Steubenville, Ohio - National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) released the Preseason Power 10 Division III Rankings on Tuesday on the association's College Rugby Show. Coming off a highly successful 2025 season where Franciscan won the NCR Division III National Championship, the Barons were ranked #1.
NCR Preseason Power 10 DIII Rankings
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Montana
- Nichols
- Slippery Rock
- Catholic
- VMI
- Holy Cross
- Duke
- New Mexico Tech
- Richmond
The Barons were not a part of the Preseason Top 10 last year, however, the squad quickly came up the ranks over the course of the season. Its 2025 season ended with a national championship and a 12-2 record, with a five-game winning streak to cap off the campaign. On its path to the national championship, the Barons beat #1 VMI, #11 Duke, #7 Holy Cross, and #5 Slippery Rock. Franciscan will end this upcoming regular season with a heavily anticipated rematch against Slippery Rock on the road on October 17th.
Up Next
The Barons begin the 2026 season on Friday, September 4th against Christendom College at home on the rugby field. The match is set to start at 5 PM.
