Each year the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s serves as an incredible opportunity for a collegiate angler to make his dreams come true, and also provides one of the most action-packed, entertaining events of the season.
Here’s what you need to know before competition begins on Friday, September 27th.
New Format
The College Classic Bracket will operate with a new format this year. All competitors will compete for the first two days against each other to bring their heaviest five fish to the scales. The four heaviest weights after two days will advance to Semifinal Sunday, where weights will be zeroed. Brackets begin on Semifinal Sunday and pit No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3. The two heaviest bags will advance to Championship Monday, where weights will zero once again.
The angler with the heaviest bag on Championship Monday will win a 2025 Bassmaster Classic berth, the use of a Toyota Tundra and Nitro boat — both wrapped in school colors and logos — for one year, paid entry into the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN division of their choice for a year and $7,500.
Meet the Competitors
The winners of the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops — Garrett Smith and Andrew Blanton from Lander University — received a berth into the College Classic Bracket to compete against three other teams:
- The 2024 Bassmaster College Series overall Team of the Year — Dylan Akins and Chase Carey from Emmanuel University
- The Lunkers Trail Team of the Year — Caleb Hudson and Tanner Hadden from University of South Carolina – Union
- The Legends Trail Team of the Year — Aaron Jagdfeld and Elliot Wielgopolski from Adrian College
How to Watch
Click here to see how and where to watch the action go down!
