CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The 2026 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) men's wrestling season is expected to be another exciting season as the league remains one of the top in Division III. The defending national champion, Wartburg College Knights, were selected as the preseason favorite to claim the regular season title again this season.
All A-R-C men's wrestling programs will compete on January 23, 2027 at the annual dual pods along with duals throughout the season. NCAA Regionals are set for February 26 and 27 as the Loras College Duhawks serve as the host, and the NCAA Division III National Championships will be held in La Crosse, Wis. on March 12 and 13.
University of Dubuque:
2026-27 Schedule | 2026-27 Roster
2025-26 Record: 7-9 overall, 3-5 A-R-C
2025-26 Conference Finish: 6th
2025-26 NCAA Finish: T-57th
UD enters the 24th season under its head coach Jon McGovern.. The Spartans return five All-Region performers in Ashton Hayhurst, Colton Weiler, Kale Roth, Abraham Galicia and Zane Pannell. Weiler and Pannell return as NCAA Division III national qualifiers from 2026, bringing valuable postseason experience to the lineup. Twenty-eight student-athletes began practice with 13 freshmen looking to make an impact to the program for UD.
"We're excited about this team and the opportunity in front of us. We have a great mix of experienced leaders and young wrestlers who are hungry to improve," commented head coach Jon McGovern. "Our focus is on competing with gratitude, a positive attitude, and high standards every single day. The American Rivers Conference is one of the toughest wrestling conferences in the country, and that's exactly what we want. Our goal at the University of Dubuque is to develop championship-level wrestlers and championship-level people, embrace the work, and be at our best when it matters most in February and March."
The Spartans are scheduled to begin their season at home hosting the 2026 Jim Fox Invite Nov. 7 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Stoltz Sports Center.
Click HERE for season schedule.
Click HERE for roster page.
2026-27 American Rivers Conference
Men's Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Place |
Team (first-place votes) |
Points |
| 1. |
Wartburg College (6) |
48 |
| T-2. |
Central College (1) |
39 |
| T-2. |
Coe College (1) |
39 |
| 4. |
Loras College |
34 |
| 5. |
University of Dubuque |
25 |
| 6. |
Simpson College |
18 |
| 7. |
Nebraska Wesleyan University |
11 |
| 8. |
Buena Vista University |
10 |
*coaches cannot vote for their own institution*
