As we gear up for the postseason, the NCAA has unveiled its latest coaches' rankings ahead of the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship. Duke's dynamic duo, Aidan Wallace and Connor Barket, have made their mark, coming in at No. 21 and No. 23 respectively.
In the 174-pound category, Wallace has been on a tear, climbing six spots to secure his highest ranking of the season. With a 26-4 record, he's been a force on the mat, boasting a 17-3 record in dual matches and a strong 5-1 in ACC action.
Wallace's recent form is impressive, having clinched victory in eight of his last ten bouts. His 26 wins tie him for third place in Duke's single-season record books-a testament to his relentless drive and skill.
Meanwhile, Barket, hailing from West Lafayette, Indiana, holds steady at No. 23 in the heavyweight division. With a 20-5 record, he's etched his name in the Blue Devil history books, ranking seventh for single-season wins. Barket is eyeing a return to the NCAA Championship, coming off a solid 14-3 performance in dual matches.
The coaches' rankings, determined by a panel of three coaches per weight class, are a crucial component of the NCAA's selection and seeding process. They consider only those wrestlers designated as starters with at least eight Division I matches, including one in the last month.
As the wrestling world turns its eyes to the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, set for March 19-21 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Duke's wrestlers are gearing up for the ACC Championship in Blacksburg, Virginia, on March 8. With Wallace and Barket leading the charge, Duke fans have plenty to be excited about as the postseason drama unfolds.