NCAA D1 Releases Initial Coaches Poll
The NCAA Division I wrestling season has kicked off with the release of the first coaches’ poll for the 2025-26 season. This poll is the result of votes from three coaches for each weight class, determining the rankings of wrestlers based on their performance and participation.
NCAA D1 Coaches Poll Overview
For wrestlers to be eligible for the rankings, they must be designated as starters in their respective weight classes and need a minimum of eight Division I matches, with at least one match conducted in the past 30 days. Additionally, specific requirements regarding matches against non-teammates come into play for earning a ranking.
The coaches’ poll plays a crucial role in shaping the NCAA Championship allocations for each conference. The final poll, published prior to the conference championships, significantly impacts the distribution of championship spots. This initial ranking will also help project team scores for the NCAA Championship.
Top Ranked Wrestlers in Each Weight Class
Here is a summary of the top-ranked wrestlers by weight class as per the latest NCAA D1 coaches poll:
| Weight Class | Rank | Name | School | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 1 | Nic Bouzakis | Ohio State | Big Ten |
| 133 | 1 | Lucas Byrd | Illinois | Big Ten |
| 141 | 1 | Jesse Mendez | Ohio State | Big Ten |
| 149 | 1 | Shayne Van Ness | Penn State | Big Ten |
| 157 | 1 | Brandon Cannon | Ohio State | Big Ten |
| 165 | 1 | Mitchell Mesenbrink | Penn State | Big Ten |
| 174 | 1 | Levi Haines | Penn State | Big Ten |
| 184 | 1 | Rocco Welsh | Penn State | Big Ten |
| 197 | 1 | Josh Barr | Penn State | Big Ten |
| 285 | 1 | Yonger Bastida | Iowa State | Big 12 |
Team Rankings Based on Coaches’ Poll
The following are the top-ranked teams with their corresponding points derived from the poll:
| Rank | School | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn State | 149.5 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 124 |
| 3 | Iowa State | 87.5 |
| 4 | Oklahoma State | 80.5 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 73 |
This inaugural coaches’ poll serves as an essential benchmark for the wrestling season, providing a glimpse into the competitiveness and skill levels across schools and conferences in NCAA Division I wrestling. Stay tuned to Filmogaz.com for updates and detailed coverage throughout the season.
