Montreat Men’s wrestling shares 2026-27 season slate
MONTREAT, N.C. — The Montreat College men’s wrestling team released its 2026-27 schedule earlier this fall, one that features 13 guaranteed tournaments and duals between late October and mid-February. With seven events scheduled before Christmas and six more in the new year, the Cavaliers are set for a full slate of competition throughout the season.
The Cavs open their campaign on Oct. 31 in Corbin, Ky., at the Pepsi Patriot Open, hosted by the University of the Cumberlands. Montreat then heads home on Nov. 5 to welcome Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opponent West Virginia University Institute of Technology to McAlister Gymnasium. Just five days later, the Cavaliers play host to the University of Pikeville. The Cavs then travel to Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 14 for the Grand View Open to close out the month.
A trio of December competitions highlight the schedule before Christmas Break. Montreat travels to Conway, Ark., on Dec. 5 for the CBC Invitational before heading west to Bartlesville, Okla., on Dec. 12 for the 918 Open, hosted by Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The Cavaliers conclude the month on Dec. 18 in Corbin, Ky., returning to the site of their season opener for the Battle in the Bluegrass.
Montreat rings in the new year with a busy January slate, … more at … https://montreatcavaliers.com/news/2026/10/6/mens-wrestling-mens-wrestling-shares-2026-27-season-slate.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Taygen Smith Named as Men’s Wrestling Coach
CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State Athletics has announced the hiring of former CSC assistant Taygen Smith as the school’s new head men’s wrestling coach.
Smith has been with the Chadron State wrestling program for the past four seasons, as a coaching assistant starting with the 2022-23 season and as the program’s assistant coach beginning in 2025.
“I am excited to introduce Taygen Smith as the new head coach of our men’s wrestling program,” Associate Athletic Director Ted Tewahade said. “I believe Taygen provides us with a good combination of continuity and a fresh direction for CSC wrestling.”
Smith worked under and will now replace Brett Hunter, who recently departed Chadron State wrestling after 14 seasons as head coach to become Chadron State’s new Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development.
“It is an immense honor to be named the head coach at Chadron State,” Smith said. “Having spent the last four years here, I’ve seen firsthand the heart and dedication of this program. I am deeply grateful to Coach Brett Hunter for his guidance, as well as our administration and athletic department for believing in my vision.”
Smith has been a part of the coaching staff for several defining moments in Chadron State men’s wrestling history. In Smith’s four years at Chadron State, the program has had 12 national qualifiers and … more at … https://chadroneagles.com/news/2026/10/8/taygen-smith-named-as-mens-wrestling-coach.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
McPherson College Athletics Adds Women’s Wrestling as 22nd Varsity Sport
Director of Athletics Josh Daume announced today that McPherson College will expand to 22 varsity sports with the addition of a Women’s Wrestling program. The program will begin competition in the 2027-2028 academic year.
“Adding a women’s wrestling program represents yet another step forward in the growth of our athletics program,” stated Daume. “When exploring ways to add opportunities for women on our campus, wrestling was the next logical choice. Planning has already started for a brand-new, on-campus facility to house the program, and now we look forward to hiring a coach to start building a competitive roster. The sport is growing in our Kansas high schools and throughout the region making it an ideal time to start a program at McPherson College”
The Bulldogs will compete with fellow KCAC members Friends University, York University, Ottawa University, University of Saint Mary, and Avila University along with several institutions in the Sooner Athletic Conference in the joint KCAC/SAC Wrestling Conference.
Women’s wrestling officially became the NAIA’s 28th national championship sport in 2022. It includes 10 official weight classes ranging from 103 lbs. up to the 207 lbs. heavyweight division. The NAIA wrestling championships have been held in Park City, KS at the Heartland Credit Union Arena for … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/11/6/national-wrestling-coaches-association-mcpherson-college-athletics-adds-womens-wrestling-as-22nd-varsity-sport.aspx
Montreat’s Women finalizes 2026-27 schedule
MONTREAT, N.C. — The Montreat College women’s wrestling team finalized its 2026-27 schedule earlier this fall, a campaign that features 17 guaranteed events throughout the season. The Cavaliers are set for a full slate that includes duals, open tournaments and potential postseason competition.
The Cavs open the season on the road on Oct. 29 with a Mid-South Conference (MSC) dual against Brewton-Parker Christian University. Montreat then heads north to East Stroudsburg, Pa., for the ESU Open on Nov. 1 before returning home on Nov. 5 to welcome Lindsey Wilson College to McAlister Gymnasium. Two days later, the Cavaliers hit the road to compete at the Trojan Women’s Open.
