The Oklahoma State wrestling team has maintained its position at No. 5 in the NWCA Coaches Poll for the second consecutive week. This comes as Zack Ryder and Casey Swiderski advanced into the top five of their respective weight classes, following strong performances at the NWCA All-Star Classic.
Within the Big 12 conference, seven other schools are ranked in the top 25. These include Iowa State at No. 6, Northern Iowa at No. 13, Missouri at No. 16, South Dakota State at No. 17, Oklahoma at No. 18, West Virginia at No. 21, and Wyoming at No. 25. Utah Valley and Arizona State also received votes.
Swiderski (149 pounds) and Ryder (184 pounds) saw significant improvements in their rankings after wins during the All-Star Classic event over the weekend. Swiderski secured a victory against Michigan’s three-time All-American Lachlan McNeil, while Ryder earned a major decision against Maryland’s Jaxon Smith—who had previously only allowed bonus points twice in his career before facing Ryder. Notably, Ryder’s win was the only bonus-point victory recorded during this year’s All-Star Classic.
Other Oklahoma State wrestlers currently ranked in the top ten nationally include Troy Spratley (No. 2 at 125 pounds), Richard Figueroa II (No. 8 at 133 pounds), Konner Doucet (No. 9 heavyweight), and Cody Merrill (No.10 at 197 pounds). Teague Travis moved up to No.15 at 157 pounds; Alex Facundo is now ranked No.17 at 174 pounds; and Cale Hughes climbed to No.18 at 141 pounds.
Oklahoma State will begin its season with a home match against Stanford—ranked nineteenth—at Gallagher-Iba Arena on November 7th, with coverage available on ESPN+.