Iowa's Ben Kueter Ranked No. 2 Heavyweight as NCAA Preseason Wrestling Rankings Drop

The 2026-27 NCAA Division I men's wrestling preseason rankings are out, and they bring big news for Iowa wrestling fans. The rankings, released by InterMat, offer an early look at the season ahead and spotlight several Hawkeyes and Iowa natives poised for standout campaigns.

Most notably, Iowa's Ben Kueter, a former Iowa high school football and wrestling star from Iowa City, checks in at No. 2 in the heavyweight division. The rankings also place Hawkeye transfer Ryan Crookham at No. 5 in a loaded 133-pound weight class, and Angelo Ferrari is positioned as a key contender at 184 pounds.

What do the preseason rankings mean for Iowa wrestling?

For Iowa fans, the preseason rankings signal both promise and questions. The Hawkeyes are coming off a season where they maintained an impressive streak: at least one Iowa wrestler has competed in an NCAA final in each of the last 35 championships. Angelo Ferrari, a Texas native now wrestling for Iowa, is seen as one of the team's best hopes to extend that streak at 184 pounds.

Kueter's No. 2 ranking at heavyweight is a significant storyline. The Iowa City native has been a dual-sport athlete, balancing wrestling with football, and his highest career NCAA placement so far is fifth. With several top heavyweights from last season having exhausted their eligibility, Kueter enters the year as one of the favorites to contend for a national title.

Who are the top-ranked wrestlers in the 2026-27 preseason poll?

The rankings are led by Penn State, the reigning team champions, who set a record for most team points at last year's NCAA Championship. The Nittany Lions return much of their lineup and have added another strong recruiting class. Penn State is projected to win their 13th NCAA title under head coach Cael Sanderson.

However, Oklahoma State, led by head coach David Taylor, is close behind. The Cowboys are projected just 25.5 points behind Penn State in the preseason team race, setting up what could be a dramatic showdown in March.

How are Iowa wrestlers ranked across the weight classes?

Several wrestlers with Iowa ties feature prominently in the rankings:

• 125 pounds: Luke Lilledahl of Penn State, the reigning NCAA champion, is No. 1.
• 133 pounds: Ryan Crookham, who transferred to Iowa, is ranked No. 5 in one of the most anticipated weight classes in college wrestling.
• 184 pounds: Angelo Ferrari is positioned as a top contender for Iowa.
• 285 pounds: Ben Kueter is No. 2, with only Konnor Doucet of Oklahoma State ahead of him.

What challenges do the Hawkeyes face this season?

The Hawkeyes will need to navigate a tough schedule and a competitive Big Ten conference. At 184 pounds, Ferrari will face stiff competition from Minnesota's Max McEnelly, the No. 1 ranked wrestler, and two-time finalist Rocco Welsh of Ohio State. McEnelly recently defeated former Penn State star Bo Nickal in an exhibition match, adding to his growing reputation.

At 133 pounds, Crookham joins a weight class that includes Jax Forrest, Ben Davino, Aaron Seidel, and Marcus Blaze. All four are legitimate title contenders, making this one of the deepest divisions in recent memory.

How does the team race look for Iowa?

While Penn State and Oklahoma State are the clear frontrunners in the team race, Iowa will look to build on its tradition of producing NCAA finalists. The Hawkeyes have a strong core of returning wrestlers and some promising newcomers, but they will need several wrestlers to exceed their preseason rankings to compete for a team trophy.

Preseason rankings are always subject to change, as wrestlers can move between weight classes and injuries can alter lineups. But for Iowa fans, the early outlook offers reasons for optimism, particularly at heavyweight and in the middle weights.

When does the college wrestling season begin?

The college wrestling season typically begins in November, with countable matches starting in the coming months. The NCAA Championships are scheduled for March, where all rankings will be put to the test.

For now, the preseason rankings provide a starting point for discussion and speculation. As one wrestling analyst put it, the rankings are written in erasable ink, and much can change between now and March.

Iowa wrestling fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds, hoping that Kueter, Crookham, Ferrari, and the rest of the Hawkeyes can rise to the occasion when it matters most.