Best Duals of NCAA Division III 2026-2027

 

At this point Britt "The Seton Hall Pirate" Malinsky is probably sick of all the gratitude that I've been showing him as of late, but there are ironically two things in the wrestling media world that ring true at the exact same time.  Those who deserve thanks are rarely given it & incongruously at the same time we're sycophant heavy.  Everyone else seems to be a bit of apple polisher, might as well at least praise someone who actually deserves it. 

As said when I gave my opinion for the best duals in NJCAA, NAIA & NCAA Division II, I recognize & acknowledge the work that Pirate put in season after season giving us the week to week in collegiate wrestling.  He'll never get the thanks he probably deserves for that valuable service.  He has decided to only do NCAA Division I this year.  I respect that.  It is hard work. 

As you read this, keep in mind two things.  

1 - This is only 1 on 1 duals.  Dual tournaments & Dual events such as the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls will not be included.  We of course will not know who Vs who until those events actually take place. 

2 - These are just my opinion.  What I feel will be the best duals.  You may or may not agree. 


Sun Nov 1st U.R. Cornell (IA) Vs #2 UW-La Crosse

Sat Nov 7th #9 Williams @ NCAA DI George Mason 

Wed Nov 11th U.R. UW-Stevens Point @ #16 UW-Whitewater 

Fri Nov 13th U.R. Ithaca @ #17 Stevens Tech

Sat Nov 14th U.R. Lakeland Vs #11 Chicago @ Cornell (IA)

Sat Nov 14th #11 Chicago @ U.R. Cornell (IA) 

Sat Nov 14th U.R. Lakeland @ U.R. Cornell (IA) 

Sat Nov 14th U.R. Eastern @ #5 TCNJ

Sat Nov 14th #21 R.I.T. @ #5 TCNJ

Sun Nov 15th #6 Roanoke @ U.R. Albright

Thur Nov 19th #5 TCNJ @ #14 North Central

Thur Nov 19th #10 Central @ #13 Coe

Sat Nov 21st U.R. Washington & Lee @ #20 Johnson & Wales

Sat Nov 21st U.R. Ohio Northern @ #20 Johnson & Wales

Sat Nov 21st #21 R.I.T @ U.R. PSU-Behrend

Sat Nov 21st #21 R.I.T. Vs U.R. Lycoming @ PSU-Behrend

Tue Nov 24th U.R. USMMA Vs #4 NYU @ P.V. H.S. in New York 

Thur Dec 3rd U.R. UW-Platteville @ #2 UW-La Crosse

Thur Dec 3rd U.R. UW-Eau Claire @ #3 Augsburg

Thur Dec 3rd #8 Loras @ #3 Augsburg

Thur Dec 3rd U.R. UW-Eau Claire Vs #8 Loras @ Augsburg

Sat Dec 5th #11 Chicago Vs #10 Central @ UW-La Crosse

Sat Dec 5th #10 Central Vs #14 North Central @ UW-La Crosse

Sat Dec 5th #11 Chicago Vs #8 Loras @ UW-La-Crosse

Sat Dec 5th #11 Chicago Vs #2 UW-La Crosse

Sat Dec 5th U.R. UW-Platteville @ U.R. Dubuque 

Sat Dec 5th U.R. UW-Eau Claire @ #16 UW-Whitewater

Sat Dec 5th #24 Elmhurst @ U.R. Millkin 

Sat Dec 5th #3 Augsburg @ U.R. MSOE

Wed Dec 9th #12 USCGA @ U.R. USMMA

Wed Dec 9th #16 UW-Whitewater @ U.R. UW-Platteville

Thur Dec 10th #8 Loras @ U.R. Cornell (IA)

