KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After the greatest season in program history, the Friends University Falcons men's wrestling team has been rated eighth in the NAIA Men's Wrestling Preseason Rating. The highest preseason rating in the program's history.

Grand View (Iowa) is ranked one, with Southern Oregon behind them with Southeastern (Fla.) and Life (Ga.) tied for third. Providence (Mont.) earned their spot in fifth and Oklahoma City sixth.

Men's wrestling brought eight national qualifiers to the NAIA Nationals in the 2025-26 campaign and came home with three All-Americans in their historic season.

The Falcons have reigning KCAC head coach of the year, Tyler Mies who is in his third season at the helm and is bringing back two of those All-Americans. Braydon Pacheco placed 4th at nationals at 125 lbs and earned KCAC conference wrestler of the year. Cayleb Atkins took 7th last year at 157 lbs and earned KCAC newcomer of the year. 

The Falcons will open the 2026-27 season on Oct. 31 at the Falcon Open in Park City, Kan. at Hartman Arena.