MANHEIM, Pa. - With just one week remaining before the first whistle echoes across the country, the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling National Championships are quickly approaching. Gannon University enters the tournament holding the top spot in the final National Wrestling Coaches Association poll, but the team race remains wide open and truly anyone's for the taking.

Coming off their Super Region 1 Championship victory, Gannon University enters the tournament with nine national qualifiers, tied with the Bearcats of Lander for the most qualifiers in the field. Close behind them are the defending team National Champions, Central Oklahoma, who bring eight qualifiers to the tournament and are currently ranked No. 2 in the country.

Top Wrestlers to Watch
This year's individual competition is shaping up to be just as thrilling. With returning champions and top contenders in the field, wrestlers will be battling for the honor of standing atop the podium.
At 157 pounds, Central Oklahoma's Gabe Johnson has his sights set on his third national championship. Johnson has been perfect this season with a 19–0 record, and another title would firmly place him in the conversation as one of the all-time greats in Division II wrestling.

Another wrestler chasing a third national title is David Hunsberger of Lander at 165. With just one loss on the season, Hunsberger has been on a tear and is looking to avenge his earlier defeat to No. 1-ranked Nolan Gessler of Tiffin.

Three additional prior national champions will also look to add another title to their resumes:

• Johnny Lopez (San Francisco State, 141 lbs.)
   
• Joshua Kenny (Grand Valley State, 174 lbs.)
   
• Cole Ritter (Maryville, 174 lbs.)

Each will enter the tournament with a target on their back as opponents aim to dethrone them. Another championship performance would further cement their legacies among the best in Division II.

A Battle for the Team Title
Get your popcorn ready, because this team race is shaping up to be one for the ages. It truly is anyone's tournament. While Gannon (No.1) and Lander (No. 10) lead the field with the most qualifiers, Central Oklahoma(No.2), Nebraska–Kearney(No.3), Grand Valley State(No.4), St. Cloud State(No.5), McKendree(No.6), UW–Parkside(No.7), Tiffin (No.7), and Adams State (No.9) all have the firepower to make a serious run. When the dust settles and the final whistle blows, only one team will stand atop the podium as national champions. The 2026 NCAA Division II National Championships will be held at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, March 14th-15th.