KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eastern Oregon made significant strides in the first NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Top 25 poll of the 2024-25 season, jumping from receiving votes to securing the No. 15 spot, as announced by the NAIA national office on Thursday.

The Mountaineers' ascent in the rankings is complimented with seven individual wrestlers now recognized among the top competitors in their respective weight classes. The Mounties previously had three ranked individuals in the preseason.

Leading the way for EOU is Kyle Knudtson, who holds the No. 4 spot at 184 pounds, showcasing his dominance on the mat. Eric Karas follows with an impressive No. 11 ranking at 197 pounds. Heavyweight Nico Rodriguez claims the No. 7 position, while teammate Darrian Hoobery is ranked No. 23 at 285 pounds, further solidifying EOU's strength in the upper weight classes.

Additional ranked Mountaineers include Jaxon Morlan, ranked No. 21 at 149 pounds; AJ Rockwell, ranked No. 20 at 157 pounds; and Mike Fox, ranked No. 15 at 165 pounds.

The Cascade Collegiate Conference as a whole demonstrated its competitive edge with six teams earning spots in the Top 25 and one receiving votes. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University surged to No. 5, while the University of Providence and Southern Oregon University followed closely at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively. Corban University was ranked No. 14, just ahead of EOU, with Montana State University-Northern rounding out the ranked CCC teams at No. 24. Arizona Christian University received votes.

The rankings are determined through a voting process involving a panel of head coaches representing each conference, using a points-based system that evaluates team and individual performances.