Robert Morris adds D1 wrestling, first since Morgan State
Jason Bryant counts 35 new wrestling programs announced in 2026, and Robert Morris is the first D1 school to start or reinstate since Morgan State. The Colonials wrestle in 2027-28.
The one that matters
Robert Morris adds D1 men's wrestling, competing in 2027-28
Robert Morris, a private school just outside Pittsburgh, will add NCAA Division I men's wrestling, with competition expected to begin in the 2027-28 academic year. Jason Bryant says the announcement brings the total of new men's and women's programs announced in 2026 to 35. RMU Athletics called it a new era for Moon Township, with additional details coming soon.
RMU is the first D1 school to start/reinstate a wrestling program since Morgan State brought the sport back, which was first announced in 2021.
Why it matters: A new D1 roster means scholarships and jobs in a Pennsylvania recruiting hotbed.
- Coaching hire and conference affiliation still to be announced
On the mat
Brett Back pins his way to U23 quarters, four Americans need repechage
Brett Back is the only American through to the Greco quarterfinals on day one of U23 Worlds, pinning Rintaro Sogabe of Japan in 1:46 at 72kg. Max Black (60), Otto Black (67), Adrian Artsisheuskiy (82) and Ryder Rogotzke (97) all lost in the round of 16 and need the wrestlers who beat them to reach the final. Otto Black fell 6-3 to Yurik Hoveyan of Armenia.
Why it matters: Four US Greco medal hopes now ride on other people's semifinal results.
- Back vs Ibrahim Ozdemir of Turkey in the quarterfinals
- Semifinals decide whether four Americans get repechage
Portal, commits and coaches
Iowa women host top-ranked Jaclyn Bouzakis on recruiting weekend
Iowa's women's program hosted five recruits on its recruiting weekend, headlined by Jaclyn Bouzakis of Pennsylvania, ranked No. 1 at 105, per Ross Bartachek. Also on the visit list: Cameron Leng (No. 11 at 125), Julia Araujo (No. 5 at 155), Ciyanna Okicha (No. 4 at 170) and Fargo All-American Kimura Hutter.
Why it matters: Iowa is stacking its next women's class at the lightest and middle weights.
- Our take: watch for commitments out of this visit group
What they're arguing about
Basch makes the case that 165 is college wrestling's deepest weight
Justin Basch counted six past Super 32 champions projected at 165 this season: PJ Duke, Joey Blaze, Nicco Ruiz, Dee Lockett, LJ Araujo and Will Denny. Between them that is eight Super 32 titles and three Outstanding Wrestler awards. MatScouts added a seventh name, Catrabone, who was a Super 32 finalist.
SIX! + Catrabone who was a finalist.
Why it matters: Seven proven high school finishers are chasing one All-American bracket at 165.
- MatScouts final preseason Crystal Ball on Basch & The Brain
Around the mat
Penn State celebrates title and Mitchell's Hodge at the White Out
Penn State marked its 2026 national championship and Mitchell's Hodge Trophy in front of 114,419 at the White Out.
Frequently asked questions
When will Robert Morris start competing in Division I wrestling?
Robert Morris will begin competing in NCAA Division I men's wrestling in the 2027-28 academic year.
How many new wrestling programs were announced in 2026?
35 new men's and women's wrestling programs were announced in 2026.
What is repechage in wrestling?
Repechage is a second-chance bracket (also called a consolation bracket) that allows wrestlers who lost to finalists to continue competing for medals.
Who was the only American wrestler to advance to the quarterfinals on day one of U23 Worlds Greco?
Brett Back was the only American to advance through to the Greco quarterfinals on day one of U23 Worlds, pinning his opponent in 1:46.
How many Super 32 champions are competing at 165 pounds this college season?
Six past Super 32 champions are projected at 165 this season, with a seventh Super 32 finalist also expected to compete at that weight.