The college dual-meet season runs from November to February, with teams meeting head-to-head across all ten weight classes.
The college dual-meet season runs from November to February. In a dual, two teams wrestle one bout at each of the ten weights, and team points are awarded based on how each bout is won: six for a fall, five for a technical fall, four for a major decision and three for a decision.
Duals determine conference regular-season titles and feed the rankings, and they are the format most fans see in person on campus.
Latest results
2025–26 dual meet season — November 2025 – February 2026.
2025–26 season markers
| Event | Date | Winner | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational | Dec 5–6, 2025 | Iowa State | 183.5 points, four champions |
| Southern Scuffle | Jan 3–4, 2026 | Penn State | 143.5 points, five champions |
| NWCA National Duals (Division I) | Jan 9–10, 2026 | Northern Iowa | def. South Dakota State 20-14 |
| Big Ten Championships | Mar 7–8, 2026 | Penn State | 184.0 points, seven champions |
| NCAA Championships | Mar 19–21, 2026 | Penn State | 181.5 points (record) |
History & key moments
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| November | Season opens |
| December–January | Early-season tournaments (CKLV, Southern Scuffle) and National Duals |
| February | Conference dual season concludes |
| March | Conference and NCAA Championships |
A fan's guide
The dual season is when fans can see their team in person most often, and the biggest Big Ten duals — Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska — draw large crowds and national TV audiences. Rankings shift weekly during the season.
Big Ten Network, ESPN networks and FloWrestling broadcast most top duals.
Our take
Dual meets are the most fan-friendly format in amateur wrestling — two hours, a running team score and a clear winner — and the big Big Ten duals regularly draw five-figure crowds. The sport's challenge is that duals do not decide the national champion; the NCAA tournament does.
We think a meaningful dual-meet national championship would give the regular season more weight.
What's next
The 2026–27 season begins in November 2026. Our schedule will list marquee duals as they are announced.
Latest coverage
Coverage of the next edition will appear here.
FAQ
How is a dual meet scored?
Fall, forfeit or disqualification: 6 points; technical fall: 5; major decision: 4; decision: 3.
When does the college wrestling season start?
In November.
Does the dual season decide the national champion?
No. The NCAA Championships in March decide the team title.