After carding the tournament’s lowest round of four-under 280 on Tuesday, Alabama successfully defended its 2024 Folds of Honor Collegiate Men’s Championship with a five-under finishing total of 847. The Crimson Tide defeated 2023 champions Notre Dame by six strokes.

“We’re really honored to be here,” Alabama Head Coach Jay Seawell said. “I think it’s great to start (the season) here because it’s cool to be a part of something that’s more than just golf. Our young people need to know that, and I always need to be reminded of that. The whole staff, the ownership, the Golf Channel, the Golf Coaches (Association of America), and how everyone reminds us that there are young people out there that need help.

“We get to play golf and that’s cool and we won and we’re going to go get a milkshake for that, but we’re proud and honored as the University of Alabama to be the No. 1 recipient school. Roll Tide to that.”

“I feel very calm when I’m here,” continued Seawell. “It’s more than just a golf tournament. It’s a reminder that freedom isn’t free. It reminds us that we play a game. I love the competition, but I just love being here because it gives you a sense of peace, thankfulness, and gratitude.” Cincinnati, Kansas, and California also recorded top-five team finishes.

Making his first collegiate start this week, Alabama sophomore William Jennings (below) recorded nine of his 12 tournament birdies over the last 33 holes to card a four-under 209 (71-67-71). The Greenville, South Carolina, native had a six-shot lead with eight holes left but bogeyed four of his final six holes before winning by one shot over Cincinnati’s Leo Wessel and Notre Dame’s Calen Sanderson.

“Today was a roller coaster,” Jennings said. “Started off by three-putting the second hole, which set myself back a little, but I got four birdies on 6 to 9 to get into a great rhythm. I kind of eased off the gas pedal the last three holes. It's been a little while since I’ve won a golf tournament. I’ve been very close, but this gives me the confidence that I can do it.”

With the victory, Jennings earned a sponsor’s exemption into the PGA TOUR’s 2026 Rocket Classic, held July 30-August 2 at Detroit Golf Club. “Any time our guys get to experience the PGA TOUR, that’s their dream,” Seawell said. “You get a chance to see what really, really good golf is. I’m appreciative of Folds of Honor, the GCAA, and especially Rocket Mortgage for doing that.”

During the championship ceremony live on Golf Channel, Lt Col Rooney said that the University of Alabama is the Folds of Honor’s No. 1 recipient school, having awarded over $3 million in life-changing Crimson Tide scholarships.