Takedown Report

Lopers Soar to No. 1 in Final Coaches Poll Ahead of NCAA DII Wrestling Championships

Manheim, PA – With the 2025 NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships quikly approaching, Nebraska-Kearney has secured the No. 1 spot in the final DII Men’s Coaches Association poll, edging out St. Cloud State in a tightly contested race.
Fresh off their Super Region 6 Championship victory, Nebraska-Kearney enters the tournament with unmatched depth, qualifying 10 wrestlers—the most of any team in the tournament field. Their 92 total points narrowly surpasses St. Cloud State (87 points), which qualified seven wrestlers. Central Oklahoma (71 points), Grand Valley State (56 points), and Augustana (53 points) round out the top five.
Under head coach Dalton Jensen, the Lopers bring a well-balanced lineup featuring four top-three seeds, including Crew Howard (285 lbs.), who holds the No. 1 seed in his bracket. Their depth across multiple weight classes makes them the frontrunners for the team title, though the competition remains fierce. Top Wrestlers to Watch
The individual competition will be just as intense, with returning champions and top contenders vying for national glory.
At 184 lbs., West Liberty’s Ty McGeary is on the hunt for his third consecutive national title. A dominant force in his weight class, McGeary has been nearly unstoppable over the past two seasons. Another title would solidify his place among the all-time greats in DII wrestling.
At 197 lbs., Indianapolis’ Derek Blubaugh enters the tournament looking to capture his second national championship in what would be his fourth finals appearance. With experience and resilience on his side, Blubaugh is determined to claim the top spot in one of the tournament’s most competitive weight classes.
Three additional returning national champions are set to defend their crowns:

• Gabe Johnson (Central Oklahoma, 157 lbs.)
• David Hunsberger (Lander, 165 lbs.)
• Joshua Kenny (Grand Valley State, 174 lbs.) … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2025/3/7/national-wrestling-coaches-association-lopers-soar-to-no-1-in-final-coaches-poll-ahead-of-ncaa-dii-wrestling-championships.aspx

March 13, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized