of love in the preseason list at No. 3, and for good reason — they return all five players from last year’s NCAA Championship lineup. That quintet moved forward together into the quarterfinals, giving them continuity that most rivals would envy.
The core names to watch on the roster are seniors Christiaan Maas, Tommy Morrison, and Luke Potter, joined by junior Jack Gilbert and sophomore Daniel Bennett. There’s a wrinkle in the opener: Tommy Morrison will miss the season kickoff because he’s been selected to represent the USA at the 50th Walker Cup Match. That’s a prestigious call-up, but it reshuffles Texas’ early plans. The Longhorns will also take part in the Sahalee Players Championship on September 6-7, 2025, a strong early test versus top national competition.
What this preseason snapshot tells us
Preseason lists are part gossip, part projection, and part scoreboard peek. They don’t decide a season, but they set expectations. A few things stand out:
- Depth matters: Teams returning established lineups — like Texas — often start the year with an edge.
- Experience + youth: BYU’s mix of long-tenured coaching and impactful freshmen/transfers could keep them in the national conversation.
- Conference clout: The presence of many SEC programs in the top-30 highlights how stacked certain conferences look heading into the fall.
Quick hits
- Release date: August 27, 2025
- Top three: Oklahoma State (1), Virginia (2), Texas (3)
- BYU rank: No. 12
- BYU notable wins (2024-25): Big 12 Match Play, Arizona N.I.T., NCAA Reno Regional
- BYU Clippd final: No. 19
- Incoming BYU freshman to watch: Kihei Akina (WAGR No. 58; Utah Open champion)
- Texas early event: Sahalee Players Championship (Sept 6-7, 2025)
What to keep an eye on this fall
Watch early-season head-to-head events and the Sahalee field. Teams that start hot often build the momentum needed to make the NCAA bracket later in spring. Follow player form, consider who’s carrying experience versus who’s rising fast, and mark events where teams face national rivals — those are the early measuring sticks.
FAQ
What rankings were released on August 27, 2025?
A widely followed preseason men’s college golf ranking list was published on August 27, 2025, laying out the top teams heading into 2025-26.
Where is BYU ranked in the preseason list?
BYU is placed at No. 12 in the preseason rankings.
Who is leading BYU and what experience do they bring?
BYU is coached by Bruce Brockbank, who is entering his 34th season and aiming for another NCAA Championship appearance.
Which teams are ranked at the very top?
The top three in the preseason order are Oklahoma State (1), Virginia (2), and Texas (3).
Will Tommy Morrison play the season opener for Texas?
No — Tommy Morrison will miss the season opener due to selection for the USA Walker Cup Team at the 50th Walker Cup Match.
Who are some BYU players to watch?
Returners include Simon Kwon, Tyson Shelley, and Peter Kim. Freshman Kihei Akina and transfer Parker Bunn are newcomers expected to impact the lineup.
Top Teams at a Glance
| Rank | Team | Key Returners / Newcomers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma State | Strong returning lineup | Top preseason pick |
| 2 | Virginia | Experienced core | High expectations |
| 3 | Texas | Maas, Morrison, Potter, Gilbert, Bennett | Returns all five from last year’s NCAA lineup; Morrison to miss opener for Walker Cup |
| 4 | Auburn | Top SEC contender | One of several SEC teams high in the list |
| 5 | Florida | Solid returning squad | Big expectations in conference play |
| 6 | Ole Miss | Top-tier recruits and talent | SEC presence in top-10 |
| 12 | BYU | Kwon, Shelley, Peter Kim; Akina (freshman), Parker Bunn (transfer) | Three event wins in 2024-25; finished 13th at NCAA Championship |
Expect the fall schedule to sort out some questions and sprout a few surprises. If you’re following college golf, keep your scorecard handy — this season promises drama, clutch putts, and a few storylines that will shape next spring’s bracket.
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Additional Resources
- Texas Tech: Men’s Golf Preview at Carmel Cup
- Georgia Bulldogs: Open Season at Carmel Cup
- BYU Cougars: Ranks No. 12 in Golfweek’s Preseason Rankings
- Texas Longhorns: Tabbed No. 3 in Preseason Golfweek Rankings
- Wake Forest: Cameron Young Selected to 2025 Ryder Cup Team
- Wikipedia: College Golf
- Google Search: College Golf Rankings
- Google Scholar: College Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Golf
- Google News: College Golf
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