Manheim, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced that Justin Ensign of Oklahoma City University has been named the 2026 NAIA Men's National Coach of the Year, presented by Defense Soap.
Coach Ensign has led the Oklahoma City University men's wrestling program since the 2021–22 season and has quickly established the Stars as a consistent contender in the NAIA. During his five seasons at the helm, Oklahoma City has captured four Sooner Athletic Conference championships and finished as the conference runner-up in 2025. Each of Ensign's first four squads placed inside the NAIA Top 20 in the final national standings.
A four-time Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Ensign has guided the development of eight NAIA All-Americans, 21 conference champions, and 28 All-Conference selections at Oklahoma City. His athletes have also earned four Sooner Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors during his tenure.
"Coach Ensign has built a program defined by consistency, toughness, and accountability," said NWCA Executive Director
Mike Moyer. "His dedication to his student-athletes and a testament to the culture he has established."
NAIA Men's National Coach of the Year Finalists
- GPAC: Josh Watts, Concordia University
- GPAC Tournament: Dana Vote, Doane University
- WHAC: Steven Bradley, Marian University
- WHAC Tournament: Thomas Pompei, Indiana Tech
- AMC/Sooner: Justin Ensign, Oklahoma City University
- AMC/Sooner Tournament: Stryder Davis, Wayland Baptist University
- Mid-South: James Hicks, Cumberland University
- Mid-South Tournament: Corey Ruff, University of the Cumberlands
- KCAC: Tyler Mies, Friends University
- KCAC Tournament: Chuck Kearney, University of St. Mary
- CCC: Joel Gibson, Southern Oregon University
- CCC Tournament: Steve Komac, University of Providence
- AAC: Tyler Smith, Brewton-Parker College
- AAC Tournament: Omi Acosta, Life University
- HAC: Evan Hansen, Graceland University
- HAC Tournament: Grant Henderson, Grand View University
