MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State wrestling begins its 2025-26 campaign with competition at the Pointer Open (Stevens Point, Wis., Shirley Egner Court at Berg Gym) on Saturday, November 1.
 
Jim Makovsky is in his 33^rd season as head coach. The Mavericks return an experienced group, including three wrestlers who competed at the NCAA Division II Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, in March.
 
Senior Drake Hayward (Neenah, Wis.) was an All-American, wrestling at 174 pounds. Hayward tied for the team lead with 32 wins last season. He finished third at the NCAA Super Region V Tournament, then went 6-1 at the NCAA Championships with wins in the consolation semifinals and finals to place third.
 
Sophomore Colton Hush (Woodville, Wis.) was named NSIC Rookie of the Year as a true freshman. Competing at 133 pounds, Hush finished 25-11 overall and placed third at the NCAA Super Region V Tournament. Hush went 2-2 at the NCAA Championships, including a 6-3 decision in the preliminary round over Pedro Vazquez (MSU Moorhead).
 
Senior Caleb Meunier (Winneconne, Wis.) competed at 157 pounds last season and finished as an All-American with a 32-9 overall record. Ranked No. 15 heading into the NCAA Region V Tournament, Meunier only fell to No. 1 ranked Joel Jesuroga by 7-3 decision in the final match, then finished fifth at the NCAA Championships, including a win over No. 8 John Ridle (Central Missouri).
 
This year's squad is made up of four seniors, six juniors, 13 sophomores, four redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen.
 
Meunier and Hayward led the Mavericks to first place finishes at the Pointer Open last fall. The Mavericks begin NSIC duals at Sioux Falls on Friday, December 5. St. Cloud State was projected as the top team in the 2025-26 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, followed by Augustana, Parkside, UMary and Minnesota State.