TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University wrestling is tied for fourth in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association preseason rankings as the RiverHawks prepare for their inaugural season in 2026-27.

NSU received 16 points in the preseason poll, tying Fort Hays State for fourth place in the seven-team conference. Nebraska-Kearney claimed the top spot with 36 points and six first-place votes, while Central Oklahoma ranked second with 31 points and one first-place vote. Central Missouri placed third with 26 points.

Ouachita ranked sixth with 13 points, followed by Newman in seventh with nine points.

The RiverHawks' addition expands the MIAA to seven wrestling programs. Northeastern State is the conference's first wrestling addition since Ouachita joined as an associate member in June 2023.

NSU will officially open its inaugural season Nov. 1 against Oklahoma in Norman.

2026-27 MIAA Wrestling Preseason Rankings
1. Nebraska-Kearney — 36 points (six first-place votes)
2. Central Oklahoma — 31 points (one first-place vote)
3. Central Missouri — 26 points
T4. Fort Hays State — 16 points
T4. Northeastern State — 16 points
6. Ouachita — 13 points
7. Newman — 9 points