NC State wrestling has finished the 2025-26 regular season ranked No. 8 in the final National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) team poll. This marks the 11th consecutive year that the program, led by head coach Pat Popolizio, has placed in the top ten of this ranking.
The program’s consistent performance at a national level began with Popolizio’s tenure starting in 2012. In his fourth season, NC State rose from No. 17 in February 2015 to No. 2 nationally just one year later, achieving a record-setting dual meet season with a 23-1 mark and notable victories over several top-ranked teams including Iowa and Oklahoma State.
Since then, NC State has remained among the nation’s elite programs. Over the past decade, their finishes in the NWCA final regular season polls have included second place in 2016 and third place in 2023.
This season, NC State closed out with a dual record of 15-4 and six wrestlers currently ranked within the top ten of their respective weight classes according to InterMat rankings as they approach postseason competition.
Redshirt-sophomore Vincent Robinson is preparing to defend his national title at 125 pounds after last year’s victory at the NCAA Championships in Philadelphia. Heavyweight Isaac Trumble enters his final national tournament with an undefeated record of 14-0 this season, including ten bonus point wins. Trumble previously earned All-American honors with a fourth-place finish at nationals despite suffering from a significant knee injury.
“10 years later, and the Pack is still a top contender on the national level under Popolizio,” reads part of NC State’s statement regarding their ongoing success.
