Central Oklahoma is chasing its third straight Division II national title, St. Cloud State is trying to climb its way back to the top, and on the individual front, there’s a blend of returning champs and much-anticipated newcomers this season. 

Here’s a look at what to watch this season in Division II wrestling:  

Top Teams  

St. Cloud State opened the season ranked #1 behind the power of five returning All-Americans: Colby Njos (149), Nick Novak (165), Cole Glazier (174), Bryce FitzPatrick (184) and Dominic Murphy (197). Additionally, the Huskies brought in All-American transfer La’Ron Parks from Notre Dame at heavyweight. 

“We’ve got a very veteran-like team with eight national qualifiers returning and six All-Americans,” St. Cloud State coach Steve Costanzo said. “I think right now we have nine or 10 kids that are ranked in the top 10 in the country, so we have some very high expectations.” 

Though St. Cloud State is the front-runner early in the season, Central Oklahoma is in pursuit of its third straight D2 title and 10th in program history. Returning national champ Gabe Johnson returns at 157, along with All-Americans Dylan Brown (149), Hunter Jump (165) and Garrett Wells (184). 

The big question mark for the Bronchos is how they’ll replace the production they lost at 174, 197 and 285, where they had three finalists last season, including multi-time national champions Dalton Abney and Shawn Streck. 

 "You can't replace the three guys we lost,” UCO coach Todd Steidley said. “The guys at those weights have to be patient and consistent and push to be the best they can be. It's an opportunity for some new guys to step up."

Third-ranked UW-Parkside could be the team to challenge the perennial powers. Coach Nick Becker’s squad has three returning All-Americans in Shane Corrigan (125), Jalen Spuhler (149) and Reece Worachek (184), along with a strong recruiting class. 

“We have a very very solid team, a lot of upperclassmen and seniors on our team that provide a lot of leadership for our underclassmen,” Becker said. 

Returning Champions

Division II wrestling is once again loaded with returning talent. Five national champions are looking to reach the top of the podium again this season. 

The most dominant wrestler in D2 this season might be West Liberty 184-pounder Ty McGeary. The two-time national champion is 60-1 during the past two seasons and went 33-0 last year. 

Central Oklahoma is led by returning champ Gabe Johnson at 157. 

One of the most competitive weights this season might be 165 pounds. After losing to Johnson in the national finals, St. Cloud State’s Nick Novak, a champion in 2023, is up a weight. His path to a title could include a bout with reigning champion David Hunsberger of Lander. 

Grand Valley State’s Josh Kenny claimed the 174-pound title last season as the #4 seed at the weight. He likely won’t be an underdog this time around. 

Derek Blubaugh of Indianapolis finally broke through last season and beat two-time champ Dalton Abney after losing to the Central Oklahoma star twice in the finals. Blubaugh is back as the favorite at 197. 

Newcomers And Others To Watch

Gannon’s Dorian Crosby headlines the crop of top D2 newcomers this season. He joined the Golden Knights after transferring from Bucknell, where he was a two-time Division I NCAA qualifier. 

West Liberty true freshman Logan Davis is ranked sixth at 125. He started the season on a 10-match winning streak that included a win over #7 Trevon Gray of Pitt-Johnstown. 

UIndy’s Logan Bailey isn’t a newcomer, but he’s back with the Greyhounds this season. He reached the 157-pound finals in 2023 but didn’t compete last year. 

While not a complete newcomer, St. Cloud State senior #4 Sam Spencer has found his footing in the 133-pound weight class, beating out veteran Caleb Meekins in the early season. 

At 184 pounds, Glenville State’s fifth-ranked Kyle Homet hopes to make his mark on the season after defeating Division-I #23-ranked Ian Bush of West Virginia and falling to UW-Parkside’s #2 Reece Worachek in overtime. Homet is a transfer from Life University, where he was an All-American in NAIA. 

Circle These Dates

Major Tournaments 

Dec. 14-15 — Midwest Classic 

Jan. 10-11 — NWCA National Duals 

March 1 — NCAA Super Regionals 

March 14-15 — NCAA Division II Championships 

Big Duals 

Jan. 25 — Nebraska-Kearney vs. St. Cloud State

Jan. 31 — UW-Parkside vs. St. Cloud State

Feb. 7 — Nebraska-Kearney vs. Central Oklahoma