MANHEIM, Pa. - Jaxson Rohman opens the 2023-24 season as the top-ranked wrestler at 125 pounds, while the Augustana wrestling team opens the season ranked in a tie for 15th in the Top-25 of the NWCA Preseason Division II poll. In total, Augustana has three individually-ranked wrestlers in Rohman, Hunter Burnett, and Cade Mueller.

The Vikings totaled 28 points in the poll and are one of five NSIC teams in the top 25. 2022-23 NCAA Division II runner-up, Lander, leads the preseason poll receiving 82 points. Rounding out the top five is West Liberty, Central Oklahoma, St. Cloud State, and then a tie between McKendree and Upper Iowa.

Rohman, a junior from Trimont, Minn., has his eyes on a National Championship after finishing last season as a runner-up at 125 pounds. The AU Preseason Wrestler to Watch, Rohman earned DII All-American honors after closing last season with an 18-6 record overall and 13-4 record in duals. 

Senior Hunter Burnett enters the 2023-24 campaign ranked ninth at 141 pounds. Burnett, a returning NCAA qualifier, placed second at the NCAA Super Region V Championships last year after going 4-4 overall and 2-0 in duals.

At 184 pounds, junior Cade Mueller is ranked in the ninth spot. Mueller, a 2022-23 national qualifier, finished third at the NCAA Super Region V tournament and held an overall record of 16-7, including 11-3 in duals last season.

The Vikings begin their season at the Yellow Jacket Open in Rochester, Minn., on November 4.