MANHEIM, Pa. – With the 2025-26 wrestling season quickly approaching, the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) released its NCAA Division II preseason national and regional rankings Thursday afternoon. Nebraska-Kearney enters the year as the top-ranked team nationally, while Quincy University received votes in the poll, highlighted by junior standout Sabian Russell, ranked 8th in the nation at 149 lbs.
Russell, who qualified for the NCAA National Championships last season with a 31-9 overall record, became just the second Hawk in program history to reach the national stage. He now begins his junior campaign looking to be Quincy's first-ever men's wrestling All-American.
In the Super Region IV rankings, Quincy sits sixth overall out of 11 teams, a strong showing for a program entering its fourth year under Head Coach Jimmy Eggemeyer. The Hawks feature six wrestlers ranked among the top six in their respective weight classes, led by Russell, holding the #1 spot at 149 lbs.
Other Hawks in the Super Region IV rankings include:
As a team, Quincy is ranked behind only Central Oklahoma, McKendree, Central Missouri, Maryville, and Ouachita Baptist in the Super Region IV poll.
Quincy will begin its season with an intrasquad meet on Friday, October 25th, at 6:00 PM inside Pepsi Arena. Official competition kicks off a week later at the Luther Hill Open on November 1st in Indianola, Iowa.
With Russell on the national stage and six wrestlers ranked regionally, the Hawks are poised for another step forward as they continue building the foundation of a championship-caliber program.
To view the full NWCA release and rankings, click HERE.
