there was little surprise who topped the first PGA Tour University ranking for the 2026-27 season. Oklahoma State’s Preston Stout is in the top spot, bolstered by winning the NCAA and Big 12 titles last spring. That said, there is plenty of talent right behind him including Florida State’s Tyler Weaver (No. 2), Oklahoma’s Ryder Cowan (No. 3), Auburn’s Josiah Gilbert (No. 5), North Carolina’s Niall Sheils Donegan (No. 6) and Florida’s Luke Poulter (No. 7)—all of whom played in this past weekend’s Walker Cup. According to the PGA Tour, the top senior after the NCAA Championship next spring will earn PGA Tour membership—something Ludvig Aberg, Michael Thornbjornsen and Ben James used to their advantage in making the transition from college to the pros. The only question is how long that membership will last. A year ago, James earned a card for 2026 and 2027. But with the PGA Tour changing its structure for 2028, creating the championship and challenger series, it’s unclear what status, if any, the winner will have beyond this next season.