Niagara University, N.Y. - Niagara University's bowling program ranked No. 14 based on the National TenPin Coaches Association (NTCA) announced Thursday afternoon. 

 

After a successful 2026-27 season, the Purple Eagles recorded a record of 82-40 (.672) and a 17-7 (.708) in NEC action. Niagara's Dakota Collins, who was named NEC Rookie of the Year and NEC All-Rookie Team, Kate Ackerman, and Jocelyn Smith were tabbed to the NEC Second Team All-Conference, as Head Coach Jeff Walsh was awarded NEC Coach of the Year. Ackerman was also named to the NTCA third-team All-American. 

 

The program also named Co-NEC regular season champions and saw five student-athletes named to the NTCA All-Academic Scholars.  

 

2026 October Coaches Poll 

1. Jacksonville State (38) 1620 

2. Vanderbilt 1484 

3. Wichita State 1420 

4. Arkansas State 1336 

5. Nebraska 1330 

6. Youngstown State 1232 

7. Louisiana Tech 1156 

8. Sam Houston State 1058 

9. North Carolina A&T State 1012 

10. Sacred Heart 914 

11. Wright State 779 

12. Newman 764 

13. Maryville 659 

14. Niagara 632 

15. McKendree 614 

16. Duquesne 529 

17. Tulane 511 

18. Mount St. Mary's 506 

19. Bryant 486 

20. University of Alabama at Birmingham 413 

21. Valparaiso 307 

22. Saint Vincent 269 

23. University of Central Missouri 266 

24. Monmouth 236 

25. University of Maryland, Eastern Shore 114 

 

Also Receiving Votes: Delaware State, Mercyhurst, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus, Oklahoma Christian, Kutztown, Dominican, Felician, William Smith College, Le Moyne, Carrol, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Belmont Abbey College, Emmanuel, and Jackson State University