WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University wrestling team will open the 2025–26 season right on the heels of the conference's defending champion, earning the No. 2 spot in the Mountain East Conference Preseason Poll released Wednesday afternoon by the league office.
The Hilltoppers collected three first-place votes and finished just two points behind two-time defending champion Glenville State, which received the other five first-place votes from the league's eight head coaches.
West Liberty continues to be one of the nation's top programs under head coach Danny Irwin, entering the year ranked No. 19 nationally in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Preseason Poll. The Hilltoppers also boast one of the country's deepest rosters, featuring six nationally ranked wrestlers — the most of any team in the MEC.
Among the headliners is Khyvon Grace, ranked No. 2 in the nation at 141 pounds after advancing to the NCAA Division II national championship match last season. Grace is a two-time All-American and returns as one of Division II's elite competitors.
The Hilltoppers also return 2025 MEC Freshman of the Year James Armstrong, Jr., who was one of four West Liberty wrestlers to qualify for nationals last season. Armstrong and Grace anchor a veteran lineup that continues to push the standard within one of the country's strongest Division II wrestling conferences.
"Our guys have been working relentlessly to build on what we accomplished last season," Irwin said. "We respect what Glenville has done at the top, but we're focused on our process — developing every day, wrestling our style, and competing for championships. The energy in our room right now is incredible."
Glenville State edged West Liberty for last year's MEC team title before going on to win the Super Region 3 Championship. The Hilltoppers were runners-up but led the MEC with six nationally ranked wrestlers in this year's preseason poll — evidence of their sustained presence among the sport's elite.
The MEC features another deep field in 2025–26, with Frostburg State tabbed third, Fairmont State and Wheeling tied for fourth, followed by Salem, Davis & Elkins, and first-year program Point Park rounding out the poll.
The 2025–26 wrestling season gets underway this weekend, with the Hilltoppers opening on the road Saturday in the Mount Union Invitational before returning home to host No.3 UPJ inside the ASRC Thursday. The 2026 MEC Championships are set for Jan. 31.
2025–26 MEC Preseason Wrestling Poll
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Glenville State (5) — 47
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West Liberty (3) — 45
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Frostburg State — 34
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Fairmont State — 29
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Wheeling — 29
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Salem — 20
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Davis & Elkins — 12
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Point Park — 8
(First-place votes in parentheses)
