No division in college wrestling has seen more turnover at the top in recent years than Division II. Three different schools have won titles in the past three seasons and the top-four team trophies have been split between perennial powers and upstarts that are quickly establishing themselves as title contenders. 

Here’s a look at what to watch this season:

Team To Beat

Central Oklahoma ran away with the national title in March, finishing 43 points ahead of second-place Lander, and the Bronchos are in pursuit of a repeat in 2024. 

Coach Todd Steidley’s roster includes five returning All-Americans, led by two-time national champion Dalton Abney (197) and reigning heavyweight champ Shawn Streck. 

Abney is a three-time national finalist with a 76-6 career record. He’ll anchor the lineup until Streck returns in the second semester. 

Additionally, the Bronchos return All-Americans Dylan Lucas (141), Gabe Johnson (157), and Anthony DesVigne at 184 pounds. 

“No one has won it this year and we don’t have anything to defend,” Steidley said. “We’re moving forward with that mindset and trying to be prepared for March.”

Top Contenders

Lander, West Liberty and St. Cloud State figure to be in the title chase in March. 

In its fourth season of competition, Lander surged to a runner-up finish. There’s no more flying under the radar for the Bearcats, especially with a roster that includes 2022 national champion Zeth Brower (141) and returning All-Americans James Joplin (125), Elijah Lusk (133), David Hunsberger (165) and Juan Edmond-Holmes (285). 

“We know we are going to get everybody’s best shot every time they compete against someone in a Lander singlet,” Lander coach R.C. LaHaye said. “We are using that as motivation to do all of the little things right so when they start shootin’ we’re ready.” 

Coach Danny Irwin has had the West Liberty Hilltoppers on the doorstep to a title in recent years. They finished fourth in 2021, third in 2022 and sixth this past season. The Hilltoppers hope this is the year they put all the pieces together and take home a title. 

West Liberty is led by returning 184-pound national champion Ty McGeary. He’ll be joined by returning All-Americans Vincent Scollo (133) and Alec Cook (165). West Liberty also has high expectations for returning national qualifiers Jamar Williams (157) and Francesco Borsellino (285). 

Perennial contender St. Cloud State expects to be in the title race once again in 2024. The Huskies are coming off a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships — eighth straight top-four finish at the national tournament. 

Coach Steve Constanzo’s team is led by returning champion Nick Novak at 157 pounds.

“He’s one of those guys that doesn’t stop wrestling until the final whistle,” Costanzo said. “He’s on pace to be one of the greatest wrestlers we’ve ever had at St. Cloud State, and we’ve had some really good ones.” 

Novak anchors a lineup that also features All-Americans Anthony Herrera (165) and Dominic Murphy (197) and potential podium contenders Caleb Meekins (133), Alyeus Craig (141), and Colby Njos (149). 

Top Returning Stars 

The D2 landscape is loaded with stars this season. Seven of last year's national champions are back. 

Abney is a three-time finalist and two-time champ at 197. 

Gavin Quiocho became Glenville State’s first national champion in March when he won the 133-pound title. After a 38-5 sophomore season, he kicked off this year by downing All-American Devin Flannery of Millersville at the Glenville Invite. 

Tiffin’s Zack Donathan pinned his way to the NCAA finals last season before capturing the 141-pound title. 

Novak (27-0) and Streck were the lone unbeatens in D2 wrestling last year. Streck allowed just two offensive points all season. 

Upper Iowa’s Chase Luensman (165) and West Liberty’s Ty McGeary (184) return after taking home titles last in March.

Top Newcomers 

Central Oklahoma picked up a pair of four-time Oklahoma state high school champions who transferred from Division I programs in Caleb Tanner (133) and Zane Coleman (174). Tanner started his career at Oklahoma, while Coleman transferred from Arizona State. 

St. Cloud State added Iowa State transfer Conor Knopick, who was a top 50 recruit out of Millard South High School in Omaha. 

Other News, Notes And Nuggets 

Seven All-Americans return at 197 pounds, including the top six placewinners from last season. … Nine of the 10 national champions last season were underclassmen. Two have elected not to compete this year — at least to the start of the season. Brendon Garcia and Josiah Rider won the 125- and 149-pound titles for Adams State in March, but neither is on the Grizzlies’ roster this season. … Three programs are in the process of transitioning to the Division II level — Thomas More University, Emory and Henry University and Allen University.