The last full week of March saw some incredible performances, a few surprises, and conference standings become a bit clearer. As usual, we'll look at each governing body (NCAA, NAIA, JUCOs, etc.) and end with a small preview of next week's games. Click here to check out previous recaps for the 2026 spring season.

Before we dive into the recaps, take a look at this play in the Illinois College-Illinois Wesleyan game from Saturday evening. IWU played a bit of one-two soccer to connect on a very unusual reception!

NCAA

The conference races are heating up across the NCAA as March comes to an end and we'll look at several conference races.

Atlantic East Conference

The NCAA Division III Atlantic East Conference is shaping up to be a good battle, with four teams currently contending for the top spot.

• Eastern (PA) went 3-0 this week, with all three games coming against AEC opponents. The statement of the trio was the Tuesday matchup, when the Eagles posted a 45-0 shutout of third-place Immaculata (PA). Eastern is 9-1 overall and 8-1 in the AEC.
  • Kira Green threw for 535 yards, 7 touchdowns, and only 1 interception in the three wins. Kyla Massenburg was the rushing star, amassing 119 yards and 8 scores on the ground. Massenburg was also a menace on defense, with 25 flag pulls, 9 tackles-for-loss, and 5 sacks.
• Marymount (VA) went 4-0 on the week and the defense didn't allow a point. Three of the four victories were by 45+ points, with the defense allowing an average of 137 yards per game. The Saints have posted six straight shutouts and have only allowed 39 points all season. Marymount is currently 10-2 overall and 7-1 in the AEC.
  • Alexandria Veltri led the Marymount receivers in both wins on Wednesday against Neumann (PA) and Centenary (NJ). She had 8 catches for 119 yards and 4 TDs in those 2 games.
• Immaculata (PA) went 1-2 on the week, with losses against Eastern (45-0) and Marymount (27-0). The Mighty Macs defeated Holy Family (PA) 14-7 on Sunday to move to 6-2 overall and 5-2 in the AEC.
  • Tiara Lawler led the Immaculata defense in flag pulls versus Holy Family and Marymount. She finished the two games with 15 flag pulls, 5 tackles-for-loss, and 1 sack.
• Neumann (PA) went 2-1 on the week, with wins versus Centenary (NJ) and Penn State Schuylkill. The Knights lost to Marymount and sit at 6-3 overall and in the AEC. The other two losses so far this season are to teams above them: Eastern (33-0) and Immaculata (27-6).

Conference Carolinas

In the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas, there is four way logjam atop the standings between Barton (NC), Ferrum (VA), Lees-McRae (NC), and Wingate (NC).

• Barton swept its doubleheader on Friday, March 27, with wins against Emmanuel (GA) 26-24 and Mount St. Mary's (MD) 20-6. Barton is 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Carolinas.
  • The Barton-Emmanuel matchup was a back-and-forth affair. The Bulldogs defended the final play from the 7-yard line to hold on for the win. Barton fell behind 6-0 to Mount St. Mary's, but the defense held the Mountaineers scoreless the rest of the game.
  • Sawyer Rigdon threw for 316 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 interceptions in the win versus Emmanuel. Valerie-Ange Batta had 11 catches for 118 yards in the win, but moved to QB against Mount, throwing for 230 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Batta also recorded two interceptions against Mount St. Mary's.
• Ferrum went 2-1 this week to move to 11-3 overall and 6-1 in the Carolinas. The Panthers lost to Wingate (NC) on Tuesday, but defeated King (TN) 59-24 and Mount St. Mary's (MD) 61-0 on Sunday.
• Lees-McRae also went 2-1 this week, with both victories coming against conference foes. The Bobcats lost a heartbreaker on Thursday against the NAIA's Milligan Buffaloes (TN), 13-12. On Saturday, LMC crushed Mars Hill (NC) 73-6 and Mount St. Mary's (MD) 42-0. LMC is 7-6 overall and 5-1 in the Carolinas.
  • Makenzie Hicks threw for 742 yards, 15 TDs, and 1 pick in the three games. Natalia Hernandez de Leon, Kennedy Vannoy, and Ashley Alvarado each had 3 TD catches against Mars Hill. Hernandez de Leon also had 3 against Mount St. Mary's.
  • Mackenzie Walker had 19 flag pulls, 2 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups across all three games. Sofia Antwi-Silva had 14 flag pulls, 5 tackles-for-loss, and 2 sacks in three games.
• Wingate defeated Ferrum (VA) 28-12 on Tuesday and Mars Hill (NC) 32-6 on Friday. The Bulldogs dropped a non-conference game to the NAIA's Milligan Buffaloes (TN) on Friday, 26-7. Wingate is 5-2 overall and 5-1 in the Carolinas.
  • Jhenelle Francis threw for 474 yards, 7 TDs, and 6 interceptions in the three games. She also ran for 225 yards and a score.
  • Evonne Bruestle had an incredible defensive week for Wingate, recording 20 flag pulls, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 12 sacks. She also had 13 catches for 210 yards and 3 TDs on offense.