Thur Dec 10th U.R. Lakeland @ U.R. MSOE

Fri Dec 11th #2 UW-La Crosse @ U.R. UW-Eau Claire

Sat Dec 12th #8 Loras @ #14 North Central

Sat Dec 12 U.R. Cornell (IA) @ #10 Central

Sat Dec 12th #13 Coe @ #14 North Central

Sat Dec 12th #20 Johnson & Wales Vs #22 Messiah @ Arcadia 

Sat Dec 12th U.R. UW-Stevens Point @ U.R. Dubuque 

Sat Dec 12th U.R. PSU-Behrend @ U.R. St John Fisher

Sat Dec 19th U.R. Western New England @ #20 Johnson & Wales

Sat Dec 19th U.R. Eastern @ U.R. Albright

Sat Jan 2nd #11 Chicago Vs U.R. Ohio Northern @ Case Western Reserve

Sat Jan 2nd #11 Chicago Vs U.R. Eastern @ Case Western Reserve

Sat Jan 2nd U.R. Ohio Northern Vs #4 NYU @ Case Western Reserve

Sat Jan 2nd U.R. Eastern Vs #4 NYU @ Case Western Reserve

Sat Jan 2nd #5 TCNJ @ U.R. Albright

Sun Jan 3rd U.R. Castleton @ U.R. Ithaca

Fri Jan 8th U.R. UW-Platteville @ U.R. Lakeland

Sat Jan 9th U.R. Eastern @ U.R. Ursinus

Sat Jan 9th U.R. Western New England Vs #4 NYU @ USMMA

Thur Jan 14th #14 North Central @ #24 Elmhurst

Sat Jan 16th #23 Elizabethtown Vs #4 NYU @ Wilkes

Wed Jan 20th #14 North Central @ U.R. Millikin

Thur Jan 21st #2 UW-La Crosse @ #16 UW-Whitewater

Fri Jan 22nd #4 NYU @ #17 Stevens Tech

Fri Jan 22nd #11 Chicago @ #19 Wabash

Sat Jan 23rd #2 UW-La Crosse @ #3 Augsburg

Sat Jan 23rd #4 NYU @ #5 TCNJ

Sat Jan 23rd U.R. Dubuque Vs #10 Central @ Buena Vista

Sat Jan 23rd #14 North Central @ #11 Chicago

Thur Jan 28th #3 Augsburg @ #1 Wartburg

Fri Jan 29th #5 TCNJ @ U.R. Ithaca

Fri Jan 29th #23 Elizabethtown @ U.R. Penn Tech

Fri Jan 29th #13 Coe @ U.R. Dubuque

Sat Jan 30th #12 USCGA @ U.R. Western New England

Sat Jan 30th U.R. Ithaca @ #4 NYU

Tue Feb 2nd #8 Loras @ #13 Coe

Thur Feb 4th U.R. UW-Stevens Point @ #2 UW-La Crosse

Fri Feb 5th #8 Loras @ U.R. Dubuque

Fri Feb 5th #5 TCNJ @ #17 Stevens Tech

Fri Feb 5th #1 Wartburg @ #13 Coe

Sat Feb 6th #22 Messiah @ #5 TCNJ

Sat Feb 6th #17 Stevens Tech Vs U.R. Misericordia @ Elizabethtown

Sat Feb 6th #17 Stevens Tech @ #23 Elizabethtown

Sat Feb 6th #6 Roanoke @ U.R. Washington & Lee

Sat Feb 6th U.R. Ithaca @ #9 Williams

Sat Feb 6th #4 NYU @ #12 USCGA

Sat Feb 6th U.R. Castleton Vs #20 Johnson & Wales @ Springfield

Wed Feb 10th #13 Coe @ U.R. Cornell (IA)

Thur Feb 11th #8 Loras @ #1 Wartburg

Fri Feb 12th #9 Williams @ U.R. Castleton

Fri Feb 12th #23 Elizabethtown @ #22 Messiah 

Sat Feb 13th #4 NYU Vs U.R. Case Western Reserve @ Chicago

Sat Feb 13th #4 NYU @ #11 Chicago

Sat Feb 13th U.R. Case Western Reserve @ #11 Chicago

Sat Feb 13th U.R. Penn Tech @ #17 Stevens Tech

Wed Feb 17th U.R. SJF @ U.R. Ithaca

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Quincy 2026-2027

 

2026-2027 is going to be a historical year for Quincy Hawks wrestling.  Perhaps in more than one way. 

We return four of our five Super Region IV place-winners from last season.

Callan Ivy, who came to Quincy a CCCAA place-winner for Chabot, finished off his career one match shy of NCAA D2 qualification. 

141
Dimitri Bao-Washington

The Houston, Texas native won 13 matches for the Hawks last season, earning a 5th place finish at Super Region IV

149
Sabian Russell

Sabian Russell made history last year by becoming the Hawks second Super Region IV champion in school history, as well as becoming the Hawks first two-time NCAA D2 qualifier.  4th-3rd-1st thus far at Super Region IV, in 2026-2027 he has the opportunity to become Quincy's first four-time place-winner, their first three-time D2 qualifier, and their first All-American.  79 career wins, could be the first to reach the 100+ win mile marker too.  Add in the fact that he was 7th at last year's Midwest Classic. 

157
Isaiah Nichols

The sophomore had a very good first season of collegiate wrestling last year.  6th at Super Region IV, he won 25 matches in total, placing 3rd at Luther Hill, 4th at Service Salute & 5th at Kaufman-Brand. 

174
Mac Chambers

The former NJCAA standout for Cloud County won 14 matches for the Hawks last season, placing 6th at Super Region IV. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Point Park 2026-2027

 

This will be Point Parks first official season in NCAA D2 wrestling where they will be eligible for the post-season.  Will the Pioneers have Super Region place-winner(s)?  I say they are certainly capable.  Here are two favorites.

149
Liam Hein

Liam Hein ended last season 8th in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association last year.  Won 13 matches. 

141
Aiden Burford

Aiden Burford won 18 matches for the Pioneers last year. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At San Francisco State 2026-2027

 

I knew when NCAA DI runner-up Jason Welch took over the San Francisco State wrestling program he would soon begin to bring the Gators back to the levels they were at under the legendary Lars Jensen. It can't be easy in the most expensive city in the United States, but Coach Welch is making it happen. 

2026-2027 will have a Senior leading the way as their will be a reliability on others stepping it up & incoming freshmen making strides.  The Gators did see a ton of talent wrestle their final season in 2025-2026. 

Zach Wright won many important matches for the Gators during his career. He was 6th & 5th in Super Region VI & also placed 6th at RENO this year. 

