MANHEIM, Pa. - Gabe Johnson of Central Oklahoma and Jacob Strausbaugh of UMary were named the 2025-26 NCAA Division II Wrestler of the Year and Rookie of the Year, the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced Monday afternoon.

Both wrestlers won national titles at the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championships in their respective weight classes, with Johnson's title helping UCO to a fourth place finish as a team.

Johnson, a five-time National Qualifier for the Bronchos, closed out his senior season with his third National Championship at 157 pounds. He posted an unblemished 23-0 record in his final campaign in a UCO singlet, including a Super Region 4 championship en route to his third NCAA title. He was a four-time All-American for UCO.

"Gabe is one of the best teammates I have ever seen, he treats everyone in the program like family" Central Oklahoma Head Coach Todd Steidley said. "He has worked out twice a day every day to prepare, and he has a great soul. He cares about everyone and is truly what every coach hopes for in a student-athlete. Gabe is the epitome of the best of all college student-athletes. He has earned his success, no one has given him anything. He truly leads by example."

Strausbaugh, a true freshman for UMary, closed out his season with a record of 25-2. He finished third at 133 at the Super Region 5 tournament and went into the 2026 NCAA National Championships as the seven seed, where he won UMary's second national title at 133 in as many years.

"Jacob had an incredible year, winning a national title as a true freshman," UMary Head Coach Adam Aho said. "He is a true competitor who wrestles through every position and is always looking for opportunities to score points. Even though he still looks like he could be in high school, he wrestles with the IQ and composure of a seasoned veteran. I'm incredibly proud of his accomplishment, but even more proud of how he approaches the process. Jacob earned everything he achieved this year through his work ethic, discipline, and commitment to improving every aspect of his life."