CLEVELAND, Ohio – The fall standings for the 2025-26 NAIA LEARFIELD Directors' Cup have been released, and Indiana Wesleyan sits alone in first place. IWU has been a consistent presence at the top of the rankings after winning the trophy in 2021-22 and placing in the Top 5 the last seven years. This fall, the Wildcats had all six of their fall programs qualify for their NAIA-sponsored National Championships with both Men's Cross Country and Women's Volleyball claiming the national titles.

The LEARFIELD Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in the NAIA fall championships of men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball.
 
IWU holds the top spot with 425 total points. Men's cross country and women's volleyball brought in the department's highest numbers, each recorded 100 points after winning their NAIA National Championships. Women's cross country was second with 66 points for their 11th place finish at NAIA Nationals. Women's soccer tallied 64 points, followed by men's soccer with 50 points, while football totaled 45 points.
 
"What an incredible fall it has been here at IWU," said Deane Webb, IWU Athletic Director. "Two national championships within a few weeks of each other, almost all our teams ranked in the top 25, and teams living on mission as we both pursue athletic excellence and influencing others for Christ.  We are truly blessed and highly favored."

IWU's point total is 40 points higher than the second-place institution.
 
The Wildcats are joined by one other Crossroads League team in the Top 5 and three other programs in the Top 20 following fall sports.

• No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan University
• No. 4 Marian Universty
• No. 6 Taylor University
• No. 17 Grace College

The next LEARFIELD standings will be released April 2 at the conclusion of winter sport championships.

To view the full release from the NACDA, click HERE.

To view the full NAIA standings, click HERE.
 



#