There’s never been a better time to be a fan of NC State wrestling.
Led by head coach Pat Popolizio, the Wolfpack returns an impressive squad, featuring multiple ACC champions and a defending national champion in redshirt sophomore Vince Robinson. The 2025-26 season is one that will be marked by the Pack’s pursuit of championships and continuing the standard of excellence established by Popolizio.
After winning the 2025 125-pound national championship, Robinson returns to NC State with sky-high expectations for his encore. Ranked No. 1 per InterMat, Robinson will face multiple title contenders this season, highlighted by No. 4 Eddie Ventresca at Virginia Tech. The path to repeat as national champion looks daunting, but Robinson is no stranger to winning when it matters most.
Last season’s national championship marked the first for an NC State freshman since 1980 and the first-ever national champ in the 125-pound class. With a 24-3 record last season, Robinson showcased consistency all year long. His quickness and fiery approach make him nearly impossible to pin, while giving him the ability to seize the momentum with a takedown at any moment.
Robinson isn’t the only national championship contender in Raleigh; sixth-year Isaac Trumble is back for one last ride with the Wolfpack. Entering the season ranked No. 3 in the heavyweight class, Trumble is a tough competitor with loads of experience that gives him a mental edge over opponents. Making three NCAA Tournament appearances, including an All-American fourth-place finish last year in his first year competing in the heavyweight division, Trumble’s resume speaks for itself.
Last season, Trumble made waves as one of the nation’s elite wrestlers. However, his campaign turned south in the ACC Tournament when he medically forfeited, losing the opportunity to win a conference crown. Trumble was just a week removed from meniscus surgery at the ACC Tournament, limiting his athleticism. However, in a display of toughness, Trumble battled at the NCAA Tournament to the national semifinals before ultimately finishing fourth.
If healthy, Trumble has the talent to go all the way this season and bring a national championship back to Raleigh.
Rounding out the Wolfpack’s national championship contenders is No. 5 redshirt junior Matty Singleton. Last season, Singleton broke onto the scene as one of the nation’s newest stars before claiming the ACC title. Making his first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, Singleton impressed as he worked his way up to All-American status and a seventh-place finish. Ranked as the ACC’s top wrestler in the 174-pound class, Singleton is a must-know name for Wolfpack fans ahead of the season.
One of the Wolfpack’s top additions this season is sixth-year Zach Redding. Set to compete as No. 19 in the 133-pound division, the Iowa State transfer has cut weight throughout his collegiate career, wrestling in the 149-pound class as recently as two seasons ago. However, Redding’s best success came at 133, when he qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and 2023.
Redshirt junior Jackson Arrington is back and ready to star for NC State. Ranked No. 6 in the preseason, Arrington is set to be a dominant force in the 157-pound class. Qualifying for the NCAA Tournament during his freshman and sophomore seasons, Arrington’s talent has been on display for years, most notably when he won the 2024 ACC title for the 149-pound class. Arrington returns to the mat bigger, stronger and more experienced than ever and should be considered the favorite to win the ACC in his weight class.
One more name to know is No. 13 redshirt sophomore Koy Buesgens. Taking over at the 149-pound class while Arrington redshirted, Buesgens burst onto the scene as a rising star. Qualifying for his first NCAA Tournament appearance last season, Buesgens is looking to build off last season and compete for an ACC title. Now the highest-ranked ACC wrestler in his division, Buesgens is well on his way to being the next breakout wrestler for the Wolfpack.
As a team, NC State enters the season ranked No. 7 in the nation. The Pack’s main ACC competition will once again be No. 10 Virginia Tech, which won the conference title at last year’s ACC Tournament. The Wolfpack and the Hokies have had several memorable battles in recent history and the series will continue in Raleigh this season.
The Wolfpack’s other marquee matchup will be against No. 23 North Carolina. Also taking place in Reynolds Coliseum, the rivalry match will almost certainly be hotly contested after last year’s instant classic battle that ended in a comeback victory for NC State — the Wolfpack’s 12th-consecutive victory in the series. The streak is by far the longest for either side in the series, marking an impressive accomplishment for the Wolfpack and a sign of Popolizio’s consistency.
Out of conference, NC State will host No. 12 Cornell and visit No. 4 Ohio State in premier matchups. The Cornell matchup comes late in the season and allows the Wolfpack to challenge itself ahead of the postseason. Last season, the Pack bested Cornell 20-18 on the road. Meanwhile, the duel with the Buckeyes comes before ACC competition, giving the Pack an opportunity to learn what its weaknesses are so that it can improve before conference play begins.
The Pack will take the mat for its first dual meet this week on Saturday, Nov. 8, when Northern Colorado visits Reynolds Coliseum. The competition begins at 6 p.m. and streaming will be available via ACC Network Extra.