Johnny Lopez, what a great career he had for San Francisco State.  The 2025 NCAA D2 champion, may not have gone out the way he wanted to, but still what a career.  4th-3rd-1st at Super Region VI

*UPDATE* - Good news!!  Lopez has another season of eligibility!! 

Zach Stoddard, one of the best to make the NCAA D2 tournament during his career.  6th & 4th at Super Region VI. A RENO place-winner of 4th. 

Basil Othman, 3rd at Super Region VI, who finished off his career one match shy of D2 All-American honors.  Got it done in the classroom too, an NWCA Scholar All-American.  A Mountain Pacific Sports Federation champion (MPSF). 

174
Kydyn Lima

3rd at Super Region VI, Kydyn Lima finished 6th in the D2 nation last season.  An NWCA Scholar All-American, he looks to become a three-time MPSF champion. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Salem 2026-2027

 

This will be the third year of Tiger wrestling, and already Salem has crowned three Super Region V place-winners.  

Iran Love with his 5th place finish at Super Region V, became #3 last year. 

Who will be #4? Will he + more be crowned in 2026-2027?  Will we see the Tiger's first NCAA D2 qualifier? 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Seton Hill 2026-2027

 

2026-2027 will be a rebuilding year for the Griffins as Seton Hill graduates a heap of outstanding seniors who wrestled their final season in 2025-2026. 

The Crimson & Gold say farewell to...

NCAA D2 qualifier Jake Houpt, a Kent State transfer who finished off his career with a Super Region I runner-up finish

Ty Lisenbigler, a Lock Haven transfer who qualified for the D2 championships with a 3rd place showing at Super Region I

Mike Zacur, a two-time NCAA D2 qualifier with 1st & 3rd place finishes at Super Region I.  5th at last year's Midwest Classic. 

Kane Kettering, a two-time D2 qualifier, 3rd at this year's Super Region I

Ritchie McCormack, 5th at Super Region I

That's a lot of great talent to replace.  Who will be the next stars of Seton Hill wrestling? Anxious to find out. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Shippensburg 2026-2027

 

The Raiders return three of their four Super Region I place-winners from last seaon. 

Nick Delp, a former Bucknell Bison EIWA place-winner, ended his career last year an NCAA D2 qualifier with a runner-up finish at Super Region I.

 

133
Kyle Von Schmidt

17 wins on the year, Kyle Von Schmidt won Ken Ober & finished 6th at Super Region I

149
Mike Trainor

Mike Trainor heads into his junior season of wrestling now a two-time Super Region I place-winner with finishes of 4th & 6th.  21 wins on the year, he was 3rd at Ken Ober. 

197
Diesel Koser

6th & 5th thus far in Super Region I, Diesel Koser is another Raider looking to become a three-time place-winner & an NCAA D2 qualifier in 2027. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Shorter 2026-2027

 

The Hawks lose one & they bring one back among their Super Region II place-winners from last season.  Gone is Armond Jones, who finished one match shy of being an NCAA D2 qualifier. He was also a linebacker on the football team. 

141
Braydon Gibson

The junior earned NCAA D2 qualification for the Hawks last year, placing 3rd at Super Region II

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Simon Fraser 2026-2027

 

It occurs to me that this is going to be the final opportunity to hear "Oh, Canada" at the NCAA DII championships & that's only if Simon Fraser qualifies someone.  I think it's been so cool the way that Simon Fraser has held the candle as the one & only school in ALL of collegiate wrestling to not be in the United States.  Our one foreign competitor. 

Admittingly, I think joining the USPORTS will be better for the Red Leafs. I think recruiting will be easier, as will the opportunity to build a successful program.  Nonetheless, they've done some outstanding things. In both the NAIA & the NCAA D2.  I mean Hell, they produced two four-time NAIA national champions! I'm gonna miss seeing them around & all the more reason I hope to maybe get up into Canada someday & learn more about Canadian collegiate wrestling! 

In their final D2 year, they have two standouts, both capable of being the final D2 qualifiers. 

165
Hugh Wheeler

A native of Washington, Hugh Wheeler won 23 matches last season.  5th at Regional VI, he was 2nd at the Spokane Open & 3rd at Mike Clock. 

184
Owen Gudmundson

From Calgary, Alberta, Canada (known some other good wrestlers from that area too), Owen Gudmundson won 20 matches last year for the Red Leafs.  6th at Super Region VI, he was 3rd at both Mike Clock & the Spokane Open. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Sioux Falls 2026-2027

 

The Cougars suffered a big blow here a while back, as Luke Swanson who was one match shy of being an NCAA D2 qualifier last year, has decided to compete for the Mavericks of Mankato State this year.  Nonetheless, Sioux Falls brings back some tough wrestlers looking to do well in 2026-2027. 

141
Jordan Oehme

6th at Super Region V in 2025, Jordan Oehme came up a bit short of placing at last year's championships. 15 wins on the season, he did nearly major All-American Colton Hush 10-3.  Runner-up finishes at both Dan Harris & the Auggie Invite. 

157
Cooper Sanders

Another talented grappler for the white, purple & silver who came up short of a top six finish at Super Region V last year.  Cooper Sanders won 21 matches last season, including an 8-1 decision over Caleb Meunier.  A Dan Harris champ, he was 3rd at the Auggie Invite. 

