Kearney, Neb. – The second-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team will face eighth-ranked McKendree (Ill.) University in the first round of the National Duals this Friday in Cedar Falls, Ia.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Mult-Division National Dual Meet Championships are hosted by Northern Iowa at the UNI Dome.

The double elimination tournament starts at 2 p.m. for the Lopers (4-1). The winner and loser of McKendree (4-2) face the winner/loser between sixth-ranked Tiffin (Ohio) and 21st-ranked Upper Iowa in the next round. Those duals start at 4 p.m. with quarterfinals set for Saturday (Jan. 10) at 11 a.m. Finals are slated for 4 p.m.

UNK went 3-1 at the 2025 National Duals, beating McKendree by a 40-6 count in the third-place match. The Blue & Gold won this tournament in both 2003 and 2007. Also on Saturday, select Lopers will be at the annual Hastings College Open.