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By Trevor McGee
After a successful inaugural regatta on Melton Hill Lake in 2025, the 2026 SEC Rowing Championship returns to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with a four-team field on Sunday, May 10.
No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Tennessee lead the field, while No. 13 Alabama and No. 25 Oklahoma round out the conference sponsorship for the second-ever SEC title race. Texas looks to defend its inaugural title from a year ago.
“The success of last year’s inaugural SEC Rowing Championship in Oak Ridge made the decision to return an easy one,” said Tiffany Daniels, SEC Associate Commissioner. “From the quality of competition on Melton Hill Lake to the exceptional partnership with the Oak Ridge Rowing Association and the strong local support, the event exceeded expectations in every way. We are excited to build on that momentum and once again showcase the very best of SEC rowing in a championship environment.”
Texas swept ranked matchups over Indiana and Michigan this spring, while taking the first varsity eight win over then-No. 1 Stanford. The Longhorns, under 11th-year head coach Dave O’Neill, boast the top-ranked first varsity eight boat this season with an undefeated record guided by coxswain Amy Werner.
Tennessee loaded up its spring slate with top-ranked competition, facing off against No. 1 Stanford, No. 3 Yale, No. 6 Princeton, and No. 8 Virginia at the time. Though the Lady Vols were swept by the Cardinal, they responded with a sweep of all three of the varsity four races and wins in two of the varsity eight events at the Princeton Invitational.
Tennessee’s familiarity with Melton Hill Lake will be tested again. Earlier this year, the Lady Vols swept a field of Alabama, Iowa, Minnesota, and USC en route to a win at the Tennessee Invite.
Texas will be looking to defend the title won in the first varsity eight race a year ago. The Longhorns took control down the stretch and captured a three-second win to down Tennessee on home water, edging the Lady Vols by five points for the conference crown.
“While we had a really successful first year of the championship, we pride ourselves on trying to outdo ourselves,” Daniels said.
Alabama and Oklahoma both have experience on Melton Hill Lake this season.
The Crimson Tide competed in the Tennessee Invite, claiming a third-place finish, while also competing in the Oak Ridge Cardinal Invite. The Sooners, meanwhile, opened the season in the Oak Ridge Cardinal Invite, eventually collecting six race wins and 15 top-three finishes across the two-day competition in a field of nine other schools.
“Hosting the SEC Championship is a testament to the strength of our rowing community and our ability to deliver at the highest level,” said Mike Stinson, Oak Ridge Rowing Association Executive Events Director. “We look forward to welcoming the conference back to Melton Hill Lake.
Sunday’s action will begin at approximately 9 a.m. ET and be streamed live on SEC Network+.
