CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced the 2025-26 men's wrestling coaches' preseason poll with the Norse picked fifth.
Luther finished 13-6 overall and 5-3 in conference a season ago. Notable returners include all-Americans
Clayton McDonough and
Connor Kidd along with
Bryce McDonough.
"I expect the American Rivers Conference will once again set the standard in NCAA Division III wrestling this season," said
Dave 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!"
2025-26 Coaches Poll – points (first place votes)
- Wartburg – 64 (8)
- Coe – 55 (1)
- Loras - 52
- Central – 39
- Luther – 37
- Dubuque – 32
- Nebraska Wesleyan – 20
- Simpson – 17
- Buena Vista – 8
A look at the 2025-26 schedule
Highlights of the 2025-26 schedule begin with the season opener at the Pointer Open hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. in Stevens Point, Wis.
The Luther Open will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 with wrestling beginning at 9 a.m. in Decorah, Iowa.
The first A-R-C dual will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Wartburg at 7 p.m. in Waverly, Iowa. Later in the month Luther returns to Nashville, Tenn. to host the Gator "Boots" Duals on Saturday, Dec. 20 to close out 2025.
Returning in the new year, the NWCA National Duals will be held once again at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa Jan. 9-10. The A-R-C duals will be at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Jan. 24. The Norse will face Coe, Simpson, Loras and Nebraska Wesleyan.
Senior Day will be hosted on Friday, Jan. 30 in the dual against Dubuque at 7 p.m. The final home meet of the season will be against Buena Vista on Thursday, Feb. 12 at Central Springs High School.
Full 2025-26 Schedule