NCAA wrestling is one of the most exciting and physically demanding college sports. With a season that builds toward the prestigious NCAA Wrestling Championships, this sport showcases elite technique, endurance, and strategy.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a lifelong fan, this guide will break down how NCAA wrestling works, including the rules, season structure, and top teams to watch in 2024-25.
How NCAA Wrestling Works: The Basics
Match Rules and Scoring
NCAA wrestling matches consist of three periods with a total match time of seven minutes:
First period (3 minutes) – Wrestlers start in a neutral position.
Second period (2 minutes) – The wrestler who wins a coin flip (or defers) chooses top, bottom, or neutral.
Third period (2 minutes) – The opponent chooses their starting position.
Wrestlers earn points based on moves and control:
- Takedown (2 points) – Bringing an opponent to the mat and controlling them.
- Escape (1 point) – Getting out of an opponent’s control and returning to neutral.
- Reversal (2 points) – Escaping and immediately gaining control.
- Near fall (2 or 4 points) – Holding an opponent’s back near the mat for a count of 2 or 4 seconds.
- Riding time (1 point) – If a wrestler controls their opponent for more than 1 minute, they earn an extra point.
- Penalty points – For stalling, illegal moves, or unnecessary roughness.
Weight Classes
There are 10 weight classes in NCAA wrestling:
- 125 lbs, 133 lbs, 141 lbs, 149 lbs, 157 lbs, 165 lbs, 174 lbs, 184 lbs, 197 lbs, and 285 lbs (heavyweight).
Each wrestler competes within their weight class, with teams earning points based on individual performances in dual meets and tournaments.
How the NCAA Wrestling Season Works
The NCAA wrestling season runs from November to March and includes several key stages:
Regular Season (November – February)
- Teams compete in dual meets, where wrestlers from each weight class face off.
- Tournaments like the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and Midlands Championships showcase top talent.
- Conference duals help determine seeding for the postseason.
Conference Championships (March)
- Each conference hosts a championship tournament (e.g., Big Ten, Big 12, ACC).
- Top finishers qualify for the NCAA Championships.
NCAA Wrestling Championships (March)
- The top 33 wrestlers in each weight class compete in a three-day tournament.
- The event follows a double-elimination format, meaning a wrestler must lose twice to be eliminated.
- The team with the most points across all weight classes wins the NCAA team title.
Top NCAA Wrestling Teams to Watch in 2024-25
Penn State Nittany Lions 🦁
- Head Coach: Cael Sanderson (one of the greatest NCAA wrestlers ever).
- Why They’re Dangerous: Penn State has dominated NCAA wrestling for over a decade, winning 11 of the last 13 national titles.
- Key Wrestlers: Returning NCAA champions and elite recruits make them the team to beat.
Iowa Hawkeyes 🐦
- Head Coach: Tom Brands, a fierce competitor with a championship pedigree.
- Why They’re Dangerous: Iowa is known for aggressive, high-paced wrestling.
- Key Wrestlers: Multiple All-Americans return, aiming for another Big Ten and NCAA title run.
Michigan Wolverines 〽️
- Why They’re Dangerous: Consistently producing All-American talent, Michigan is a threat in the Big Ten.
- Key Wrestlers: Expect strong performances from their middleweight wrestlers.
Missouri Tigers 🐯
- Why They’re Dangerous: Missouri dominates the Big 12 conference and always produces top-tier talent.
- Key Wrestlers: A mix of veterans and young stars looking to break into the top tier.
Arizona State Sun Devils ☀️
- Why They’re Dangerous: One of the top West Coast programs, regularly competing for top-5 finishes.
- Key Wrestlers: A strong recruiting class brings new energy to the team.
Sleeper Team: Cornell Big Red 🏆
- Why They’re Dangerous: Ivy League wrestling powerhouse with elite technical skills.
- Key Wrestlers: National contenders in several weight classes.
Strength on the Mat
NCAA wrestling is a thrilling sport that combines strength, endurance, and mental toughness. With a fast-paced season, fierce rivalries, and the intensity of March’s NCAA Championships, it’s an unforgettable journey for fans and athletes alike.
Whether you’re rooting for powerhouses like Penn State and Iowa or watching for rising stars, this season promises to be one of the best yet.
Learn more at: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/wrestling/d1
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!