What Are College Wrestling Rankings?
College wrestling rankings are essentially a scoreboard for college wrestling teams and athletes across the country. They show who’s hot, who’s rising, and who’s dominating in each weight class or team division.
Think of them like a wrestling version of college football polls—except here, strength and stamina replace touchdowns and field goals.
How Are Rankings Determined?
Rankings aren’t just based on wins and losses. They include:
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Team performance in dual meets and tournaments.
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Individual performance by weight class.
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Strength of schedule, meaning how tough the competition was.
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Coaches’ polls and voting panels.
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NCAA Championship results, which heavily impact year-end standings.
It’s part stats, part opinion, and a little bit of magic—kind of like baking a cake with grit and sweat.
NCAA Division I: Top Powerhouse Programs
When it comes to NCAA Division I wrestling, a few schools stand head and shoulders above the rest:
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Penn State University: Often the #1 spot, thanks to powerhouse coaching and top-tier recruits.
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University of Iowa: A legendary program known for intensity and tradition.
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Ohio State University: Continually competitive with solid all-around talent.
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Michigan, Missouri, and Cornell: Each program has had breakout seasons and national title contenders.
These schools consistently appear at the top of the college wrestling rankings and draw massive fan followings.
Big Ten Conference: The Heart of College Wrestling
The Big Ten is like the SEC of wrestling—if you want the toughest competition, this is where you go. Teams like:
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Iowa
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Penn State
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Michigan
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Nebraska
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Minnesota
…all battle it out in one of the most grueling schedules in the sport. Big Ten matches are where champions are forged.
Other Strong Conferences to Watch
While the Big Ten gets a lot of the spotlight, don’t sleep on these conferences:
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Big 12: Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and Missouri are all major players.
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EIWA (Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association): Home to Ivy League schools like Cornell and Princeton, with a strong wrestling tradition.
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Pac-12: Fewer programs, but rising talent in schools like Arizona State.
Each conference contributes standout wrestlers to the national stage.
Top Individual Wrestlers by Weight Class
College wrestling features 10 weight classes, and each one has its own mini-rankings. Names like:
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Aaron Brooks (Penn State) – Dominant at 184 lbs.
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Spencer Lee (Iowa) – A multi-time champ at 125 lbs.
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Shane Griffith (Michigan) – Known for resilience and slick technique at 165 lbs.
These athletes are the stars of the sport and often future Olympians.
Freshmen to Watch This Season
Every year, a new batch of true freshmen shakes up the rankings. These rookies often come in with stellar high school records and make an immediate impact.
Names to watch this season include:
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Ben Kueter (Iowa)
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Meyer Shapiro (Cornell)
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Jax Forrest (Penn State)
They might be young, but their skill level is beyond their years.
Most Improved Teams of the Year
This season, a few teams have made big jumps in the college wrestling rankings:
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NC State – Their aggressive style and coaching have paid off.
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South Dakota State – A surprise success story from the Midwest.
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Arizona State – A growing powerhouse in the Pac-12.
These programs prove that you don’t need a historic name to make a serious run.
Top College Wrestling Coaches and Their Impact
Behind every great wrestler is an even greater coach. The coaching bench can make or break a program. Notable names include:
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Cael Sanderson (Penn State) – Often called the best in the business.
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Tom Brands (Iowa) – Brings fire and old-school grit.
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Kevin Dresser (Iowa State) – A master of rebuilding programs.
These leaders shape not just techniques but mental toughness and team culture.
Why Rankings Change So Often
Rankings aren’t static—they fluctuate based on:
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Injuries
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Upset wins
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Dual meet results
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Tournament performance
It’s a bit like the stock market—one major win or loss, and a wrestler’s or team’s value can skyrocket or dip.
How Recruiting Affects Rankings
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college wrestling. Programs that attract top high school talent usually stay competitive. Schools that consistently sign blue-chip recruits maintain high rankings, while surprise commitments can shift the balance.
Sites like FloWrestling and InterMat often track and rank recruiting classes.
Wrestling Scholarships and What They Mean
Unlike football or basketball, wrestling programs have limited scholarships. Division I programs can offer up to 9.9 scholarships, often divided among multiple wrestlers.
This means top athletes may get partial offers, and walk-ons can still play big roles in team success.
The Role of the NCAA Wrestling Championship
The NCAA Wrestling Championships are the Super Bowl of college wrestling. This national tournament not only crowns individual champions but also determines final team rankings.
A school’s performance here can redefine their season.
NAIA and NJCAA Wrestling Rankings
Not all college wrestling happens in NCAA Division I. The NAIA and NJCAA (Junior Colleges) have strong programs too:
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Grand View University (NAIA): A dynasty.
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Clackamas CC (NJCAA): Produces future D1 stars.
These divisions offer valuable opportunities for athletes and often serve as stepping stones to larger programs.
How to Follow College Wrestling as a Fan
Want to stay in the loop? Here’s how:
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FloWrestling: Offers rankings, event coverage, and live streams.
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InterMat: Great for breaking news and analysis.
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ESPN+: Broadcasts major tournaments like the NCAA Championships.
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Social Media: Most programs post highlights and wrestler updates regularly.
Wrestling fandom is more accessible than ever—you just have to know where to look.
Conclusion: Why College Wrestling Rankings Matter
College wrestling rankings are more than just numbers—they’re stories. Stories of grit, underdogs, comebacks, and dynasties. Whether you’re tuning in to see if your school cracks the top 10 or following a favorite athlete’s journey, these rankings add depth and excitement to every match.
So next time you hear someone ask, “Who’s the best in college wrestling right now?”—you’ll have the answer, and the stats to back it up.
FAQs About College Wrestling Rankings
1. How often are college wrestling rankings updated?
Typically weekly during the season, especially after major tournaments or dual meets.
2. Who decides the rankings?
Rankings are compiled by organizations like FloWrestling, InterMat, and NWCA, based on performance and expert panels.
3. Are team rankings and individual rankings separate?
Yes. Teams are ranked overall, while wrestlers are ranked within their weight classes.
4. Do rankings affect NCAA tournament seeding?
They can influence it, but seeding also considers win/loss records, head-to-head results, and other criteria.
5. Can lower-ranked teams still win championships?
Absolutely! With enough standout individual performances, a lower-ranked team can upset the big dogs at nationals.
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