Nebraska wrestling enters this season as the nation’s No. 3 team, and the Huskers get started Sunday afternoon against No. 20 Wyoming.
The Huskers are coming off consecutive top-three finishes for the first time in program history. Nebraska finished second at the 2025 NCAA championships and third in 2026, and they also produced seven All-Americans last winter.
Head coach Mark Manning wants his program to build on that success.
“To raise the bar, you have to challenge guys to get out of their comfort zone, to think different, and develop your mind, your body, and your spirit within you,” Manning said. “Each of these guys have that, so we just constantly preach to our guys about challenging themselves to think on the next level. It’s not about winning. It’s about dominating.”
That domination begins with Nebraska’s returners, and its leadership. Seniors Jacob Van Dee and Antrell Taylor are back, along with juniors Camden McDanel and Christopher Minto. The Huskers have added 10 freshmen for 2026-27.
“Those guys lead by example, and our 10 freshmen that we signed last year are the beneficiaries of their effort each and every day,” Manning said. “So, it’s really great. We’re big on development, getting guys to make jumps, and those guys show these guys the way to go.”
Along with those 10 freshmen, Nebraska also dipped into the transfer portal. Seniors Lucas Cochran and Anthony Echemendia joined the program, along with juniors Vincent Robinson and Meyer Shapiro.
“They all have to work on different things,” Manning said of the newcomers. “They’re all different wrestlers, but as a competitor, and what they believe in, the principles that we stand for, that’s what they’re rock solid on. They’re great. They love how we do it, they love how we run practice, and how we interact with our guys.”
Antrell Taylor is entering his senior season with the Nebraska wrestling program, and he wants to soak up every moment.
“I want to just show everybody what I’m made of for another year.”
@emilykeating81 has more ⤵️ https://t.co/qtPjmep35e— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) November 7, 2026
While Nebraska has added some newcomers to the fold, the Huskers are also dealing with some injuries heading into the season.
Manning said Cochran is ready to compete after undergoing knee surgery, but sophomore LJ Araujo is still recovering from hand surgery and will miss a few weeks. Manning expects Nolan Fellers and Nikolas Rotella to take over the 165-pound weight class in Araujo’s absence.
“Those guys are young freshmen, but they’re doing a really good job,” Manning said. “Nolan Fellers really stepped up. He’s a competitor, he’s really tough.”
Nebraska will also have to fill the 141-class. With Brock Hardy graduating, the Huskers have an opening with several contenders. Freshmen Jake Hockaday and Lincoln Sledzianowski, and sophomore Omar Ayoub are all in the running.
“It’s nice to be able to say we’re really deep at that weight, but we need it, because guys have had different hand injuries, knee injuries,” Manning said.
Sunday’s dual between No. 3 Nebraska and No. 20 Wyoming is set for 3 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. It will also be televised on Big Ten Plus.
“Wyoming’s got a great team,” Manning said. “I’m sure they’re coming in thinking ‘hey, we can beat these guys,’ so we have to be at our best.”
