Six wrestlers from West Virginia University have been included in the second coaches’ rankings for the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The rankings are compiled by a vote of three coaches for each weight class, and only wrestlers designated as starters with at least eight Division I matches in their class are considered.
The Mountaineers who received rankings in the coaches’ poll are: Jett Strickenberger (No. 8 at 125 pounds), Gunner Andrick (No. 18 at 133 pounds), Ty Watters (No. 5 at 157 pounds), Brody Conley (No. 14 at 174 pounds), Ian Bush (No. 17 at 184 pounds), and Rune Lawrence (No. 14 at 197 pounds).
In addition to the coaches’ ranking, several West Virginia wrestlers also appear in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). The RPI takes into account winning percentage, opponent winning percentage, and opponent’s opponent winning percentage. To be eligible for an RPI ranking, a wrestler must have competed in at least fifteen matches against Division I opponents within their weight class.
Mountaineers listed in the RPI include: Jett Strickenberger (No. 7 at 125 pounds), Gunner Andrick (No. 2 at 133 pounds), Jordan Titus (No. 29 at 141 pounds), Ty Watters (No. 3 at 157 pounds), Brody Conley (No.10 at 174 pounds), Ian Bush (No.16 at184 pounds) and Rune Lawrence(No.17at197pounds).
These rankings are among several factors used to determine both the selection of athletes for the NCAA Wrestling Championships and their seedings for competition in March. Other criteria include quality wins, head-to-head results, conference tournament placement, results versus common opponents, and overall win percentage.
This is the second of three scheduled rankings before the championships take place.