NCFFL

The National Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL) had its Maryland Regional on Saturday and Sunday, with 11 teams competing across the two days. SUNY Cortland (NY) and Villa Maria (NY) went 4-0 on the weekend. PennWest California (PA) and Rutgers (NJ) went 3-1. Mercyhurst (PA) went 2-1 on the weekend. The next tournament will be held on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

United East Conference

A full day of action in the NCAA Division III United East Conference provided a bit more clarity to the standings, with two teams emerging at the top.

• Gallaudet (D.C.) went 3-0 on the week, but its biggest win came on Saturday against Penn State Harrisburg. The Bison won 34-20 and also defeated Cairn (PA) 19-7 to remain undefeated in the UEC. Gallaudet is 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference.
  • Gallaudet defeated Howard Community College (MD) 52-0 on Wednesday. The defense held Howard CC to negative 17 yards on offense, thanks to 5 tackles-for-loss and 3 interceptions.
  • Gianna Visco threw for 632 yards, 10 TDs, and only 1 pick in the three victories. She also ran for 159 yards and 3 scores. Citrine Lummer recorded 22 catches for 283 yards and 3 TDs in the two UEC wins. Lummer also led the Bison in flag pulls for both games, finishing with 14 and an interception
• Penn State Harrisburg may have lost to Gallaudet, but the Nittany Lions rebounded to defeat Cairn (PA) 12-0 in their second game on Saturday. Harrisburg is 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the UEC.
  • Aaliyanna Labarriere had 5 flag pulls and 5 sacks against Gallaudet in the loss, while Jordan Carpenter recorded 5 catches for 144 yards and 2 scores.

NAIA Poll

The IFFA's NAIA week 5 coaches poll was released on Thursday. There weren't too many changes compared to previous weeks. The top four of Warner (FL), Ottawa (KS), Keiser (FL), and Baker (KS) remained unchanged for the second straight week. Milligan (TN) and Kansas Wesleyan swapped places in 5th and 6th for the second straight week.

St. Thomas (FL) and Webber International (FL) switched places in 7th and 8th this week. Life (GA) stayed in 9th and Hope International (CA) remained in 10th. Thomas (GA) maintained its spot in 11th, while Saint Francis (IN) and Lindsey Wilson (KY) switched spots in 12th and 13th, respectively. The poll was rounded out with Midland (NE) in 14th and Campbellsville (KY) in 15th. No teams dropped out of this week's poll, which can be seen below.

NAIA

The NAIA had a full slate of games this week. We'll go through each of the three conferences, followed by some quick hits from other NAIA programs. Let's start with the Great Southwest Athletic Conference.

• Hope International (CA) moved to 6-0 in conference with a win over second-place La Sierra (CA) 35-0 and a weekend win over Simpson (CA) 26-12. With only three games remaining, HIU is guaranteed a spot in the four-team conference championship on April 17 and 18.
  • Anahi Morales threw for 567 yards, 8 TDs, and 2 picks in the two wins. Madison Powell had 13 catches for 169 yards and 4 TDs across the two games. Larissa Perez had 17 flag pulls and 3 tackles-for-loss.
• La Sierra (CA) went 1-1, defeating Simpson (CA) 26-15 but losing to Hope International (CA) 35-0. The Eagles are tied at 5-2 in the conference standings with Arizona Christian, which went 2-0 against Ottawa (AZ) and Benedictine Mesa (AZ) last week. While still technically alive for first-place, the battle will be for second between these two, and the teams are scheduled to play on Thursday, April 9.
• Simpson (CA) and Benedictine Mesa (AZ) are tied for fourth at 2-5, while Ottawa (AZ) is sixth at 0-7. These three are competing for the fourth spot at the conference tournament. Simpson and Benedictine are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, April 8, with a spot in the GSAC final likely hanging in the balance.

KCAC

Over in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), Kansas Wesleyan upset Ottawa (KS) 21-20, but it was a non-conference game. KWU led 14-0 late into the third quarter, but Ottawa ripped off 20 straight points to take a 20-14 lead with less than 4 minutes to go. Despite the pressure, Chihiro Iwata led the Coyotes down the field and hit Jenise Washington on fourth down to tie the game, followed by converting the extra point. Iwata threw for 374 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks in the win.

