How Many D1 Wrestling Teams Are There?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling When it comes to collegiate wrestling, the Division 1 level is the pinnacle of competition. With fierce rivalries, intense matches, and top-notch athletes, D1 wrestling is a thrilling sport to watch and be a part of. But have you ever wondered just how many D1 wrestling teams there are? The Number of D1 Wrestling Teams Currently, there are 79 Division 1 wrestling teams in the United States. These teams compete in various conferences and regions across the country, each vying for conference titles and national championships. The Power Five Conferences Among these 79 teams, some belong to the prestigious Power Five conferences. These conferences are known for their strong athletic programs and competitive wrestling teams. Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference has a rich history in wrestling and currently boasts 14 member schools. Teams like Penn State, Ohio State, Iowa, and Michigan are perennial contenders for national titles. Southeastern Conference (SEC): While better known for football and basketball, the SEC also has a few schools with Division 1 wrestling programs. The University of Missouri is a notable member of this conference. Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12): The Pac-12 Conference consists of schools primarily located on the West Coast. Stanford University is one of the prominent members with a strong wrestling tradition. Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC): While not traditionally known for its wrestling programs, the ACC has seen recent growth in this sport. Schools like North Carolina State and Virginia Tech have made significant strides on the national stage. Big 12 Conference: The Big 12 Conference is home to some of the most successful wrestling programs in the country. Schools like Oklahoma State and Iowa State have a long history of producing elite wrestlers. The Rest of the Conferences In addition to the Power Five conferences, there are several other conferences that field Division 1 wrestling teams. Mid-American Conference (MAC): The MAC is known for its strong wrestling programs, including schools like Missouri, Northern Illinois, and Central Michigan. Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA): This historic conference features Ivy League schools like Cornell and Ivy League affiliates like Army West Point and Navy. Southern Conference (SoCon): Schools from the Southern states make up this conference, with programs like Appalachian State and Campbell University. Patriot League: Consisting of schools with strong academic reputations, the Patriot League includes programs such as Lehigh University and American University. Big South Conference: This conference has a mix of schools from various states, including teams like Gardner-Webb University and Campbell University. In addition to these conferences, there are also independent D1 wrestling teams that do not belong to any particular conference. These teams often schedule matches against other independents or join tournaments hosted by conference-affiliated schools. The Growth of D1 Wrestling Teams The number of Division 1 wrestling teams has fluctuated over the years. Some programs have been added or dropped due to factors such as budget constraints or realignment within conferences. However, overall, the sport has seen growth in recent years. As wrestling continues to gain popularity and recognition, more colleges and universities are investing in their wrestling programs. This has led to the creation of new teams and the elevation of some Division 2 or Division 3 programs to the Division 1 level. Conclusion With 79 Division 1 wrestling teams spread across various conferences, there is no shortage of exciting matchups and fierce competition at this level. Whether you’re a fan of a Power Five school or a supporter of an underdog program, the world of D1 wrestling offers something for everyone. So buckle up and get ready to witness the intensity and passion that D1 wrestling brings to the mat!
