CARDS OVER COCKS FOR DI-AA TITLE

BOYDS, Md. – The Division I-AA final was an affair for the birds as the Cardinals of Louisville faced off with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Louisville took off to a 14-0 lead at the intermission thanks to a pair of first half tries. The Cardinals extended the lead to 26-0 and while South Carolina added a pair of consolation tries, Louisville brought home the National Championship with a 26-12 victory.

South Carolina advanced to the Cup Championship game by claiming a 15-10 victory over Texas A&M that saw the Aggies lead 10-0 at the intermission. In the other semifinal, Louisville cruised to a 28-0 victory over West Chester. 

In the third-place game, West Chester jumped out to an early lead before holding on for a 24-14 win against Texas A&M while the Plate was won by Western Michigan who shutout Northeastern 17-0. Iowa upended UNC-Charlotte 20-14 for the Bowl while Oregon State claimed the Shield after a 36-17 victory against Temple.

At the close of the tournament, the leading scorer was David McMurtray. A first-year student from Babson, McMurtray recorded four tries and added seven conversions for 34 points in a quartet of games.

The tournament MVP went to Amarreon McClaurin from Louisville, who led the champs with five tries – tied for first in the division. The win gives the Cardinals their second 7s title in three years, having won it all in 2024, as well. 

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2026 All Tournament Team

Charlie Dwyer, South Carolina, First Year

Jack Eberle, Louisville, Junior

Harry Johnston, Northeastern, First Year

Aidan Malley, West Chester, Junior

Ben McIlhoney, Temple, Sophomore

Amarreon Mclaurin, Louisville, Sophomore

Cole Thompson, Babson, Sophomore

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