Montreat closes out November with the Blue Hose Challenge, hosted by Presbyterian College, on Nov. 15 and the Greensboro Open on Nov. 21. The Cavs then enter a busy December featuring four competitions. The month begins with a dual against Newberry College, followed by the Pigeon Forge Open during the initial week. The Cavs hope to host another dual on Dec. 9 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent prior to traveling to Emory, Va., on Dec. 12 for the Wasps Open, their final competition before Christmas Break.
January begins with the Cavaliers competing at the Red Lady Duals and Red Lady Open on the 9th and 10th in Montgomery, Ala., before returning home on Jan. 13 to host Concord University. Montreat then visits Bristol, Tenn., on the 17th for the King Open. The Cavs end the month with the … more at … https://montreatcavaliers.com/news/2026/10/2/womens-wrestling-womens-wrestling-finalizes-2026-27-schedule.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Northeastern State RiverHawks make history with first home wins, set NCAA Division II attendance record
TAHLEQUAH — Northeastern State men’s wrestling made history Wednesday, earning the first home victories in program history while setting an NCAA Division II attendance record with nearly 3,000 fans in attendance.
The RiverHawks celebrated the milestone with a pair of dual victories, defeating Southeast Community College 40-11 before taking down Murray State 35-9.
The crowd of nearly 3,000 established a new NCAA Division II attendance record, adding another milestone to the program’s first home event.
Against Southeast Community College, Northeastern State earned seven individual victories and benefited from two forfeits. Colden Dyer and Clay Giddens each recorded a fall, while Dimitri Kizer posted a 19-3 technical fall in 3:58. Canaan Brummett earned an 8-5 decision, Evan Rodriguez won by major decision, and Christian Clark added a 21-7 major decision.
The RiverHawks carried that momentum into the second dual against Murray State, collecting eight individual victories. Chase Dyer, Ethan Day and Preston Shorter each recorded a fall, while Silas Foster earned a 19-4 technical fall in 6:29. Zane Donley, Cameron Kiser, Kaiden Cue and Brock Byrd added decisions.
Northeastern State returns to the mat Saturday for the Viking Open in Poteau, Oklahoma.
Northeastern State vs. Southeast Community College — NSU wins 40-11
125 pounds: Colden Dyer (NSU) def. William Fontenot, fall, 2:05
133 pounds: Canaan Brummett (NSU) def. Case Jurgens, decision, 8-5
141 pounds: Che Jenkins (SCC) def. Sean Gonzalez (NSU), technical fall, 21-5, 6:43 … more at … https://goriverhawksgo.com/news/2026/11/4/mens-wrestling-riverhawks-make-history-with-first-home-wins-set-ncaa-division-ii-attendance-record.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Missouri’s Brian Smith Announces Retirement Following 2026-27 Season
COLUMBIA, Mo. — After nearly three decades leading Mizzou Wrestling, head coach Brian Smith announced that the 2026-27 season will be his final at the helm of the Tigers. Smith will retire following his 29th season leading the program, leaving behind a legacy that has helped establish Tiger Style as one of the nation’s premier collegiate wrestling programs.
With Smith’s retirement, Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch has appointed current associate head coach Kendric Maple to take over as the program’s head coach following the 2026-27 season.
Mizzou Athletics will host a press conference Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. CT inside the EquipmentShare Club 1926 in Memorial Stadium’s North End Zone, featuring Veatch, Smith and Maple.
“For almost 30 years at Mizzou, Brian Smith has established a championship program and an elite team culture that has shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated our entire wrestling program,” Veatch said. “We’re grateful for everything Brian has given this university — and we’re incredibly excited to support Kendric Maple as he builds on that foundation. Our focus right now is on the 2026-27 team and the opportunities ahead this season, and the best way to honor Coach Smith’s legacy is to keep competing and pursuing championships.”
“Very few coaches get the opportunity to leave on their own terms. I’m … more at … https://mutigers.com/news/2026/11/4/wrestlings-brian-smith-announces-retirement-following-2026-27-season?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email and …
https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article317932171.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Little movement in first Division I Men’s Wrestling Coaches Poll of regular season
Manheim, Pennsylvania – With just seven duals involving ranked teams during the opening week of the season, there was minimal movement in the first regular-season NWCA Division I Men’s Wrestling Coaches Poll presented by Theraworx, released on Wednesday. Sixteen of the 25 teams held their spots, and there were no upsets of ranked teams to shake things up.
Penn State remained No. 1 with 16 first-place votes, and the entire top eight was unchanged. Second-ranked Oklahoma State, No. 3 Nebraska, No. 4 Iowa, No. 5 Virginia Tech, No. 6 Ohio State, No. 7 Stanford and No. 8 Minnesota have yet to compete.
