Redshirt sophomore Ty Watters placed sixth at 157 pounds to lead the West Virginia University team at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on March 21.
Watters’ performance marks his second career podium finish in as many trips to the national tournament. He previously finished fourth at 149 pounds in 2024.
After a loss in the semifinals on Friday night, Watters needed two victories to secure a bronze medal. In his next match, he faced Ohio State’s No. 8 seed Brandon Cannon for a chance to compete for third place. Watters scored first with a takedown in the opening period, but Cannon responded with escapes and another takedown early in the second period to take a 5-3 lead. Watters narrowed the gap and tied the score at five with an escape early in the third period. However, Cannon secured a decisive takedown with just over a minute and a half remaining and ultimately won by decision, 9-6.
Following this bout, Watters medically forfeited his next match against Illinois’ No. 11 seed Kannon Webster, resulting in a sixth-place finish.
West Virginia University finished tied for 23rd place overall with 17 points. Penn State claimed the national championship title, while Oklahoma State finished second.