Two-Time Champs Begin Season Ranked Second

Wrestling 10/22/2026 2:19:00 PM

Two-Time Champs Begin Season Ranked Second

MANHEIM, Pa. – Two-time defending national champion Nebraska Kearney is second in the first NWCA Division II Men's Wrestling Coaches Association rankings of the season.

The rankings were released Oct. 22.

The Glenville State (W.V.) Pioneers take the top spot for the first time in program history and totaled 70.0 points, edging out UNK (61.5.). Wisconsin-Parkside is third (58) with Mary, N.D. (57.5) and Gannon, Pa. (54) rounding out the top five. MIAA-members Central Missouri (11th) and Central Oklahoma (19th) are also in the Top 25.

Returning national champion Otgonbayar "Augie" Batsuuri (Mongolia) is No. 1 at 174-pounds with 2026 third-place finisher and Chadron State transfer Mason Villwok (Elkhorn) second at 197-pounds. Another newcomer, heavyweight Naasir Edmonds (Virginia Beach), is tabbed 11th after finishing third at the 2026 NJCAA Championships. Finally, fifth-year team members Zach Ourada (8th/125 lbs.) and Joseph Airola (3rd/141 lbs.) and fourth-year member Cael Robb (9th/157 lbs.) are all in the top 10 as well.

GSU had eight individuals ranked including top-ranked Nick Johnson (197 lbs.).

Competition starts for DII wrestling Nov. 1 with the next edition of this poll released Nov. 19. UNK has its annual "Blue/Gold" scrimmage Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. with the season starting in earnest Nov. 12 at Chadron.

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Players Mentioned

Joseph Airola: 141; Fifth Year

Otgonbayar Batsuuri: 174; 4th Year

Zach Ourada: 125; Fifth Year

Cael Robb: 157; 4th Year

Mason Villwok: 197; 3rd Year

Naasir Edmonds: 285; 3rd Year

Players Mentioned

Joseph Airola
: Fifth Year
: 141

Otgonbayar Batsuuri
: 4th Year
: 174

Zach Ourada
: Fifth Year
: 125

Cael Robb
: 4th Year
: 157

Mason Villwok
: 3rd Year
: 197

Naasir Edmonds
: 3rd Year
: 285