college

Meet the 2024 College Classic Bracket contenders

Meet the eight college anglers ready to compete for a spot in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.

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The Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s is the most prestigious event in College fishing. No other event offers college anglers a route to the Bassmaster Classic. This years College Classic Bracket will be held on Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, Tenn.
Currently, there are four Bassmaster Elite Series anglers who are former Classic Bracket winners. Pictured above are Cody Huff (2019, Bethel University), John Garrett (2016, Bethel University), Jacob Foutz (2015, Bryan College) and Jordan Lee (2013, Auburn University).
Last year’s Bracket Champion, Easton Fothergill is showcasing the strength of the Bassmaster College Series. He finished 16th in this year’s Bassmaster Classic, making him the third collegiate angler to fish the Final Day of the Classic.
Fothergill has not only won two Bassmaster Opens this season, he is also leading the Tackle Warehouse Elite Qualifier points with two events remaining.
The winner of the Bracket wins the use of a fully rigged Nitro Z20 bass boat and a Toyota Tundra wrapped in their school colors, paid entry into one division of St. Croix Bassmaster Opens and of course, a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.
This year’s College Classic Bracket will be televised live on FS1 and Bassmaster.com.
Aaron Jagdfeld of Adrian College
Year: Graduated
Hometown: Rochester Hills, Mich.
Major: Sports Management
Qualified via: Legends Trail Team of the Year
Elliot Wielgopolski of Adrian College
Year: Graduated
Hometown: Waterville, Ohio
Major: Environmental Science/Geology
Qualified via: Legends Trail Team of the Year
Caleb Hudson of University of South Carolina – Union
Year: Senior
Hometown: Lincolnton, Ga.
Major: Science
Qualified via: Lunkers Trail Team of the Year
Tanner Hadden of University of South Carolina – Union
Year: Senior
Hometown: Appling, Ga.
Major: Business
Qualified via: Lunkers Trail Team of the Year
Chase Carey of Emmanuel University
Year: Graduated
Hometown: Buford, Ga.
Major: Sports Management
Qualified via: Overall Team of the Year
Dylan Akins of Emmanuel University
Year: Graduated
Hometown: Buford, Ga.
Major: Business Administration
Qualified via: Overall Team of the Year
Garrett Smith of Lander University
Year: Master’s Degree student
Hometown: Mt. Holly, N.C.
Major: Masters in Business Administration
Qualified via: Winning the 2024 College Series National Championship
Andrew Blanton of Lander University
Year: Junior
Hometown: Chesnee, S.C.
Major: Business
Qualified via: Winning the 2024 College Series National Championship

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