KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eastern Oregon Men's Wrestling is preparing for the 2026-27 season with national and conference recognition, receiving votes in the
NAIA Men's Wrestling Preseason Ratings and placing two Mountaineers in the individual national rankings, announced by the national office.
The Mountaineers received 35 points in the preseason poll while two-time All-American Nicolas Rodriguez claimed the No. 5 spot at 285 pounds with 156 points. All-CCC honoree and NAIA National qualifier
Cole Cross also earned national recognition, ranking No. 14 at 149 pounds with 93 points.
The Cascade Collegiate Conference was strongly represented in the national rankings. Southern Oregon led the conference at No. 2, followed by Providence at No. 5 and Arizona Christian at No. 13. Corban checked in at No. 21, while Embry-Riddle Arizona earned the No. 23 spot. Westcliff (43), Evergreen (22) and Simpson (8) also received votes.
Eastern Oregon also earned recognition in the
NAIA Preseason Cascade Collegiate Conference Ratings, released earlier this week. The Mountaineers were ranked No. 7 in the conference with 78 points, with seven wrestlers earning individual recognition across four weight classes.
Cross led the Mountaineers in the conference ratings, earning the No. 2 ranking at 149 pounds. Rodriguez followed with a No. 3 ranking at 285 pounds. National qualifiers
Kai Carson and
Carlos Valdez also earned conference recognition, with Carson ranking No. 7 at 133 pounds and Valdez claiming the No. 6 spot at 157 pounds.
With national recognition for two individuals and seven Mountaineers represented in the conference ratings, Eastern Oregon looks to build momentum as the Mountaineers prepare to take the mat for the 2026-27 campaign.
Individual EOU NAIA Preseason Rankings
|
Weight Class
|
Wrestler
|
National Rank
|
Points
|
|
149
|
Cole Cross
|
No. 14
|
93
|
|
285
|
Nicolas Rodriguez
|
No. 5
|
156
|
Individual EOU Cascade Collegiate Conference Preseason Rankings
