MACOMB, Ill. – The Ohio Valley Conference released its 2025–26 men's and women's golf preseason predicted order of finish, with Western Illinois selected ninth on the women's side and 11th on the men's side following a vote of the league's head coaches.
2025-26 OVC Women's Golf Predicted Order of Finish
1. Morehead State (7) - 63 points
2. Little Rock (2) - 57
3. Tennessee Tech - 48
4. Lindenwood - 43
5. Southern Indiana - 35
6. Bryant - 27
7. Eastern Illinois - 26
8. Tennessee State - 13
9. Western Illinois - 12
On the women's side, the Leathernecks earned 12 points in the preseason poll. Morehead State was picked to claim the conference title, followed by Little Rock and Tennessee Tech. Western Illinois will look to outperform its preseason projection behind a developing roster and continued growth under head coach Charlton Zimmerman.
Sophomore Sophia Thorne was named a 2025–26 OVC Women's Player to Watch, becoming the lone Leatherneck recognized on the preseason list. Thorne made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign and is expected to play a key role for Western Illinois this season.
In the men's poll, Western Illinois collected 16 points and was selected 11th. Little Rock earned the top spot in the preseason rankings, while UT Martin and Tennessee Tech rounded out the top three. The Leathernecks return a young but competitive squad aiming to make strides throughout the fall and spring schedule.
2025-26 OVC Men's Golf Predicted Order of Finish
1. Little Rock (8) - 98 points
2. UT Martin (2) - 85
3. Tennessee Tech - 81
4. SIUE (1) - 77
5. Morehead State - 68
6. Lindenwood - 55
7. Southern Indiana - 44
8. Bryant - 32
9. Eastern Illinois - 29
10. Tennessee State - 19
11. Western Illinois - 16
Sophomore Owen Howe earned OVC Men's Player to Watch honors, representing Western Illinois on the league's preseason watch list. Howe's recognition follows a strong showing last season and highlights his potential to be a consistent contributor for the Leathernecks.
The 2025–26 golf season will culminate with the OVC Championships, where Western Illinois will look to exceed preseason expectations and continue building momentum within the conference.
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