Turns out that feeling of forward progress that permeated Franklin athletics all year long wasn't just a vibe — the numbers back it up.

The Griz finished the 2025-26 athletic year third in the HCAC Commissioner's Cup standings, giving the school its first top-three finish in six years.

"We are incredibly proud of the progress our department continues to make across the board," Franklin athletic director Lance Marshall said. "Finishing third in the HCAC Commissioner's Cup standings — our highest finish since 2020 — is a reflection of the hard work, commitment and culture being built by our student-athletes, coaches and staff every single day. The momentum around Franklin College athletics is real, and the future is extremely bright for TEAM GRIZ!"

Transylvania and Rose-Hulman finished 1-2 in the overall standings, with a close fight for the third through fifth spots. The Grizzlies ended the year with 110.34 points, just ahead of Hanover (109.66) and Anderson (107.18).

Franklin improved its standing with each season.

Sitting seventh after the fall season, the Grizzlies improved to fourth in the winter on the strength of a conference championship in women's swimming and diving and runner-up finishes in women's basketball and men's swimming and diving. A strong spring season, one that included a share of first place in softball and a second-place effort in men's golf, solidified the push into third.

The Franklin women totaled 51.84 points, good for third behind Rose and Transy. The Griz men were fifth with 58.50 points but less than six points out of second.