• Ottawa would return later in the week to post a 40-7 win over Saint Mary (KS) and a 48-0 victory over Midland (NE). The Braves are listed at 9-1 overall and 7-0 in the KCAC for 2026 (the Florida Gateway loss at the end of February isn't listed on the Ottawa schedule).
  • Anna Anderson threw for 924 yards, 13 TDs, and 2 interceptions in the three games. She also rushed for 53 yards and 3 scores. Olga Sotillo led the Braves in receiving against KWU (10 catches for 175 yards and 1 TD) and Midland (9 catches for 96 yards).
• Baker (KS) posted two big wins over KCAC opponents: 42-0 over William Woods (MO) and 82-0 over Bethel (KS). Baker sits at 10-1 overall and 6-1 in the KCAC.
  • The Baker rushing attack had 169 yards versus William Woods and 211 against Bethel. Baker averaged 8.1 yards per carry across the two games.
  • Faith Phillips recorded 7 flag pulls, 5 tackles-for-loss, and 4 sacks against William Woods. Kenya Arias had 6 flag pulls, 5 tackles-for-loss, and 4 sacks against Bethel (Arias also had 6 flag pulls and 1.5 sacks against WWU).
• KWU's 21-20 win at Ottawa was highlighted above, but the Coyotes also posted a pair of shutout victories later in the week. KWU defeated Southwestern (KS) 39-0 and William Woods (MO) 32-0. Kansas Wesleyan is 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the KCAC.
  • Chihiro Iwata passed for 912 yards, 13 TDs, and 2 picks on the week. Her favorite target was Aliyah Wood, who recorded 30 catches for 304 yards and 6 TDs as the top receiver in all three games. Wood also recorded two picks against Ottawa, where the defense held Anna Anderson to 7 yards rushing on 6 carries.

Sun Conference

The Sun Conference racing is heating up with three schools still undefeated in conference play. That number will shrink by at least one next week.

• Keiser (FL) played only one game, which was a comfortable 71-0 blowout of Florida Memorial, with 10 touchdown passes from three quarterbacks. Ashlea Klam had 4 catches for 110 yards and 3 TDs, while also recording an interception. Dakota Moberg led the defense with 8 flag pulls and 3 interceptions, with one of those being returned for a touchdown. Keiser is 10-1 overall and 6-0 in the Sun.
• Warner (FL) returned to the field on Monday, March 23, and faced a challenge from Life (GA). The Royals won 32-20, which marks the fewest points scored and most points allowed in 2026. Nevertheless, the Warner won and went 4-0 on the week. The Royals are 14-0 overall and 5-0 in the Sun.
  • Kathryn Hutchinson threw for 1,420 yards and 29 touchdown passes, including 12 against Alabama State. Jessica Finley caught 41 passes for 469 yards and 12 TDs. Lauren Clark recorded 23 flag pulls and 3 sacks across the four games.
• St. Thomas (FL) won 1-0 by forfeit against Reinhardt (GA). The Bobcats will be tested this week with games against Warner (FL) and Keiser (FL). Both of those matchups will be at home.
• Webber International (FL) dropped a conference game at home to Thomas (GA) on Friday, 45-6. Webber rebounded to defeat Alabama State 19-0 on Saturday to move to 10-3 overall and 4-2 in the Sun. Yasmin Lott had 17 catches for 101 yards across the two games, while Rylee Bolser recorded 15 catches for 120 yards and 1 TD.
  • Alabama State recorded 6 sacks on defense against Webber, including 3.5 from Kamaira Crawford.
• Thomas (GA) went 1-1 on the week, defeating Webber International (FL) 45-6 and losing to Warner (FL) 41-7. Thomas has had an up-and-down season, sitting at 7-6 overall and 2-4 in the Sun heading into April.
  • Destiny Lockett threw for 310 yards and 6 touchdowns, ran for 49 yards and a score, and recorded 5 flag pulls and an interception in the victory against Webber.

