CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Wartburg College men's wrestling team has been selected as the preseason favorite to win its seventh-consecutive American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) championship, as announced by the league Tuesday.

The two-time defending NCAA Division III national champions earned 48 points and seven first-place votes in the preseason coaches' poll.

Head coach Eric Keller enters his 16th season leading the Knights after guiding Wartburg to its 17th national championship in program history during the 2026 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Knights produced seven NCAA All-Americans last season, including returning All-Americans Brett Birchman (125), Patrick Mullen (133), national champion Kade Blume (141) and Cal Dorota (197). Wartburg's seven All-Americans marked its highest total since 2022.

Wartburg has captured the A-R-C championship in each of the past six seasons, with Keller earning his 10th A-R-C Coach of the Year honor in 2025-26. The Knights enter the 2026-27 campaign riding a 50-match conference winning streak.

Wartburg opens the season at the Luther Open on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Decorah, Iowa.
 
A-R-C Men's Wrestling Preseason Poll
1. Wartburg College - 48 (7)
T-2. Central College - 39 (1)
T-2. Coe College - 39 (1)
4. Loras College - 34
5. University of Dubuque - 25
6. Simpson College - 18
7. Nebraska Wesleyan University - 11
8. Buena Vista University - 10