NWCA Preseason Rankings

MANHEIM, Pa. - The National Wrestling Coaches' Association has revealed its preseason national rankings which include Colorado School of Mines grapplers Cody Thompson and Laith Ibrahim.

Thompson appears at #3 in the 149-pound rankings, while Ibrahim debuts at #10 in the 285-pound poll.

Both men are coming off promising but injury-shortened 2024-25 campaigns. Thompson, who debuted at #1 in last year's 149-pound rankings after making the 2024 NCAA Division II final, was 9-2 overall last year with seven bonus-point wins before suffering a season-ending injury in December. Ibrahim, who is nationally ranked for the first time, was 10-3 with two falls before also seeing his season end in December after taking third at the UNK Open.

As a team, the Orediggers are just outside the NWCA's tournament top-25. Among their ranked 2025-26 dual opponents are #12 Minnesota State, #17 Adams State, #18 Colorado Mesa, #24 Chadron State, and #25 Ouachita Baptist; Central Missouri, New Mexico Highlands, and Fort Hays State all received votes. 

The Orediggers open the season Nov. 7 at home hosting Snow College at 5 p.m.