Raiders Picked Eighth in GPAC Men’s Wrestling Poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern men's wrestling team has been picked eighth in the 2026-27 GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced today.

Among returners from last year's team, Johnny Burnette led the way with 19 wins last year and scored 171 match points. Ethan Skoglund was also among team leaders with 13 wins and 155 match points. Burnette led the team with eight wins by fall, while Skoglund, Jaxson Hildebrand, and Logan Ash each had six pins.

Doane led the poll with 199 points after winning the GPAC title last season. The Tigers were followed by Morningside, Briar Cliff, and Dakota Wesleyan. A vote from the league's head coaches determined the results. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Doane – 199 pts.
2. Morningside – 159 pts.
3. Briar Cliff – 129 pts.
4. Dakota Wesleyan – 111 pts.
5. Hastings – 76 pts.
6. Waldorf – 64 pts.
7. Concordia – 60 pts.
8. Northwestern – 56 pts.
9. Midland – 36 pts.

The Raiders will open the season on October 31 at the Pepsi Patriot Open in Corbin, Kentucky.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

Logan Ash: 285; 6' 0"; Senior

Johnny Burnette: 141; 5' 7"; Senior

Jaxson Hildebrand: 285; 6' 1"; Junior

Ethan Skoglund: 133; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

Logan Ash
: 6' 0"; Senior
: 285

Johnny Burnette
: 5' 7"; Senior
: 141

Jaxson Hildebrand
: 6' 1"; Junior
: 285

Ethan Skoglund
: 5' 8"; Junior
: 133