Manheim, PA — King University Women's Wrestling continues to assert itself as one of the nation's premier NCAA programs, holding firm at No. 5 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Women's Coaches Poll. While the top of the leaderboard remained unchanged, the aftermath of the 2026 NWCA/USMC National Dual Meet Championships in Cedar Falls, Iowa, produced major movement across the individual rankings and reshaped the competitive landscape.
King Maintains Its National Standing
With 41 points, King remains securely in the top five, trailing only Iowa, McKendree, North Central, and Grand Valley State. The Tornado continue to demonstrate depth, consistency, and postseason potential, all trademarks of a program with a long history of national success.
A Weekend That Reshaped the Rankings
The National Duals delivered the type of high-stakes matchups that often redefine the season. Six of the ten weight classes saw new No. 1 wrestlers emerge, underscoring the parity and intensity of the NCAA women's field.
While King did not produce a new top-ranked wrestler in this cycle, the Tornado made their presence felt with six nationally ranked athletes, several of whom are positioned to make serious championship runs.
King University's Ranked Individuals
King's roster continues to shine on the national stage, with athletes ranked across six weight classes:
This distribution of talent reflects the program's balance and its ability to develop contenders across the lineup. With two athletes ranked inside the top three, King is positioned to score significant NCAA Tournament points.
National Leaders Continue to Set the Pace
The updated rankings highlight the programs currently defining the national standard. Iowa leads with five No. 1–ranked wrestlers, followed by North Central with three and Grand Valley State with two. These individual performances shape the Tournament Power Index (TPI), which projects NCAA Championship scoring based solely on placement potential.
Tournament Top 25 Context
King's No. 5 ranking places it ahead of several rising programs, including Presbyterian, Colorado Mesa, and Wartburg. The Tornado remain one of the most stable presences in the top tier, a testament to the coaching staff's ability to develop talent and navigate a rapidly evolving competitive field.
Why King's Position Matters
Holding firm in the top five signals that King remains a legitimate contender for national hardware. With multiple athletes ranked inside the top ten and several poised for deep postseason runs, the Tornado are well-positioned to surge when the NCAA Championships arrive.
The volatility seen in the individual rankings also opens the door for King wrestlers to climb even higher as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
As the postseason approaches, King University will aim to tighten its grip on a top-five finish while pushing to break into the upper echelon. With a roster full of proven competitors and rising stars, the Tornado are poised to make a significant impact when championship season arrives.
