COLUMBIA, S.C. – Lander University Bass Fishing teammates Matthew Knopp and Logan Russell captured the 2026 MLF College Fishing National Championship on Lake Murray on Saturday, securing the program's third national title in the past three seasons.

The duo posted a three-day total of 70 pounds, 10 ounces to win the national championship event, edging teams from the University of Montevallo and Carson-Newman University in a tightly contested field featuring more than 150 college teams from across the country.

Competing close to home on Lake Murray, Knopp and Russell delivered two of the largest daily totals of their careers during the event, including a strong final-day performance that secured the title.

The national championship marks Lander's third overall collegiate national title in bass fishing. Garrett Smith and Andrew Blanton previously won back-to-back Bassmaster College National Championships in 2024 and 2025, establishing the Bearcats as one of the premier programs in the country. Saturday's victory also represents Lander's first MLF College Fishing National Championship.

In addition to earning national titles, Knopp and Russell both qualified for the 2026 Toyota Series Championship this November. The higher finisher at that event will advance to compete for a $300,000 prize at REDCREST 2027, one of the sport's premier professional tournaments.