Furman University led all Southern Conference (SoCon) schools in the 2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup competition, finishing 135th overall among 298 Division I institutions. The ranking was bolstered by NCAA Tournament qualifications from men's soccer, men's basketball, and women's golf, with men's soccer contributing 83 points after reaching the NCAA College Cup semifinals. This marks Furman's eighth leadership in SoCon standings over the last decade, showcasing a strong performance despite the interruptions of COVID-19. Vice-President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jason Donnelly, credited the collective efforts of the university's athletic community in achieving this recognition on the national stage.

By the Numbers
  • Furman earned 124.5 points in this year's Directors' Cup competition.
  • Men's soccer contributed 83 points after a 16-2-5 season.
State of Play
  • Furman ranked first among SoCon schools, ahead of Samford (138th) and UNC Greensboro (159th).
  • Furman finished third among South Carolina institutions, following Clemson (42nd) and South Carolina (44th).
What's Next

Furman aims to build on this success and continue its momentum in the upcoming seasons, focusing on enhancing athlete development and deepening NCAA tournament participation across all sports.

Bottom Line

Furman's consistent performance in the Directors' Cup underscores its commitment to athletic excellence, positioning it as a top-tier program within the Southern Conference and among Division I schools nationwide.