The Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association announced its 2026 Empacher-IRCA Scholar Athletes, which includes 100 rowers and coxswains from the NESCAC.

In order to be named a "scholar athlete", rowers and coxswains must have met the following criteria:

• Athletes from all IRCA Member Schools are eligible
• Athletes must be in their second year or more of eligibility
• Athletes must have competed in their program's top 3 boats during the current season or raced at the 2026 IRA Championship.
• Athletes must have, at least, a 3.50 cumulative GPA through fall semester.