WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's wrestling team has been selected to finish second in the 2026-27 Mountain East Conference preseason poll, earning 43 points and one first-place vote in balloting conducted by the league's eight head coaches.
Glenville State was picked as the preseason favorite with 49 points and seven first-place votes. Fairmont State followed West Liberty in third with 34 points, just ahead of Frostburg State with 33.
The Hilltoppers enter the season looking to build on a successful 2025-26 campaign in which they captured the MEC Championship, marking the program's first conference tournament title since 2023. Head coach Danny Irwin was named MEC Co-Coach of the Year after leading West Liberty to three All-Americans and a national runner-up at the 2026 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The Hilltoppers finished 11th nationally.
West Liberty also earned national recognition in the 2026-27 NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Coaches Preseason Tournament Power Index, tying for 13th in the team rankings. Three Hilltoppers earned individual rankings: Logan Davis was ranked No. 2 at 125 pounds, Parker Bentley was fifth at 285 pounds and Oliver Byerly was ninth at 184 pounds.
West Liberty opens the 2026-27 campaign Nov. 7 with two events, competing at the Yorktown Throwdown and the Mount Union Invitational. The Yorktown Throwdown will offer a unique setting, with the wrestling mats set up aboard an aircraft carrier.
The Hilltoppers return home Nov. 14 to host Western Colorado in a historic dual scheduled for Kelly Theater on campus. Irwin credited campus collaboration for helping bring the event to life.
West Liberty's other featured home dates include Lake Erie on Nov. 20 for Alumni Night, the Hilltopper Duals on Dec. 20 and a Feb. 11 matchup against Fairmont State for Senior Night.
The postseason begins with the MEC Championship on Jan. 30, followed by the NCAA Division II Super Region III Tournament on Feb. 28. The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships are scheduled for March 12-13.
Since taking over the program in 2019, Irwin's teams have produced 21 All-Americans and six national champions while earning four MEC championships and three Super Region III titles.
2026-27 MEC Men's Wrestling Preseason Poll
| Rank |
School |
Points |
| 1 |
Glenville State (7 first-place votes) |
49 |
| 2 |
West Liberty (1) |
43 |
| 3 |
Fairmont State |
34 |
| 4 |
Frostburg State |
33 |
| 5 |
Wheeling |
25 |
| 6 |
Salem |
20 |
| T-7 |
Davis & Elkins |
10 |
| T-7 |
Point Park |
10 |
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at
westliberty.edu.