HWT
Stetson Davis

17 wins on the year, Stetson Davis was 6th at Super Region V

HWT
Jaden Mims

Going to be a great wrestle-off at HWT as the Cougars also have incoming transfer Jaden Mims of St Cloud State.   A backup for the Huskies during the bulk of his career, he's had some very impressive wins thus far.  Max Balow, Liam Babitt come to mind.  In their one & only official meeting thus far,he defeated Davis in a 2-1 decision. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Slippery Rock 2026-2027

 

Reinstatements are one of my absolute favorite things about collegiate wrestling and I'm always pumped and excited for them.  However, I'm extraordinarily excited for this one.  I know people who have been working tirelessly ever since the program was discontinued back in 2006, to get it back.  It's always a heartache of depression any time a school loses wrestling, but there was something beyond simple devastation when The Rock was stripped of its mats, singlets and headgear.  It's like the heart had been torn straight out of the chest, that made up the identity of green & white.  This was a wrestling school, in a wrestling area. 

Some may not like me saying this, but I'm more concerned with the truth, than I am with being popular. I'm very glad that Slippery Rock wrestling will be at the NCAA Division II level. I think the worst thing to happen to Slippery Rock was when they went NCAA Division I.  As the late, legendary Bucky Maughn once said, some schools are designed to be DII & will thrive at DII.  

326 dual meet victories.  Brought home two NCAA DII team trophies of 2nd & 4th place. Multiple All-American, finalists & national champions.  Will we see those days again? I can almost guarantee it. 

Very thankful to Athletic Director Roberta Page & her dedication to bring this historic & storied program back.  Anxious to see what Jeff Breese has in store for us in season #1! 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Southwest Minnesota State 2026-2027

 

No Super Region V place-winners for the Mustangs last season, but I do believe we'll see at least two by the end of 2027, if not more. 

157
Tate Condenzo

Tate Condenzo won 22 matches last season for SMSU. 

125
Carlo Arreola

Carlo Arreola did not compete at last year's Super Region V, but he did go 8-2 on the season & he won a title at the Yellow Jacket Open. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At St Cloud State 2026-2027

 

17-2 in duals, 2nd at Super Region V & 6th in the D2 nation, 2025-2026 was a successful season of the many successful seasons that the Huskies have had over the years.  2026-2027 will be another. 

Those now out of eligibility....

St. Cloud provided a great home for Ben Aranda when Cleveland State let him know they no longer valued him or his talent.  Had a great final season for the Huskies, making the Super Region V finals & finishing one match shy of D2 All-American honors. 

Bryce Dagel finished off his career with high honors.  1st & 3rd at Super Region V, he was 4th as a junior in 2025 & 3rd as a senior in the D2 nation. 

Tyson Meyer, a Super Region V runner-up, who finished off his career one match shy of D2 All-American honors. 

Zach Glazier, what a unique & interesting career he had.  Started off at Iowa, made the BIG 10 finals.  Then transferred to South Dakota State, taking 3rd at the BIG 12's.  Won a Super Region V title for the white, black, red & cardinal, finishing 3rd in the D2 nation.  

Gonna throw in a word for Alyeus Craig as well.  Last couple years of wrestling didn't go as they should have & I really don't have an answer as to why.  4th-4th at Super Region V in both 2023 & 2024, the potential was most certainly there. 

Those transferring....All to Minnesota State Mankato

Dom Ducato 17-3 last year, Super Regin V Champ & 4th in the D2 nation. 

Derek Johnson 5th at Super Region V 

Cole Glazier two-time D2 All-American with finishes of 8th & 7th. 

Now for the talent that is returning....

125
Aiden Gruenenfelder

The transfers never stop in collegiate wrestling do they? Aiden Gruenenfelder had an outstanding rookie season last year for NCAA D3 Loras going 30-6 on the year & earning qualification.  He's now going to test the waters in NCAA D2 as a Husky for St. Cloud State. 

133
Ethan Bast

Freshman Ethan Bast looked tough last year going 13-4 on the year with two dominant wins over NCAA D3 7th place finisher Wyatt Unsar of UW-Eau Claire. 

141
Jayce Luna

Jayce Luna coming up short of a top 6 finish at Super Region V last year really threw me for a loop.  Only a sophomore, I think he's capable of some big things throughout the remainder of his career.  To give an indicator he had his way with NCAA D2 bronze medalist Colton Hush on two occasions.  A 12-0 major decision & a 17-2 technical fall. 

149
Rowdy Neighbor

I've come across a lot of unique names in this sport over the past 35 years, but Rowdy Neighbor is certainly one of my favorites. 17-5 on the year he won the Dragon Open & finished 2nd at Don Parker

157
Joel Jesuroga

The former Southeast Polk Ram heads into the 2026-2027 season one of the best in NCAA Division II wrestling yet to win a national title.  He's been 2nd the past two years, as he has won back-to-back Super Region V titles. 

. 

184
Dom Mann

I look for some good things out of Dom Mann this season as he steps into the 184 lbs varsity spot.  Among his wins last year, an 8-0 major over Jaquan East really sticks out, as does taking Tate Flege to a 1-0 decision. 

