Manheim, PA - With the 2025 NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships quikly approaching, Nebraska-Kearney has secured the No. 1 spot in the final DII Men's Coaches Association poll, edging out St. Cloud State in a tightly contested race.
Fresh off their Super Region 6 Championship victory, Nebraska-Kearney enters the tournament with unmatched depth, qualifying 10 wrestlers—the most of any team in the tournament field. Their 92 total points narrowly surpasses St. Cloud State (87 points), which qualified seven wrestlers. Central Oklahoma (71 points), Grand Valley State (56 points), and Augustana (53 points) round out the top five.
Under head coach Dalton Jensen, the Lopers bring a well-balanced lineup featuring four top-three seeds, including Crew Howard (285 lbs.), who holds the No. 1 seed in his bracket. Their depth across multiple weight classes makes them the frontrunners for the team title, though the competition remains fierce.
Top Wrestlers to Watch
The individual competition will be just as intense, with returning champions and top contenders vying for national glory.
At 184 lbs., West Liberty's Ty McGeary is on the hunt for his third consecutive national title. A dominant force in his weight class, McGeary has been nearly unstoppable over the past two seasons. Another title would solidify his place among the all-time greats in DII wrestling.
At 197 lbs., Indianapolis' Derek Blubaugh enters the tournament looking to capture his second national championship in what would be his fourth finals appearance. With experience and resilience on his side, Blubaugh is determined to claim the top spot in one of the tournament's most competitive weight classes.
Three additional returning national champions are set to defend their crowns:
- Gabe Johnson (Central Oklahoma, 157 lbs.)
- David Hunsberger (Lander, 165 lbs.)
- Joshua Kenny (Grand Valley State, 174 lbs.)
Each dominated their weight class last season and will have a target on their backs as opponents look to dethrone them. A repeat performance would further cement their legacies and boost their team's title chances.
Top Seeds in the Action
Aside from McGeary, Hunsberger is one of the few returning national champions to earn a No. 1 seed, leading the 165-pound bracket. Jakason Burks of Central Missouri has turned heads this season, securing the top seed at 125 pounds. Peter Rolle of Central Oklahoma enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed at 133 pounds, aiming to bolster his team's quest for another national title.
A national finalist two seasons ago, Lake Erie's Christian Small claims the top spot at 141 pounds. Grand Valley State's Chris Donathan anchors the way at 149 pounds, while St. Cloud State's Joel Jesuroga (157) and Dominic Murphy (197) lead their team as top seeds in their respective weight classes. Glenville State's Hayden Pummel takes the No. 1 seed at 174 pounds. Rounding out the group, as previously mentioned, Nebraska-Kearney's Crew Howard is the top seed at 285 pounds.
A Thrilling Team Championship Fight
With Nebraska-Kearney, St. Cloud State, and Central Oklahoma all fielding deep and talented squads, the race for the team title could come down to the final matches. While the Lopers hold the advantage in numbers, the Huskies and Bronchos boast top-ranked individuals capable of making a decisive impact.
The 2025 NCAA DII Wrestling National Championships are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. Will Nebraska-Kearney live up to their No. 1 ranking and claim the team title, or will Central Oklahoma secure their third national team championship? Wrestling fans won't have to wait long, as the nations best prepare to battle for ultimate supremacy.
The 2025 NCAA Division II National Championships will be held at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, IN, March 14th-15th
