Six members of the West Virginia University wrestling team have been listed in the final coaches’ rankings ahead of the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Additionally, nine Mountaineers are included in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) for this season.
The coaches’ rankings are determined by a panel of three coaches per weight class, considering only wrestlers who have started at least eight Division I matches in their respective classes. The following WVU athletes earned spots in these rankings: Jett Strickenberger (No. 16 at 125 pounds), Gunner Andrick (No. 19 at 133), Ty Watters (No. 7 at 157), Brody Conley (No. 18 at 174), Ian Bush (No. 17 at 184), and Rune Lawrence (No. 14 at 197).
For RPI, which is calculated based on winning percentage, strength of schedule, and opponents’ strength of schedule, nine Mountaineers were ranked: Jett Strickenberger (No. 16 at 125), Gunner Andrick (No. 5 at 133), Jordan Titus (No. 37 at 141), Ty Watters (No. 6 at 157), Shawn Taylor (No. 38 at 165), Brody Conley (No. 15 at 174), Ian Bush (No.19 at184), Rune Lawrence(No.23at197)and Brock Kehler(No.43at heavyweight). To qualify for an RPI ranking, wrestlers must have competed in a minimum of fifteen matches against Division I opponents within their designated weight class.
These rankings contribute to determining both automatic and at-large selections for the NCAA Wrestling Championships, as well as seedings for each weight class bracket. The selection committee also considers factors such as quality wins, head-to-head competition, conference tournament performance, results versus common opponents, and overall win percentage.
The NCAA has announced pre-allocation spots for the upcoming championships by conference and weight class categories: For example, the Big12 Conference has been allocated a total of63 spots across all ten weight classes.
West Virginia’s wrestlers will compete next in the Big12 Wrestling Championships from March6-7atthe BOK Center in Tulsa,Oklahoma.The NCAA Championships are scheduled for March19-21at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.