197
Nathan Fury

A Rowdy Neighbor & Frank Castle's partner in crime, the Huskies certainly have a super heroic look to their team heading into 2026-2027.  Nathan Fury went 10-2 last season & gave reason to think he'll do some big things this year. 

NAIA's Best Duals 2026-2027

 

Gotta thank Britt "Seton Hall Pirate" Malinsky for all the years of hard work he put into giving us week by week notifications of upcoming events.  He decided he wasn't doing it anymore with exception to NCAA Division I.  

Therefore I decided I'd do my best to put together what I feel are going to be the best duals in the NAIA this year.

Keep in mind this is only individual duals.  Dual tournaments/Dual Events are something else & won't be included here. 

Fri Oct 30th #23 Wayland Baptist Vs #22 Arizona Christian @ Friends

Wed Nov 4th U.R. St Ambrose @ U.R. William Woods

Thur Nov 5th #14 Central Methodist @ U.R. Missouri Baptist 

Sun Nov 7th #12 Providence Vs #17 Corban @ Eastern Oregon

Sun Nov 7th #6 Southeastern Vs #2 Life @ Takedown At Yorktown

Wed Nov 11th U.R. Montana State Northern @ #12 Providence 

Wed Nov 11th U.R. Missouri Baptist @ U.R. St Ambrose

Fri Nov 13th #8 Indiana Tech Vs #13 Georgetown @ Rio Grande 

Sat Nov 14th U.R. Eastern Oregon @ #7 Southern Oregon

Sat Nov 14th #22 Arizona Christian @ NCAA DI Arizona State

Tue Nov 17th U.R. Missouri Baptist @ U.R. William Woods

Thur Nov 19th #5 Doane @ #20 Concordia (NEB)

Fri Nov 20th #17 Corban @ #4 Embry Riddle

Sat Nov 21st #11 Friends @ U.R St Mary

Sat Nov 21st #17 Corban @ #22 Arizona Christian

Sat Dec 5th #3 Oklahoma City @ #6 Southeastern

Sat Dec 12th U.R. Eastern Oregon @ U.R. Montana State Northern

Sat Dec 12th #7 Southern Oregon @ #17 Corban

Sat Dec 12th U.R. St Ambrose Vs #14 Central Methodist @ William Penn

Wed Dec 16th #11 Friends @ #13 Georgetown

Thur Dec 17th U.R. Montana State Northern @ #7 Southern Oregon

Mon Dec 21st #5 Doane Vs NCAA DI Virginia @ Lewis Central Council Bluffs

Sat Jan 2nd #22 Arizona Christian @ #4 Embry-Riddle

Thur Jan 7th U.R. Dakota Wesleyan @ U.R. Morningside

Thur Jan 14th #14 Central Methodist @ U.R. William Woods

Fri Jan 15th #18 Cumberlands @ #13 Georgetown

Tue Jan 19th #3 Oklahoma City @ #1 Grand View

Tue Jan 20th #21 Lindsay Wilson @ #15 Cumberland

Fri Jan 22nd #7 Southern Oregon @ #22 Arizona Christian

Sat Jan 23rd #7 Southern Oregon @ #4 Embry Riddle

Tue Jan 26th #18 Cumberlands @ #21 Lindsay Wilson

Wed Jan 27th #12 Providence @ U.R. Montana State Northern

Thur Jan 28th #1 Grand View @ U.R. Graceland

Thur Jan 28th #16 Missouri Valley @ U.R. Missouri Baptist 

Fri Jan 29th #13 Georgetown @ #9 Campbellsville

Sat Jan 30th #4 Embry Riddle @ U.R. Eastern Oregon

Sat Jan 30th #12 Providence @ #7 Southern Oregon 

Wed Feb 3rd U.R. Saint Ambrose @ #1 Grand View

Wed Feb 3rd #10 Marian @ #8 Indiana Tech

Thur Feb 4th #14 Central Methodist @ #16 Missouri Valley

Thur Feb 4th #16 Missouri Valley @ #14 Central Methodist

Fri Feb 5th #4 Embry Riddle @ #12 Providence

Fri Feb 5th #15 Cumberland @ #13 Georgetown

Fri Feb 5th #18 Cumberlands @ #9 Campbellsville

Fri Feb 5th #22 Arizona Christian @ U.R. Montana State Northern

Sat Feb 6th #4 Embry Riddle @ U.R. Montana State Northern

Sat Feb 6th #2 Life @ #19 Keiser

Sat Feb 6th #22 Arizona Christian @ #12 Providence

Sat Feb 6th U.R. Eastern Oregon @ #7 Southern Oregon 

Sat Feb 6th #20 Concordia (NEB) Vs U.R. Dakota Wesleyan @ Northwestern College

Sat Feb 6th #20 Concordia (NEB) Vs U.R. Morningside @ Northwestern College

Sat Feb 6th #22 Arizona Christian @ #12 Providence

Wed Feb 10th U.R. William Woods @ #16 Missouri Valley

Thur Feb 11th #1 Grand View @ #16 Missouri Valley

Thur Feb 11th U.R. St Mary @ #11 Friends

Thur Feb 11th U.R. Missouri Baptist @ U.R. Graceland

Best Duals of NCAA Division II 2026-2027

 

Once again a huge thank you to Britt "The Seton Hall Pirate" Malinsky & all of the hard work he put into letting us wrestling fans know the upcoming tournaments & duals week by week, season after season.  He has decided to only do NCAA Division I this year.  You don't realize the asset he truly was, until you realize without him, we really don't know what is going on week to week. 

