KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Six-time defending MIAA wrestling champion Central Oklahoma is picked for a runner-up finish in 2026-27 according to the preseason coaches' poll released Friday morning. 
 
Nebraska-Kearney is the favorite after receiving six first-place votes and finishing with 36 points in balloting of the league's seven head coaches. The Bronchos earned the other first-place nod and is second with 31 points. 
 
Central Missouri came in third with 26 points, while Fort Hays State and MIAA newcomer Northeastern State both had 16. Ouachita Baptist (13) and Newman (nine) rounded out the poll. 

UCO went 6-0 in taking the conference crown last year and has won 31 consecutive conference matches dating back to 2019. 

The Bronchos, ranked No. 19 in the preseason Division II poll that came out Thursday, opens the dual season at home Nov. 8 against New Mexico Highlands. UCO's first MIAA dual is Dec. 3 at Newman. 

2026-27 MIAA Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Nebraska Kearney (6), 36 points 
2. Central Oklahoma (1), 31 
3. Central Missouri, 26
T4. Fort Hays State, 16
T4. Northeastern State, 16
6. Ouachita Baptist, 13
7. Newman, 9