2025-26 NAIA Learfield Cup Standings
SEWARD, Neb. – On the heels of another top two finish in the GPAC All-Sports Standings, Concordia University, Nebraska Athletics vaulted to No. 27 in the final 2025-26 Learfield Directors’ Cup NAIA Standings released on Tuesday (June 9). The standings were calculated and published by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). The placement at No. 27 nationally represents a 10-spot leap from 2024-25.
The Learfield Directors’ Cup point totals are based on national championships qualifications and national finishes. The Learfield College Directors’ Cup Standings are designed to “honor institutions that maintain a broad-based program, achieve success in many sports, both men's and women's, in which all sports that the NAIA offers a championship, and all student-athletes that compete in those sports, are treated equally.”
In all areas, Concordia Athletics continues to thrive under the leadership of Director of Athletics Devin Smith, a two-time winner of the Athletics Director of the Year award, as chosen by NACDA. Smith’s administrative staff includes Associate Director of Athletics Angela Muller and Assistant Director of Athletics Levi Calhoun. Kacey Russell serves as Athletics Initiatives Specialist.
Based upon data going back to 1996-97, Concordia’s highest ever finish in the NAIA Directors’ Cup standings was ninth in 2004-05. Since the start of 2014-15, the Bulldogs have landed inside the top 20 of the NAIA five times. The 2025-26 athletics season was highlighted by the conference tournament championship won by men’s soccer, 17 top-four team conference placements and appearances at 14 national championship events. Major ‘firsts’ were achieved on the national stage by competitive dance (first nationals appearance), men’s soccer (first advancement at the national tournament) and volleyball (first time reaching the national semifinals). In ending the athletic year, women’s track placed seventh at the NAIA Outdoor Championships while led by national champion Adrianna Rodencal.
In the 2025-26 Learfield Cup Standings, Concordia totaled 484 points. Broken down by season, Concordia posted 133.0 points in the fall, 207.0 in the winter and 144.0 in the spring.
2025-26 Accomplishments:
· 27th in the final NAIA Learfield Cup Standings.
· Placed second in the GPAC All-Sports Standings (top two for the seventh straight year and for the 10th time in 11 years).
· 17 Bulldog teams placed within the top four of their respective conference standings.
· Appearances in six GPAC tournament championship games.
· Appearances in 14 separate national championship events.
· 220 NAIA Scholar-Athlete Awards (six shy of the school record set in 2019-20).
· 41 Academic All-District Award Winners, as selected by College Sports Communicators (as of June 10).
· 5 Academic All-Americans, as selected by College Sports Communicators (as of June 10).
· 3 GPAC Athlete of the Year awards (Alex Johnson, Ashley Keck, Adrianna Rodencal).
Concordia Learfield Cup finishes since 1997
2025-26: 27th
2024-25: 37th
2023-24: 15th
2022-23: 28th
2021-22: 22nd
2020-21: 14th
2019-20: No standings due to COVID-19
2018-19: 30th
2017-18: 45th
2016-17: 17th
2015-16: 16th
2014-15: 18th
2013-14: 29th
2012-13: 57th
2011-12: 34th
2010-11: 44th
2009-10: 27th
2008-09: 24th
2007-08: 39th
2006-07: 62nd
2005-06: 50th
2004-05: 9th
2003-04: 30th
2002-03: 12th
2001-02: 25th
2000-01: 34th
1999-00: 43rd
1998-99: 53rd
1997-98: 30th
1996-97: 16th