I already did it for the NJCAA, and I'm going to do it for NCAA D3 & the NAIA as well.  

This is of course just my opinion & my view, but these are what I feel will be the best duals of 2026-2027 in NCAA D2. The ones I'll be following & paying attention to.  

**NOTE** - Keep in mind a lot of great dual tournaments/events too.  Like the NWCA National Duals.  Have no idea what those brackets will look like, or who will face who.  These are scheduled duals. 

Sun Nov 1st #12 Grand Valley State @ #22 UNC Pembroke

Sun Nov 1st #8 Mary @ NCAA DI North Dakota State

Mon Nov 2nd #17 Central Missouri @ NCAA DI Missouri 

Thur Nov 5th NCAA D3 UW-Whitewater @ #2 UW-Parkside

Fri Nov 6th #3 McKendree @ #17 Central Missouri 

Sat Nov 7th U.R. Drury @ NAIA Oklahoma City

Sat Nov 7th #11 West Liberty @ #5 Lander 

Tue Nov 10th U.R. Belmont Abbey @ U.R. Newberry

Wed Nov 11th U.R. Findlay @ U.R. Ashland

Wed Nov 11th #5 Lander @ U.R. Mount Olive 

Thur Nov 12th NAIA Reinhardt @ U.R. Montevallo

Thur Nov 12th #15 Chadron State @ #1 Nebraska-Kearney

Fri Nov 13th U.R. Vanguard @ #23 Colorado Mesa

Fri Nov 13th #7 Glenville State Vs U.R. Western Colorado @ Salem

Fri Nov 13th U.R. Vanguard @ #14 Colorado School of Mines 

Sat Nov 14th U.R. Ashland @ NCAA D3 Case Western Reserve

Sat Nov 14th #16 Tiffin @ NCAA D3 Case Western Reserve

Sun Nov 15th # 19 Augustana (SD) @ NCAA D3 Augsburg 

Tue Nov 17th #3 McKendree @ #24 Indianapolis

Wed Nov 18th #5 Lander @ #22 UNC-Pembroke

Wed Nov 18th #13 Pittsburgh-Johnstown @ U.R. Ashland

Thur Nov 19th U.R. King @ U.R. Newberry

Fri Nov 20th U.R. Upper Iowa @ #18 Mankato State

Wed Dec 2nd #3 McKendree @ #21 Maryville

Wed Dec 2nd U.R. Upper Iowa @ U.R. Quincy

Thur Dec 3rd U.R. Northern State @ #19 Augustana (SD)

Thur Dec 3rd #23 Colorado Mesa @ U.R. Western Colorado

Fri Dec 4th #6 St Cloud State @ #18 Mankato State

Fri Dec 4th U.R. Quincy @ #12 Grand Valley State

Sat Dec 5th #9 Gannon @ NCAA D3 Case Western Reserve

Sat Dec 5th U.R. Northeastern State @ U.R. Newberry

Sun Dec 6th #21 Maryville @ U.R. Upper Iowa

Fri Dec 11th #1 Nebraska-Kearney @ U.R. Western Colorado

Fri Dec 11th #16 Tiffin @ U.R. Ashland

Fri Dec 11th #8 Mary @ U.R. Northern State

Fri Dec 11th #24 Indianapolis @ #12 Grand Valley State

Sat Dec 12th U.R. Drury @ #3 McKendree

Sat Dec 12th #18 Mankato State @ #2 UW-Parkside

Sat Dec 12th NAIA Southern Oregon @ #25 San Francisco State

Sat Dec 12th U.R. Vanguard @ #25 San Francisco State

Sun Dec 13th #9 Gannon @ #11 West Liberty

Sun Dec 13th #12 Grand Valley State @ U.R. Findlay

Sun Dec 13th #17 Central Missouri @ #14 Colorado School of Mines

Sat Dec 19th #19 Augustana (SD) @ #1 Nebraska-Kearney

Fri Jan 1st #19 Augustana (SD) @ NCAA D3 Augsburg

Sun Jan 3rd #5 Lander @ #7 Glenville State

Sun Jan 3rd #5 Lander Vs #9 Gannon @ Glenville State

Sun Jan 3rd #9 Gannon @ #7 Glenville State

Sun Jan 3rd U.R. King @ U.R. Mount Olive

Mon Jan 4th U.R. Quincy @ NAIA St Ambrose

Tue Jan 5th U.R. Newberry @ U.R. Montevallo

Sat Jan 9th U.R. Northeastern State Vs #14 Colorado School of Mines @ New Mexico Highlands

Sun Jan 10th #22 UNC-Pembroke @ #13 Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Wed Jan 13th #5 Lander @ U.R. Belmont Abbey

