CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Campbellsville University Men's Wrestling team will open the 2025-26 season ranked 5th in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Poll. The Tigers are poised for a championship run, building upon a 2024-25 season that saw them finish 11th at the NAIA National Championships, win the Mid-South Conference regular season crown, and post an undefeated record in home duals.

The team returns a formidable and decorated roster, highlighted by three returning NAIA All-Americans and an impressive 11 total wrestlers who have earned individual preseason rankings.

The Tigers are anchored by a core of experienced leaders, each with a proven track record of success on the national stage. Leading the charge is senior Shad Slone, the reigning 2024-25 MSC Men's Wrestler of the Year. Last season, Slone compiled a dominant 27-4 record and finished third at the NAIA Championships, with his only loss coming to the returning National Champion. "Shadrick is one of the most dominant wrestlers in all NAIA," said Head Coach Jacob Murton. "Shad placed 3rd at the NAIA championships, scoring bonus points in every match."

Two-time All-American Nik Yancey is one of the nation's most dynamic wrestlers. After placing third as a true freshman, Yancey returned to the podium last season at 149 lbs. "Nik is one of the most talented wrestlers in the country," Murton noted. "When he is on his attacks, he is unstoppable. We are excited to see him back on the mat."

Izaeah Beavers provides veteran leadership in the lower weights. "Izaeah is very gifted in the sport of wrestling," Murton said. "Izaeah has been putting in the work all summer. We are very excited to see him perform this season."

The Tigers also regain the services of Antwaun Burns, a 2024 All-American. "Antwaun had to take a medical redshirt last season after facing a season-ending injury in November," Murton explained. "Antwaun is back and healthy like he never skipped a beat. We are excited to see him back in action."

The team's #5 preseason ranking is supported by significant depth, with 11 wrestlers earning individual rankings in the NAIA Preseason Poll:

• Izaeah Beavers (4th, 133 lbs.)
• Wyatt Hinton (21st, 133 lbs.)
• Nick Moore (13th, 141 lbs.)
• Bryant Beane (20th, 141 lbs.)
• Nik Yancey (5th, 149 lbs.)
• Antwaun Burns (4th, 157 lbs.)
• Jasitin Kubwimana (6th, 165 lbs.)
• Jake Hurst (17th, 165 lbs.)
• Shad Slone (2nd, 174 lbs.)
• Brice Parks (6th, 184 lbs.)
• Joel Hatchett (25th, 197 lbs.)

An impressive recruiting class joins the veteran roster, bringing championship-level experience. The class includes multiple state champions and placers: Ashton Bosswell (Tennessee State Champion), Malachi Kapenga (Mississippi State Champion), Ethan Davis (Kentucky State Champion), Tristan Busch (Georgia State Champion), TJ Meyer (5x KY State Placer, 2x National High School Coaches Association All-American), Levi Collins (2x Ohio State Placer), Cameron Meier (Indiana State Placer), Jake Dowdy (Kentucky State Runner-Up), and Jeremy Ray (Kentucky State Placer).

Head Coach Jacob Murton emphasized the team's focus on refinement and high expectations for the year.

"We are excited to see what kind of adjustments this team was able to make in the off-season," Murton stated. "Every year is a redo. We took time to reflect on things we would like to see differently and went back through our notes to see what adjustments we wanted to make and have implemented them into this season's plan."

The team's goals are clear and ambitious, straight from the coaching staff:

• "Win both the Mid-South Conference Regular Season and Tournament titles."
• "Achieve a top-three team placement at National Duals and the NAIA Championships."
• "Crown Individual National Champions."
• "Secure a top-five team GPA."
• "Build Christ-like young men."

The program's commitment to excellence extends to the classroom. Last season, seven student-athletes were honored as NWCA/NAIA Scholar All-Americans, reinforcing the team's pursuit of the staff's goal for a top-five team GPA.

Campbellsville will face a challenging schedule to prepare for the postseason. The 2025-26 campaign kicks off on November 1st at the Pepsi Patriot Open in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The Tigers will then travel to major tournaments, including the Grand View Open (November 15th), NAIA National Duals (January 9th), and the Missouri Valley Invite (January 23rd).

Fans can first see the Tigers at home on Tuesday, January 27th, when they host Midway University at the Hord Family Wrestling Center. Following that matchup, Campbellsville will continue with home duals against MSC foes Cumberland University (January 28th) and its rival, Lindsey Wilson University (February 3rd).

The postseason begins with the MSC Tournament in Bowling Green on February 13th, culminating in the NAIA National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas, which starts on March 5th.

The Tigers have lofty expectations and aim to meet each of them, refusing to settle for less. As Assistant Coach Michael Diemer shares with the squad, "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done."