BURNSVILLE, MN - After becoming an NCAA champion as a freshman, Jacob Strausbaugh was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Wrestler of the Year. The Marauders are projected to finish fifth in the 2026-27 NSIC Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Strausbaugh won gold at 133 pounds in the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Strausbaugh entered the NCAA tournament as the seventh seed and defeated Grand Valley State's Jake Keller by a tech fall (18-0). He followed up by taking down Gannon's #2 Jeremiah Echevarria by a 5-0 decision.

Strausbaugh then pinned Central Oklahoma's #3 Jason Henschel after 3:45 of action in the semifinals. The freshman from Soldotna, AK, would claim gold by defeating Lander's #5 James Joplin by a 5-3 decision.

"Jacob is a fierce competitor, a deep thinker, and someone who genuinely cares about his teammates. He marches to the beat of his own drum and isn't afraid to be himself or speak his mind," head coach Adam Aho said. "He's constantly looking for ways to improve, and his ability to learn, adjust, and grow is a big reason for his success."

UMary has four All-Americans returning to its roster: Strausbaugh, Sean Solis, Kaden Renner, and Lane Ewing. Solis is a two-time All-American after finishing third in 2024 and fourth in 2025. Ewing finished third last season at Nationals to earn All-American status. Renner became an All-American at 157 pounds in 2024 when he took seventh at Nationals.

"What excites me most about this year's team is the experience, leadership, and competitive drive we have throughout our room. Our scholar-athletes have invested a great deal into this program and are committed to pushing one another to improve as they pursue excellence in all facets of their lives. I'm excited to see their growth and commitment to the process translate onto the mat throughout the season," Aho said.

Aho enters his 14^th season at the helm of the UMary wrestling program for the 2026-27 season. He has coached 18 All-Americans and two national champions over his tenure. Braydon Huber, a two-time NCAA All-American, returns for his third season as assistant coach. Huber has coached a national champion in each of his first two seasons as an assistant.

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