If you’re a fan of high-level bass fishing tournaments that consistently deliver nail-biting finishes, the Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia series has become the sport’s gold standard. Historic data shows that five of the past seven National Championship titles have been decided by less than a pound and a half with three determined by a single ounce. As Day 2’s weigh-in concluded for the 2026 “Big Dance” at Lake Murray, it’s apparent this year’s contest is poised for another thrilling conclusion.
Tight Margins Define the Competition
Friday’s standout performance came from the LSU-Shreveport team of Levi Thibodaux and Miles Smith, who bagged 21 pounds, 15 ounces, adding to their 26-3 haul from the opening day. Their two-day sum of 48-2 inches them ahead in the leaderboard, but the competition is fierce. The University of Tennessee’s Matthew Dettling and Cody Domingos made a dramatic leap from ninth to second place, weighing in at 47-11, while Lander University’s Matthew Knopp and Logan Russell are close behind with 47-0. The top five is rounded out by the Carson-Newman duo of Zach Wolfe and Brayden Ruckman with 46-13, and the Montevallo pairing of James Dubose and Dylan Milam at 46-12.
Defending titleholders Peyton Sorrow and Brody Robison of Montevallo finished Day 2 with 46-11, placing six teams within two-and-a-half pounds of the leaders going into Saturday’s final round.
Strategic Adjustments and On-the-Job Learning
Despite their strong Day 2 showing, Thibodaux and Smith didn’t connect with any true trophy bass. “It’s strange to say when you weigh nearly 22 pounds, but all of our catches were right around the 4 to 4.5-pound range. We got a lot of bites maybe 30 in total but none matched the 6-pounder or the pair of 5-pounders we saw Thursday,” shared Thibodaux.
Both team members, with roots in the shallow bayous of Southeastern Louisiana, fished Lake Murray for the first time this week, immediately after competing in Central Florida’s Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on the Harris Chain. Armed with little intel and no previous experience on Murray, Thibodaux and Smith have pieced together a successful plan by trusting their quick observations and instinct. “It’s working so far,” Thibodaux remarked. “There are just two of us from LSU-Shreveport out here this week, so we relied on what we picked up during practice.”
Smith added, “We’re fishing areas with lots of forage plenty of gizzard and threadfin shad. The fishery suits our style and is clearly very healthy.”
What the Final Day Holds: A Level Playing Field
With only ounces separating the leading teams and several squads within reach, Saturday’s final round promises high drama and intense strategy. Thibodaux is eyeing a 23-pound bag as a potential clincher, given Lake Murray’s reputation for producing big bass and the consistent weather conditions expected for the last day. “If we can break 23 pounds, we’re in a great spot for the title shot,” he said.
The Top 10 Teams Heading into the Decider
- Levi Thibodaux & Miles Smith, LSU-Shreveport – 48-2
- Matthew Dettling & Cody Domingos, University of Tennessee – 47-11
- Matthew Knopp & Logan Russell, Lander University – 47-0
- Brayden Ruckman & Zach Wolfe, Carson-Newman University – 46-13
- James Dubose & Dylan Milam, University of Montevallo – 46-12
- Brody Robison & Peyton Sorrow, University of Montevallo – 46-11
- Drew Kuhnle & Landon Rollison, Lander University – 45-5
- Brennan Berglund & Colton White, University of Montevallo – 45-0
- Nolan Gray & Riley Brown, Carson-Newman University – 44-10
- Michael Avery & Peyton Dunn, Emmanuel University – 44-10
Consistency and Skill are Key
This championship illustrates just how competitive college fishing has become, with top teams needing to constantly adapt to lake conditions and shifting bite patterns. Success isn’t just about big fish, but about compiling consistent limits and making strategic culls throughout each competition day. Notably, teams like Thibodaux and Smith proved that even with little local experience, focus and rapid learning can compete with familiarity.
Championship Hangs in the Balance
With so much at stake and so little separating the best teams, the 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing showdown at Lake Murray is set for a pulse-pounding finish. Whether you’re an angling fanatic or a newcomer to college tournaments, this event exemplifies the blend of tactical skill, teamwork, and raw excitement that defines modern competitive fishing.