SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Conference Carolinas finished the 2026 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships with eight All-Americans and two finalists. Lander University’s David Hunsberger led the group, winning his third straight national title.

Lander’s James Joplin and Hunsberger both wrestled in the championship matches at 133 and 165 pounds, respectively. Hunsberger won his third straight crown, defeating Trenton Munoz of Nebraska-Kearney 9-4. Joplin fell 5-3 in his title bout to finish runner-up.

Elijah Lusk (141 pounds), Maxwell Kiel (174 pounds), and Marvelous Rutledge (197 pounds), also of Lander all earned All-American honors. James Bankston (285 pounds) of UNC Pembroke, Brent Nicolosi (157 pounds) of the University of Mount Olive and Brennan Watkins (149 pounds) of King University also garnered All-American recognition.

Lander finished fifth to lead the Conference Carolinas contingent.

FINAL RESULTS

2026 Division II Men’s Wrestling Championship Results
125 Pounds – Cole Hunt, Montevallo (0-2); Ricky Springs, Newberry (1-2); Cooper Davis, UNC Pembroke (1-2)
133 Pounds – James Joplin, Lander (2nd, 3-1); Elijah Carrington, Belmont Abbey (0-2); Logan Robinson, UNC Pembroke (2-2)
141 Pounds – Elijah Lusk, Lander (6th, 2-3); Luke Kunath, Belmont Abbey (2-2); Brayden Gibson, Shorter (0-2)
149 Pounds – Brennan Watkins, King (8th, 2-3); Skyler Caban, Belmont Abbey (1-2); Isham Peace, Lander
157 Pounds – Brent Nicolosi, Mount Olive (8th, 2-3); Reid Noble, Lander (1-2); Carson Freeman, Montevallo
165 Pounds – David Hunsberger, Lander (1st, 4-0); Bo Perkins, Newberry (1-2); Jakob Chisolm, Montevallo (0-2)
174 Pounds – Maxwell Kiel, Lander (5th, 3-2); Clint Morrisette, King (0-2); Christian Arrington, Belmont Abbey (0-2)
184 Pounds – Dylan Kohn, Lander (1-2); Kyler Pickard, Belmont Abbey (0-2); Jack MacKiernan, Mount Olive (0-2)
197 Pounds – Marvelous Rutledge, Lander (7th, 3-2); Caleb Moore, Belmont Abbey (1-2); David Bertrand, King (0-2)
285 Pounds – James Bankston, UNC Pembroke (6th, 3-3); Isaac Sheeren, Lander (0-2); Nathan Coley, King (0-2)