Clarksville, Ark. – The University of the Ozarks wrestling team is picked to win their third straight St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) title, according to a poll of league coaches announced today. 
     
The Eagles are the heavy favorite under the direction of first-year head coach Nathan Rankin. The Eagles totaled 49 points in the poll voting, picking up seven first-place nods. The team brings back four conference champions: Shelton Chastain (125), Javin Douglas (133), Zander Payne (141) and Hayden Rofkahr (149). Reign Creech (125) and Clyde Adams (133) were runners-up last season while Ka'Ron Lewis, the 2024 285 champ, returns after sitting out last season. Included on the 2025-26 SLIAC's Watch List from Ozarks are Clyde Adams, Shelton Chastain, Javin Douglas, Ka'Ron Lewis and Hayden Rofkahr. The Eagles held a top-25 national ranking last season.

Last season, the Eagles put on the most dominating conference championship in league history scoring 137.5 points, with the second place team tallying 90. With the addition of Huntingdon College and McMurry University, a total of eight programs will compete for a SLIAC Championship at the end of the season held in Eureka, Illinois.

2025-2026 SLIAC Preseason Rankings:
1. University of the Ozarks
2. Eureka College 
3. Huntingdon College
4. Schreiner University 
5. McMurry University
6. Westminster College
7. Lyon College
8. Blackburn College 
     
The Eagles open the 2025-26 season against Carl Albert College November 7 in Poteau, Oklahoma.