The 2026 NCAA D2 champions return, looking to defend their title & prove that they are once again #1. They do lose a few big names from last year's roster, but they have some reserves looking to step in and step up, as well as a very strong transfer coming in from Chadron State. Taking on all comers, avoiding no one, they carrier the moniker of "Champions" as well has anyone in the history of our sport.
Gone are...
Trenton Munoz, who put together a magnificent career for the Royal Blue & Light Old Gold. 2nd-3rd-1st at Super Region VI, he finished off his career as an NCAA Division II finalist.
Kaden Hart finished off his career 2nd at Super Region VI & 6th in the D2 nation.
Jackson Kinsella, 2nd-1st-2nd at Super Region VI & a three-time NCAA D2 All-American, 4th-3rd-6th. 88 career wins, including getting a win Vs NCAA D1 Iowa State this season.
Three-time Super Region VI champion Crew Howard, who earned NCAA D2 All American finishes of 3rd-4th-2nd. 93 career wins.
Back are...
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| 133 Zach Ourada |
A 2027 NCAA D2 title contender, Zach Ourada came up short of All-American honors last season after placing 5th & 2nd in his freshman & sophomore years. 1st-3rd-2nd at Super Region VI, he'll also be looking to surpass that 100 win mark as he currently stands at 76 victories.
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| 141 Joe Airola |
1st & 3rd thus far at Super Region VI and 4th & 5th in the D2 Nation, Joe Airola is looking to end 2027 a three-time All-American. He went 23-5 last season.
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| 149 Brady Collins |
10 wins on the season, Brady Collins had a win over NAIA standout Reese Courtney 3-2.
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| 157 Cael Robb |
A match shy from being a D2 All-American in 2025, Cael Robb was a match shy of being a D2 qualifier in 2026. He'll look to earn both distinctive honors in 2027. A winner of the Yunes Hospitality last season.
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| 165 Job Lee |
One of the many NJCAA talents from the pipeline of Fort Hays Tech Northwest, we haven't got to see much of the community college national champion at the D2 level yet. We should get to see plenty of him in 2026-2027.
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| 174 Otgunbayar Batsuuri |
Speaking of how valuable that pipeline has been for UNK, former NJCAA champ Otgunbayar Batsuuri won both a Super Region VI title & an NCAA D2 national title last year. A wrestler that when it is time to show up, shows up. Remember how Tervel Dlagnev won Olympic, World & PAN-AMERICAN medals post his collegiate career? So too will be the case with Batsuuri within the years following his collegiate career.
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| 184 Lazaro Crespo |
When I said that pipeline was valuable, you can measure it in gold. Another NJCAA champion, Lazaro Crespo went 13-2 sitting behind D2 All American Kaden Hart. Among his wins, nearly majoring NAIA All-American Tre Morrisette 16-10. He was 2nd at the GVU Open.
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| 197 Mason Villwok |
The Lopers picked up a great one in Chadron State transfer Mason Villwok. 21-5 on the year, he was a Super Region VI champion & 3rd in the D3 nation.
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