CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has announced its 2025-26 Men’s Wrestling Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Defending NCAA Division III National Champion Wartburg College enters the new campaign as the favorite. Coe College follows in second while Loras College rounds out the competitive top three. 
 
As the leading men’s wrestling conference, the A-R-C continues to set the standard across Division III. The league brings back numerous All-Americans and the 2025-26 season promises to be another year of intensity and tradition on the mat. 
 
Teams will get in action on November 1, and the conclusion of the season will be in Cedar Rapids as the A-R-C plays host to the NCAA Division III Men’s Wrestling Championships. 
 

2025-26 American Rivers Conference Men’s Wrestling Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Wartburg (8)	64
2.	Coe (1)	55
3.	Loras	52
4.	Central	39
5.	Luther	37
6.	Univ. of Dubuque	32
7.	Nebraska Wesleyan	20
8.	Simpson	17
9.	Buena Vista	8

 
The defending national champions, Wartburg College, remain the team to beat in the league. Wartburg returns seven NCAA qualifiers and five All-Americans – Tommy Thongseng, Charlie Dojan, Nathan Fuller, Kasey Ross, and Mitchell Williamson – forming a core that anchors the Knights' championship-caliber lineup. Under 16th-year head coach Eric Keller, Wartburg’s standard remains the same: excellent in effort, attitude, and daily growth. 
 
“Wartburg wrestling is simply focused on getting better each and every day and reaching our full potential,” added Keller. “The one thing we can control is our day to day focus, fight, and effort. Our goal is to enjoy the journey, which means having fun every step of the way. The American Rivers Conference is the best wrestling conference in the nation. We feel fortunate to be a part of a conference that understands, appreciates, and values this great sport. We are also thankful for the leadership in the A-R-C and the support they continue to provide for wrestling.”
 
Coe College enters teh season looking to challenge at the top after finishing an impressive sixth nationally last season. The Kohawks return All-American Brayden Parke along with All-Region performers Dresden Grimm, Kael Kurtz, and Ty Koedam. The veteran presence continues to foster consistency and toughness throughout the lineup. 
 
"We graduated some starters that have been fixtures in the lineup however, we are excited about the nucleus we return and the newcomers on the team,” said Oostendorp. “Our high standards and expectations are the same as last year's team that finished second in the highly competitive A-R-C Conference and sixth at the national tournament.”
 
With a talented and experienced roster returning, Loras College looks poised to climb the conference standings. The Duhawks bring back multiple national qualifiers and All-Americans, including Eric Kinkaid and Dustin Bohren, as well as regional placers Connor Fiser, Chase Fiser, and Jonah Clark. In his first season at the helm, Devin Bahr is confident in the program’s trajectory. 

“We are bringing back a very experienced squad when it comes to the regional and national tournaments,” said Bahr. “With the addition of a very talented freshman class, we are only looking to improve on our success from last year. We are excited to continue competing in the American Rivers Conference, in our eyes, the best conference in D3 wrestling."  
 
Under rising head coach Landon Williams, Central College continues its ascent after tying for second in the conference standings last season. The Dutch are led by returning All-American Pierre Baldwin, who headlines a deep group of regional placewinners including Dominick Marre, Cade Siebrecht, and Sam West. With a year of experience in the system, Central looks ready to remain among top in the A-R-C.
 
Luther College returns two All-Americans – Clayton McDonough and Connor Kidd – along with NCAA qualifiers Ben Strehlow, Bryce McDonough, and Chase Kmosena that form a seasoned core that will lead the Norse into another competitive season. Under longtime coach Dave Mitchell, Luther remains one of the respected programs in Division III. 
 
"I expect the American Rivers Conference will once again set the standard in NCAA Division III wrestling this season,” said Mitchell. “Great teams, great wrestlers, and great coaches make up the best NCAA Division III Wrestling conference in the country and Luther is proud to be one of the teams that has helped the A-R-C earn that reputation.  We have two returning All-Americans and three total returning national qualifiers, as well as others we are excited about, and so we are looking forward to a fun season!" 
 
The University of Dubuque Spartans enter the season with optimism and depth, returning NCAA qualifiers Brett Back and Zane Pannell. With several nationally ranked athletes and renewed energy in the wrestling room, head coach Jon McGovern believes this group could be among the best in program history. 
 
"I believe this will be the best team we’ve ever had at the University of Dubuque”, said McGovern. “We return several athletes who were nationally ranked last season, along with two NCAA qualifiers who bring valuable experience and leadership. Our depth, talent, and work ethic have all taken a big step forward, and we’re ready to compete at the highest level in the toughest wrestling conference in NCAA III Wrestling. This group is built to make noise nationally for UD Wrestling."
 
Nebraska Wesleyan University continues to build under second-year head coach Colton McCrystal, emphasizing growth and development within the tough A-R-C. The Prairie Wolves return a motivated group eager to take the next step. 
 
“We are looking to continue to build on our team from last year,” added McCrystal. “We have a lot of guys buying into the process and ready to face the challenge of the season.”
 
The Simpson College Storm are ready for progress in year seven under head coach Dylan Peters. Returning regional placewinner Trey Kellow anchors a roster strengthened by senior leadership and a well-rounded coaching staff.
 
“We have put together a great group of coaches to lead our well-rounded team,” noted Peters. “Going into year seven, I feel this is the most complete plan I’ve had. With a returning regional place winner in Trey Kellow and a strong group of seniors to lead the way, I expect us to have a great season filled with growth both on and off the mat.”
 
With a young core and renewed energy, Buena Vista University looks to continue building Sean White. The Beavers commitment to improvement and culture sets the tone for the 2025-26 campaign. 
 
“We have a great group of young men who keep building and are ready to have a great season!” added White.