GUNNISON, Colo.  The NWCA has released its first preseason rankings of 2026, with three Mountaineers earning spots among the nation's top wrestlers in their respective weight classes. Devin Gomez, Vincent Cabral, and Hunter Richardson will look to carry that momentum into the upcoming season as Western Colorado prepares for another competitive year on the mat.

Leading the way for the Mountaineers is Devin Gomez, who comes in ranked fifth nationally at 125 pounds. After qualifying for the NCAA Championships last season, Gomez looks to build on a successful campaign in which he posted an impressive 23-9 overall record. With valuable postseason experience under his belt, Gomez will aim to take the next step in his career by competing for a regional title and making another run on the national stage.

At 157 pounds, Vincent Cabral enters the preseason rankings at No. 10 nationally. Cabral is coming off a strong season that saw him earn a fifth-place finish at the regional championships. With another year of experience and the opportunity to build on last season's performance, Cabral will look to climb the rankings and establish himself as one of the top wrestlers in his weight class.

Rounding out the trio is Hunter Richardson, who is ranked 11th nationally at 174 pounds. Richardson brings valuable experience to the Mountaineers lineup and will look to use that familiarity to his advantage throughout the season. As the competition
ramps up, Richardson will aim to make his mark in the 174-pound division and put himself in position for a successful postseason run.

With all three wrestlers earning recognition in the NWCA's first preseason rankings, Western Colorado has a strong group to build around heading into the 2026 season. Gomez, Cabral, and Richardson will look to turn their preseason recognition into success on the mat as they represent the Crimson and Slate and pursue their goals at the regional and national levels.