Clarksville, Ark. – Nathan Rankin has been named the head wrestling coach after holding the interim role since April, it was announced by the athletic department today.
    
Rankin was the head assistant coach for two seasons prior to his interim position. As the assistant, Rankin helped the program to a pair of conference championships while guiding two wrestlers to the NCAA III National Championship Tournament.
     
"We are excited to have Nathan lead the men's wrestling program," said Athletic Director Dr. Sergio Molina. "The wrestling program has produced a high standard of success on and off the mat, and I believe Nathan will carry that forward. He understands the program and understands the university's mission. As an All-American and national qualifier, he knows what it takes to be successful. His passion for Ozarks and the wrestling program are contagious. I believe his work ethic and dedication will translate into even more growth and accomplishments for the program." 

During his time as an assistant, the Eagles finished with an NCAA III top-25 ranking and the program earned its first team academic award from the NWCA. He was also part of the 2025 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coaching Staff of the Year.

"I'm incredibly excited and honored to take over as the head coach," said Rankin. "This opportunity means the world to me. I still remember stepping on campus for the first time as a high school student eight years ago and immediately falling in love with this place. There's something special about Ozarks – and my goal is to bring in student-athletes who see that same beauty, and who are ready to grow as students, wrestlers, and people."

During his stint as the head assistant coach, 11 of his wrestlers were conference champions and seven wrestlers earned scholar All-American.      

"We've seen tremendous growth within the program having multiple national qualifiers and winning back-to-back SLIAC championships while claiming seven of the ten weight classes at those championships," said Rankin. "Capping off the season was our top-25 dual team national ranking. Now, it's time to build on that momentum. I believe in the guys in our room. I believe in the direction we're headed. And I'm fired up to lead this program toward new heights – with a national champion on the horizon."

A native of Plano, Texas, Rankin proved to be one of the top student-athletes the athletic department has ever produced. He earned All-American wrestling honors in 2020 and finished his career as a two-time Academic All-American and two-time national qualifier. During his wrestling career, he was ranked No. 1 among NCAA III wrestlers in the 125-pound weight class and posted over 100 career wins.

He graduated from Ozarks with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2023.