Wed Jan 13th #5 Lander Vs U.R. King @ Belmont Abbey

Wed Jan 13th U.R. King @ U.R. Belmont Abbey

Thur Jan 14th #21 Maryville @ U.R. Drury

Fri Jan 15th U.R. Northern State @ #2 UW-Parkside

Fri Jan 15th #20 Kutztown @ #13 Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Fri Jan 15th U.R. Findlay @ #3 McKendree

Sat Jan 16th #5 Lander @ U.R. Newberry

Sat Jan 16th #10 Adams State @ #14 Colorado School of Mines

Sat Jan 16th U.R. Millersville @ #9 Gannon

Sun Jan 17th U.R. Ashland @ #3 McKendree

Sun Jan 17th U.R. Northern State @ #6 St Cloud State

Wed Jan 20th #3 McKendree @ U.R. Upper Iowa

Thur Jan 21st #6 St Cloud State @ #8 Mary

Fri Jan 22nd NAIA Life @ #5 Lander

Fri Jan 22nd  #7 Glenville State @ U.R. Findlay

Fri Jan 22nd #23 Colorado Mesa @

Fri Jan 22nd #9 Gannon @ #20 Kutztown

Fri Jan 22nd #7 Glenville State @ #16 Tiffin

Fri Jan 22nd #8 Mary @ #18 Mankato State

Fri Jan 22nd #23 Colorado Mesa @ #14 Colorado School of Mines

Fri Jan 22nd #4 Central Oklahoma @ U.R. Northeastern State

Sat Jan 23rd #10 Adams State @ #1 Nebraska-Kearney

Sat Jan 23rd #10 Adams State Vs #17 Central Missouri @ Nebraska Kearney

Sat Jan 23rd #17 Central Missouri @ #1 Nebraska-Kearney

Sat Jan 23rd #12 Grand Valley State @ #21 Maryville

Wed Jan 27th #12 Grand Valley State @ #3 McKendree

Wed Jan 27th #21 Maryville @ U.R. Quincy

Thur Jan 28th U.R. Montevallo @ #5 Lander

Thur Jan 28th U.R. Western Colorado @ #14 Colorado School of Mines

Thur Jan 28th #18 Mankato State @ U.R. Northern State

Fri Jan 29th #1 Nebraska Kearney @ Northeastern State

Fri Jan 29th NCAA D3 Baldwin Wallace @ #9 Gannon

Fri Jan 19th U.R. Upper Iowa @ #12 Grand Valley State

Fri Jan 29th #21 Maryville @ #17 Central Missouri

Sat Jan 30th U.R. Quincy @ #3 Mckendree

Sat Jan 30th #13 Pittsburgh-Johnstown @ U.R. Millersville

Sun Jan 31st #2 UW-Parkside @ #8 Mary

Sun Jan 31st #6 St Cloud State @ #19 Augustana (SD) 

Tue Feb 2nd U.R. Millersville @ #20 Kutztown

Tue Feb 2nd U.R. Belmont Abbey @ U.R. Mount Olive

Thur Feb 4th #10 Adams State @ U.R. Western Colorado

Thur Feb 4th #21 UNC-Pembroke @ U.R. King

Fri Feb 5th #9 Gannon @ U.R. Ashland

Fri Feb 5th #13 Pittsburgh-Johnstown @ U.R. Frostburg State

Fri Feb 5th #15 Chadron State @ #14 Colorado School of Mines

Fri Feb 5th #19 Augustana (SD) @ #2 UW-Parkside

Sat Feb 6th #10 Adams State @ #23 Colorado Mesa

Sat Feb 6th U.R. Findlay @ #24 Indianapolis

Sun Feb 7th #4 Central Oklahoma @ #17 Central Missouri

Sun Feb 7th #19 Augustana (SD) @ #18 Mankato State

Mon Feb 8th #17 Central Missouri @ U.R. Northeastern State

Thur Feb 11th #15 Chadron State @ #10 Adams State

thur Feb 11th #16 Tiffin @ U.R. Findlay

Fri Feb 12th #1 Nebraska Kearney @ #4 Central Oklahoma

Fri Feb 12th #9 Gannon @ #13 Pittsburgh Johnstown

Fri Feb 12th #2 UW-Parkside @ #6 St Cloud State

Fri Feb 12th #7 Glenville State @ U.R. Ashland

Fri Feb 12th #8 Mary @ #19 Augustana (SD)

Canadian Teams at American College Events 2026-2027

 

I call it "Cross Division, Cross Fire."  It's whenever teams of one Division take on teams of another Division.  DI vs DII, DII vs DIII, NAIA vs DII, NJCAA Vs DIII, you name it, I love it.  Last year the University of Wyoming, a competitive ranked DI team traveled to dual Western Wyoming the #2 ranked team in the NJCAA.  I think it is exciting, interesting, and intriguing.  Something to get hyped up & fired up for.  

What I find most interesting is when teams from Canada get in on the action over here in the United States.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find any examples of American teams heading up to Canada this season, with exception to Evergreen State, San Francisco State & Pacific which will all be dualing Simon Fraser in their final season of NCAA Division II wrestling. 

Which USPORTS teams will be making appearances in American events this season?  

Here's what I've been able to find! 

