King men’s wrestling 2026-27 season preview

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The 2026-27 Conference Carolinas men's wrestling season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, and King University's men's wrestling team is poised to make a statement. According to the recently released Conference Carolinas preseason poll, King was picked sixth out of 15 programs, earning 149 points in a vote by league head coaches.

Preseason poll highlights

Lander University secured the top spot in the poll, gathering 10 out of 15 first-place votes and a total of 191 points. UNC Pembroke and Newberry College tied for second with 164 points, while Montevallo (156 points) and Belmont Abbey (152 points) rounded out the top five. King University's sixth-place ranking places the Tornado ahead of several strong programs, including Mount Olive, Emmanuel, Ferrum and Shorter.

The full poll ranking:

1. Lander (191 points, 10 first-place votes)
2. UNC Pembroke (164 points, 1 first-place vote)
3. Newberry (164 points, 4 first-place votes)
4. Montevallo (156 points)
5. Belmont Abbey (152 points)
6. King (149 points)
7. Mount Olive (115 points)
8. Emmanuel (96 points)
9. Ferrum (82 points)
10. Shorter (80 points)
11. Coker (73 points)
12. Allen (53 points)
13. Bluefield State (45 points)
14. Emory & Henry (28 points)
15. Lincoln Memorial (27 points)

The poll is determined by the league's head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own teams.

Wrestlers to watch: King University

King's lineup features a talented mix of experience and potential. This season, three standouts have been named as key wrestlers to watch:

• Adan Estrada, Jr. (141 lbs, Zillah, Washington)
• Ashtan Hendricks, Sr. (149 lbs, Jamestown, Ohio)
• Luke Justice, Sr. (197 lbs, Thompsons Station, Tennessee)

These wrestlers are expected to anchor the Tornado lineup and provide leadership both on and off the mat as King looks to improve on last year's performance.

The road ahead

With Lander University entering as the preseason favorite and several perennial powers in the mix, the Conference Carolinas men's wrestling season promises plenty of action and storylines. King's placement in the upper half of the poll reflects both respect for the program and an opportunity to surprise some of the league's top contenders.

Fans can look forward to a competitive schedule and the continued development of King's talented roster. As the season unfolds, the Tornado will aim to climb the standings and make their mark in Conference Carolinas wrestling.