The biggest change near the top came from Missouri, which moved up one spot into a tie with Iowa State at No. 9 after opening the season 3-0 on Monday. The Tigers beat NAIA Central Methodist 46-3, Division II Maryville (Mo.) 44-6 and Division II Central Missouri 47-0. Iowa State (1-0) beat Bucknell 29-12 on Sunday.
Michigan also climbed one spot to No. 13 after shutting out VMI 50-0 on Sunday, while No. 17 Oklahoma held its spot after blanking Division II Northeastern State 46-0. Wyoming beat Western Wyoming of the NJCAA 51-0 on Saturday.
The rest of the lower half saw minor shuffling.
There are 11 duals involving ranked teams this coming week, including … more at … https://mailchi.mp/7f9f0dd3d3c9/nwca-coaches-poll-19881996?e=b8a1a7029f
The ultimate men’s college wrestling fan guide for the 2026-2027 season
Nov. 1 marks the formalized start of the college wrestling season.*
Here’s everything new and returning fans need to know about the structure of the season, the scoring in duals and the top teams who will be competing for a national championship in March.
*Wyoming and Hofstra kicked off their seasons early this year, with dual wins over Western Wyoming College and Sacred Heart by scores of 51-0 and 35-7 respectively on Oct. 31.
When does the college wrestling season start?
The college wrestling season starts Nov. 1 with nine duals and a handful of open tournaments, wrestle-offs and exhibitions across the country. Four ranked teams start their season in dual action on opening day including No. 9 Iowa State, No. 10 Missouri, No. 14 Michigan and No. 17 Oklahoma, though none of these programs will wrestle fellow ranked foes.
The first top-15 team battle of the year comes next week when No. 5 Virginia Tech takes on No. 12 Lehigh in a dual headlined by a potential bout between senior world champion Bo Bassett and U20 world champion and two-time All-American Luke Stanich at 141 pounds.
How does the college wrestling schedule work?
Everything about the college wrestling season builds towards March.
Teams typically compete in non-conference duals on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons in November and December as a way to create opportunities for individual athletes to ease into the season and assess their standings in their weight.
Open tournaments in the first half of the season … more at … https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling-men/article/2026-11-01/ultimate-mens-college-wrestling-fan-guide-2026-2027-season?lid=t39qanmip4c3&primo=
The 2026 Offseason Coaching Carousel
We’ve almost made it through the long offseason. With the 2026-27 season less than a month away, it’s time for one last check on the coaching carousel. I’m sure we’ll get another couple of changes between now and November, as head coaches try to round out their staff before then; however, he’s a final(ish) look at the changes that took place over the offseason.
Below are the new DI hires for the 2026-27 season:
New Hires
Air Force Head Coach: Joe Johnston (Air Force – Associate Head Coach)
Army West Point Associate Head Coach: Mike Macchiavello (Lehigh Valley WC Athlete)
Binghamton Assistant Coach: Luke Welch (The Citadel – Interim Head Coach)
Bloomsburg: Ricky Donald
Bloomsburg: Gable Strickland (Lock Haven – Athlete)
Cal Poly Assistant Coach: Nelson Brands (Iowa City Regina HS Head Coach)
Columbia Assistant Coach: Cesar Alvan (Columbia – Wrestler)
Cornell Associate Head Coach: Zach Tanelli (Virginia Tech – Assistant Coach)
Cornell Assistant Coach: Yianni Diakomihalis (USA Wrestling – Athlete)
CSU Bakersfield Graduate Assistant: Richard Castro-Sandoval (CSU Bakersfield – Athlete)
CSU Bakersfield Assistant Coach: Daniel Manibog … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/the-2026-offseason-coaching-carousel-10132026-r101264/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Presbyterian College Women’s Wrestling Details Winter Schedule
CLINTON, S.C. – The Presbyterian College women’s wrestling team – one of the fiercest programs in the nation who has claimed two consecutive Southeast Region Championships and six All-Americans in back-to-back years – has announced the full schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
Expectations are sky high for the Blue Hose, who finished 5th as a unit at the NCAA Championships last spring and have eight different wrestlers on the roster who have been named an All-American at least once in their career.
Two-time Region Coach of the Year Brian Vutianitis has directed PC to three straight top-ten placements at Nationals, with the 2026 version being the first under the NCAA umbrella.
Presbyterian has scheduled seven regular-season tournaments this winter, starting with the Princeton Open on November 1. They’ll host their own bracket for the third year in a row on November 15 inside Templeton Gymnasium.
PC’s six All-Americans last season (Chloe … more at … https://gobluehose.com/news/2026/10/13/womens-wrestling-pc-womens-wrestling-details-winter-schedule.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
