The NCAA has released its second round of coaches' rankings for the 2026 Division I Wrestling Championships, and Duke continues to make its presence felt on the national stage. Two Blue Devils - heavyweight Connor Barket and 174-pounder Aidan Wallace - remain in the mix as the postseason inches closer.
Let’s start with Wallace, who checks in at No. 27 in the 174-pound weight class. The Mahwah, New Jersey native has been one of Duke’s most consistent performers this season, racking up a 25-3 record.
While he slid three spots in the latest rankings, there’s no denying the momentum he’s built: he’s won seven of his last eight matches and is tied for fifth on Duke’s all-time single-season wins list. That kind of consistency, especially this late in the season, is exactly what coaches want to see heading into March.
Then there’s Barket, holding steady at No. 23 in the heavyweight division. The West Lafayette, Indiana product has put together an 18-5 campaign so far, including a 12-3 mark in dual matches.
His 18 wins tie him for seventh in Duke’s single-season record book, and he’s eyeing a return trip to the NCAA Championships. Barket’s been a rock in the lineup, and with his experience on the national stage, he’s a name to keep an eye on when brackets are set.
These coaches’ rankings are more than just a midseason checkpoint - they’re a key part of the NCAA’s at-large selection and seeding process. To be eligible, wrestlers must have competed in at least eight Division I matches at their weight class, including one within the last 30 days.
From there, the rankings are voted on by a panel of three coaches per weight class, and they’re just one piece of a larger puzzle. Other factors like head-to-head results, quality wins, RPI, conference tournament finishes, common opponents, and overall win percentage all feed into the final selections.
Looking ahead, the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships are set for March 19-21 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland - a high-stakes, three-day showcase of the nation’s best.
Before that, Duke has two more opportunities to fine-tune their lineup and build momentum. The Blue Devils hit the road to face Virginia Tech on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m., then return home to host Cornell on Sunday, Feb. 22 at noon. With Wallace and Barket anchoring the squad, Duke is aiming to finish the regular season strong and carry that energy into Cleveland.