BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota State wrestling team has been selected second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Thursday. Junior Jacob Fitzpatrick was also recognized as Minnesota State's Wrestler to Watch heading into the 2026-27 season.
Wisconsin-Parkside was tabbed as the preseason favorite, collecting 93 points and five first-place votes. Minnesota State finished second with 89 points and two first-place votes. Defending NSIC champion St. Cloud State placed third with 82 points and two first-place votes, followed by Augustana in fourth with 75 points and the remaining two first-place votes. University of Mary standout and defending national champion Jacob Strausbaugh was named the NSIC Preseason Wrestler of the Year.
"What excites me most about this year's team is the leadership we have within the group and the chemistry they're developing,"Minnesota State head coach Brady Wilson said. "We have some really good leaders who understand that building a successful team is about more than what happens on the mat. They've done a great job bringing guys together, holding each other accountable and making sure everyone feels like they're part of what we're building.
"We have a lot of different personalities and a good mix of returning wrestlers, transfers and freshmen, but they've really started to come together as one group. You can see relationships developing, guys supporting each other and teammates genuinely wanting to see each other succeed."
Fitzpatrick enters the season ranked second in the NSIC preseason rankings at his weight class after posting a 28-12 record during the 2025-26 campaign. He earned Second Team All-NSIC honors and compiled a 9-1 conference record last season. As a freshman, Fitzpatrick finished 17-12 overall, including a 6-6 mark in dual competition and an 11-6 record in tournament action.
"Jake is a guy who really represents what we want our program to be about," Wilson said. "He's consistent, he works hard every day and he leads by the way he carries himself in and out of the wrestling room. Jake is a great teammate. He's dependable, coachable and always willing to do whatever he can to make the guys around him better.
"What stands out to me is his approach. He comes in ready to work, competes hard and doesn't need a lot of attention or recognition. He just goes about his business the right way. I think he's someone our younger guys can look to as an example, and I'm excited to see what he can accomplish this season."
The Mavericks also learned Thursday they are ranked sixth in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Preseason Top 25 Poll. Individually, juniors Colton Hush and Dominic Ducato are ranked No. 1 nationally in their respective weight classes at 133 and 141 pounds, while junior Cole Glazier is ranked third at 184 pounds.
Minnesota State enters the season with high expectations as it prepares to contend for conference and national honors during the 2026-27 campaign.
