WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University wrestling team saw several student-athletes recognized among the nation's best as the final Open Mat NCAA Division II rankings were released following the 2026 season.
Fresh off an 11th-place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships, the Hilltoppers placed six wrestlers in the final national rankings, highlighting the depth and success of the program throughout the year.
That success began with a strong postseason push, as six Hilltoppers qualified for the 2026 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, held at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. West Liberty turned in an impressive showing at NCAA Super Regional III, crowning three champions and finishing fourth as a team to secure its national qualifiers.
Khyvon Grace (141), Nico Taddy (157), and Oliver Byerly (184) each claimed regional titles, while Logan Davis (125), James Armstrong Jr. (133), and Parker Bentley (285) earned runner-up finishes to punch their tickets to nationals.
At the national tournament, the Hilltoppers battled against the nation's top competition, with all three of West Liberty's All-Americans finishing on the podium and helping lead the team to an 11th-place finish.
Individually, West Liberty was well represented in the final national rankings.
At 141 pounds, Khyvon Grace capped his standout senior season ranked No. 2 in the nation. A three-time All-American and two-time national finalist, Grace posted a 28-6 record and was a consistent force from start to finish.
At 157 pounds, Nico Taddy earned a No. 6 national ranking after compiling a 33-9 record and securing All-America honors.
At 125 pounds, Logan Davis finished the year ranked No. 3 in the country following a 19-7 campaign that included a third-place finish at nationals.
At 133 pounds, James Armstrong Jr. was ranked No. 17 nationally after going 18-11 while competing in one of the nation's deepest weight classes.
At 184 pounds, Oliver Byerly checked in at No. 14 in the nation, putting together an impressive 12-3 season against a challenging schedule.
Rounding out the ranked Hilltoppers, Parker Bentley earned a No. 16 national ranking at heavyweight after finishing with a 23-12 record.
As a team, West Liberty placed No. 11 in the final Open Mat tournament rankings and finished No. 20 in the dual rankings with an 11-6 record on the season.
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.