NAIA Quick Hits

• Campbellsville (KY) played three games hosting its Flag Frenzy tournament, going 2-1. The lone loss was a close 32-26 game against Saint Francis (IN), while the Tigers defeated Siena Heights (MI) 31-21 and Life (GA) 27-14. Campbellsville is 8-8 overall.
  • Korine Talkington threw for 760 yards, 10 TDs, and 1 interception in the three games. She also ran for 82 yards and 2 scores. Timaya Woody led Campbellsville in flag pulls all three games, finishing with 25.
• Lindsey Wilson (KY) competed in the Campbellsville Flag Frenzy. The Blue Raiders went 2-1 at the event, defeating Siena Heights (MI) and Wittenberg (OH), but dropping a game to Life (GA). LWU also won at Cumberland (TN) on Wednesday to go 3-1 on the week. The Blue Raiders are 9-2 overall.
  • Amaya Pablo threw for 1,003 yards, 13 TDs, and 6 picks on the week. Pablo also ran for another 219 yards and 3 scores. Jenna Lindsey had 6 touchdown catches, including 4 versus Wittenberg.
• Milligan (TN) went 3-0 to keep its perfect season intact. The Buffs defeated King (TN) 62-0, Lees-McRae (NC) 13-12, and Wingate (NC) 26-7. Milligan is 16-0 overall entering a two-week break.
  • Bridget Keyser didn't have the same output this week compared to earlier in the season. She threw for 622 yards, 12 TDs, and 3 picks across the three wins. Krista Quinn was the top receiving TD target, with 14 catches for 156 yards and 5 scores. Parker Bridges had 18 flag pulls, 2 tackles-for-loss, and 2 interceptions on defense.
• Saint Francis (IN) swept its three games at the Campbellsville Flag Frenzy. The Cougars defeated the hosts 32-26, Cumberland (TN) 21-14 in overtime, and Life (GA) 27-18. Saint Francis is currently 7-4 overall, with three of those losses coming against top 10 teams in Keiser (FL), St. Thomas (FL), and Warner (FL).
  • Jianna Reyes had two really good games against Campbellsville and Life. She passed for 560 yards, 8 TDs, and 1 pick in those games, plus she ran for 76 yards and a score. Against Cumberland, she didn't play badly, throwing for 222 yards and 3 scores, but she had 4 picks. She also ran for 85 yards. Overall, it was another good week for her and USF.
  • Harmany Walker had 14 catches for 169 yards and a score versus Campbellsville. She had 14 catches for 167 and 2 TDs in the final two games combined.

JUCOs and Other Governing Bodies

Florida Gateway returned to the field after a two-week break and didn't miss a beat. The Timberwolves crushed College of Dupage (IL) 74-0 and LaGrange College (GA) 66-0. FGC is 10-1 on the season.

Irvine Valley (CA) had lost two of the last three entering this week and lost to Ventura (CA) on Monday, 51-34. Ventura's Ava Ortman threw 7 touchdown passes, including 4 to Honest Watson. IVC would come back on Thursday against Saddleback (CA) and hand the Bobcats their second loss of the season. Akayla Chaple's touchdown passes to Maia Helmar, Allison Faggella, and Maya McKenna in the first half were enough for a strong defensive effort in the 26-6 win.

• Before the loss on Thursday, Saddleback defeated Norco (CA) 40-0 on Tuesday. The Bobcats are 15-2 overall and 1-2 in the Orange Empire Conference.
• Golden West (CA) defeated Cypress 27-12 on Thursday, March 26. Cypress led 12-7, but a Golden West touchdown with seconds left in the half gave them a 14-12 lead. The Rustlers recorded 3 interceptions. Golden West and Cypress are tied at 2-1 in the OEC.

Nevada State won its two games this week, defeating Ottawa (AZ) 40-0 and Benedictine Mesa (AZ) 44-0 to move to 12-0. The Scorpions have posted 8 shutouts in the 12 games, and have a two-week break before the next set of games in mid-April.

The Week Ahead

On Tuesday, March 31, Immaculata (PA) will take on Centenary (NJ) and Penn State Schuylkill (PA) in the NCAA Division III Atlantic East Conference action. Wednesday, April 1, will feature the NAIA's KCAC playing its typical conference slate in the evening, while the NJCAA's Daytona State (FL) and Florida Gateway will meet in a conference battle.

Thursday, April 2, will see the NAIA's Sun Conference have four conference games, including a matchup between Warner (FL) and St. Thomas (FL). The NCAA D-III Atlantic East will have 9 conference games, led by Neumann (PA) and Eastern (PA). The 3C2A's Orange Empire Conference will see matchups between Golden West (CA) and Saddleback (CA), as well as Irvine Valley (CA) and Cypress (CA).

On Friday, April 3, the NCAA D-III Empire 8 Conference will have multiple matchups, while the D-III United East Conference will have three non-conference games, including Gallaudet (D.C.) playing at Ferrum (VA).

Per usual, the big day of the week is Saturday. The NAIA's KCAC has a full slate of conference games, including a matchup between Baker (KS) and Midland (NE). The Sun Conference will feature St. Thomas (FL) welcoming Keiser (FL) for a second straight game against a top 3 team. The NCAA D-II Conference Carolinas has 7 games slated for the day, including a Barton (NC) and Lees-McRae (NC) game that could determine the conference leader by day's end.