The NWCA National Duals bring top college teams together in dual-meet format, run by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
The NWCA National Duals, run by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, are a dual-meet championship in which teams wrestle head-to-head across all ten weights. Since the 2020s the event has become multi-divisional, crowning champions in NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and women's wrestling in one weekend.
The 2026 edition was held at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with 261 duals contested.
Latest results
2026 NWCA/USMC National Duals — January 9–10, 2026, UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Champions by division
| Division | Champion | Runner-up | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I Men | Northern Iowa | South Dakota State | 20-14 |
| NCAA Division II Men | Central Oklahoma | Nebraska-Kearney | 22-12 |
| NCAA Division III Men | Roanoke College | Wartburg | 19-16 |
| NCAA Women | North Central College | McKendree University | 21-18 |
| NCAA Division III Women | Wartburg | Simpson | 31-13 |
| NAIA Men | Grand View | Life University | 37-7 |
| NAIA Women | Life University | University of Providence | 32-11 |
History & key moments
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| Earlier editions | Primarily a Division I team event |
| 2026 | UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls: seven division champions; Northern Iowa wins Division I |
A fan's guide
The National Duals are a dual-meet tournament, so every bout contributes to a team score in real time. That makes them more like a team sport than the NCAA tournament and a good event for fans who enjoy dual-meet strategy, such as coaches choosing which wrestler to send out at each weight.
In 2026 the event crowned champions across seven divisions, including women's wrestling, which has grown rapidly at the college level.
Our take
The National Duals now serve a different purpose from the NCAA Championships: they give dual-meet titles to programs that rarely get a national stage. That is a valuable role, especially for women's and small-college wrestling, where the event has become a highlight of the season.
We would still like to see a true Division I national dual championship that the very top programs commit to.
What's next
The 2027 NWCA National Duals are expected in January.
Latest coverage
Coverage of the next edition will appear here.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 NWCA National Duals?
Northern Iowa won Division I; seven divisions crowned champions.
Where were the 2026 National Duals held?
The UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
What is a dual meet?
A team competition in which two schools wrestle one bout at each of the ten weights.