University of Gulph 

The Gryphons of Gulph will be making to appearances in the United States this year.  Wrestlers will be sent to compete at both the Adrian Invitational in Michigan, as well as the Baldwin Wallace Invitational in Ohio.   Both drives will be about 4 1/2 to 5 hours for the Gryphons. 

Algoma University 

The Thunderbirds will be participating in this year's Battle of the Rockies.  A tournament hosted by Providence.  I was really shocked by this one, because I don't think this is close at all.  However, they do have it on their '26-'27 schedule. 

Years ago I did an article on the Hart family in amateur wrestling.  Bret, Owen, their Dad Stu & many of the Hart brothers were involved in amateur wrestling before they got involved in professional wrestling.  I spoke with Ross & Ross told me that he & Keith, as well as Bret wanted to see Canadian high school & Canadian collegiate wrestling grow.  Talked about wanting more events that mixed Canadian and American wrestling together.   The way I understand it, this season the Huskies of Saskatoon are going to the Haws Rumble at St. John's & if I'm understanding it correctly, they will be a part of the Mountaineer Duals hosted by Eastern Oregon!  Very excited about that.  


*********

IF there are more examples of USPORTS teams competing in American events, or if any American colleges are going up to compete in any USPORTS wrestling events, please let me know!  I think this is one of the coolest, yet ignored & not explored enough areas of college wrestling. 

Top NJCAA Duals of 2026-2027

 

I can't tell you how much I appreciated Britt "The Seton Hall Pirate" Malinsky & all of the work he did for collegiate wrestling for years.  Week after week, season after season, he gave us a list of everything happening in the world of collegiate wrestling.  He's decided to cut back this year & only do NCAA DI, & I can't say I blame him.  Keeping up with this sport at one level is work enough, trying to do multiple levels in a sure sign of lunacy. 

Call me crazy...plenty already do. 

I can't say I was able to capture everything, and opinions vary.  Let's keep in mind that we also have some great events like the NWCA National Duals & other great Dual tournaments/events. Obviously at this particular time, I don't know who is going to face who at them. 

This particular list is the best individual duals that I am aware of in the NJCAA for the 2026-2027 season.  These are the ones I feel are "Can't miss", "Must see" within the division.  The ones I'll be keeping records on. 


Here you go.....

Friday Oct 30th - #5 Clackamas @ #6 North Idaho 

Tue Nov 3rd - U.R. Iowa Lakes @ #3 Iowa Central 

Wed Nov 4th - U.R. Southeastern @ #1 Indian Hills

Thur Nov 5th - #4 Southeast @ #7 Cowley 

Wed Nov 11th - #1 Indian Hills @ U.R. NIACC

Fri Nov 13th - #2 Western Wyoming @ U.R. Snow

Fri Nov 13th - #6 North Idaho @ #10 Iowa Western

Wed Nov 18th - U.R. NIACC @ #10 Iowa Western 

Fri Nov 20th - U.R. Rochester Tech @ NCAA D2 Mankato State 

Thur Dec 3rd - U.R. Southwest Michigan @ #1 Indian Hills

Fri Dec 4th - #10 Iowa Western @ NCAA D2 Nebraska-Kearney

Sun Dec 6th - #6 North Idaho @ #5 Clackamas

Tue Dec 8th - #1 Indian Hills @ #10 Iowa Western 

Wed Dec 9th - U.R. Iowa Lakes @ U.R. NIACC

Thur Dec 10th - #8 Northwest CC @ #2 Western Wyoming 

Tue Jan 12th - U.R. Labette @ #7 Cowley 

Wed Jan 13th - #1 Indian Hills @ U.R. Iowa Lakes

Wed Jan 13th - #10 Iowa Western @ #3 Iowa Central 

Wed Jan 20th - #3 Iowa Central @ #1 Indian Hills

Thur Jan 21st - U.R. Labette @ #9 Pratt

Tue Jan 26th - #9 Pratt @ #7 Cowley

Wed Jan 27th - U.R. Iowa Lakes @ #10 Iowa Western

Wed Feb 3rd - U.R. NIACC @ U.R. Iowa Lakes 

Fri Feb 5th - U.R. Snow @ #2 Western Wyoming 

Fri Feb 5th - U.R. Rochester Tech @ U.R. Iowa Lakes

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Thomas More 2026-2027

 

2025-2026 was the first full season in NCAA D2 wrestling for the Saints of Thomas More.  Three wrestlers finished off the year, one match shy of being NCAA D2 qualifiers.  I know that probably isn't the ending of the first "official" year for Thomas More in NCAA Division II, that Jason Russell wanted, but it is an indicator of positive things to come.  

Thomas More does lose one of those Super Region IV 4th place finishers, Kailen Keith.  The other two are back, as is another place-winner. 

125
Trevor Wilcox

An NWCA academic All-American last year, Trevor Wilcox won 19 matches & placed 6th at Super Region IV. 

141
Cole Thomas

By the end of 2027, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we're looking at the Saints first NCAA Division II qualifier.  A match shy of that honor last season, Cole Thomas went 17-5 on the year.  A Great-Midwest Athletic Conference runner-up. 

149
Matt  Ellis

Despite having a losing season last year, Matt Ellis still nearly made the NCAA D2 championships, finishing one match shy.