MANHEIM, Pa. – The Augustana wrestling team will start the year ranked tied for 14th in the Top 25 of the NWCA Preseason Division II Poll, announced by the NWCA on Thursday afternoon. Augustana has three total wrestlers individually-ranked with Max Ramberg, Cael Larson and Payton Handevidt all finding their names in the top 15 of their respective weight classes.
 
The Vikings totaled 29.5 points in the poll and are one of five NSIC teams in the top 25. Nebraska-Kearney—the defending 2025 NCAA Division II National Champions—leads the preseason poll with 73 points. Lander, Pitt-Johnstown, and Tiffin takes 2 through 4 while Grand Valley State and UW-Parkside are tied for fifth.
 
Ramberg, a senior from Baldwin, Wis., looks toward a National Championship while opening the season ranked No. 2 at 197 pounds. The U23 Greco-Roman National Champion has earned All-America honors in each of the last two seasons. As a junior, he won 34 matches and broke the program record with 13 tech falls. 
 
Defending National Champion at 149 pounds and NSIC Preseason Wrestler of the Year Cael Larson ranks third in his debut at 157 pounds to start the 2025-26 campaign. The senior and two-time NCAA Qualifier went 22-5 a season ago, including 13 consecutive victories to end the season at the top of the podium. 
 
At 165 pounds, junior Handevidt ranks 15th following a fifth-place Super Region V finish last season. He went 21-14 on the season and 9-8 in duals, winning his final three dual matches before going 4-2 in the regional.
  
Augustana wrestling will begin its season at the DWU Open in Mitchell, S.D., on Saturday, November 8.