Bristol, Tenn.- The biggest stage in NCAA Division II wrestling has arrived, and King University is sending one of the strongest, most battle-tested groups in program history. After a historic runner-up finish at the Super Regionals—featuring nine total podium finishers and a regional champion in Brennan Watkins—the Tornado now turn their attention to the 2026 NCAA DII Wrestling Championships, held March 13–14 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
With momentum, depth, and four national qualifiers capable of deep runs, King enters the championship weekend poised to make noise on the national level.
149 lbs – Brennan Watkins (Super Regional Champion)
Watkins enters Nationals with the confidence and firepower of a wrestler who dominated his regional bracket. He opened the tournament with a 15-0 tech fall in just 2:25, followed by a second-round pin in 5:00. His semifinal was a grueling three-overtime battle, where he prevailed 2-1 on riding time.
In the finals, Watkins delivered a composed and complete performance, winning 7-2 to claim the regional title. His ability to score early, control ties, and stay composed in long matches makes him a legitimate national title contender at 149 pounds.
174 lbs – Clint Morrisette (Super Regional Runner-Up)
Morrisette stormed through the regional bracket with bonus-point wins in every match leading up to the finals. A 21-5 tech fall, a 17-7 major decision, and a 12-2 major decision showcased his ability to overwhelm opponents with pressure and top-game dominance.
A narrow 4-2 loss in the finals does little to slow his momentum. Morrisette has proven he can score in bunches, and if he finds his rhythm early in the tournament, he has the tools to push deep into the championship rounds.
197 lbs – David Bertrand (Super Regional Runner-Up)
Bertrand's regional performance was defined by discipline and composure. He opened with a tech fall in 6:27, followed by an 8-2 decision. His semifinal win came in sudden victory, demonstrating his ability to stay poised in tight, high-stakes situations.
At Nationals, Bertrand's steady, physical style becomes his greatest weapon. In a weight class often decided by one position or one scramble, he has the steadiness to outlast opponents and the experience to capitalize when it matters most.
285 lbs – Nathan Coley (Super Regional Runner-Up)
Coley enters Nationals as one of the most improved heavyweights in the region. After a first-round bye, he secured an 8-1 decision and then a tense 1-0 semifinal victory sealed by a perfectly timed escape.
Coley thrives in low-scoring, tactical matches, and that style often translates well on the national stage. If he controls ties and maintains position, he has a real shot at climbing onto the podium.
Tournament Outlook
The 2026 NCAA DII Championships begin Friday, March 13, with preliminaries at 11 a.m. Eastern, followed by quarterfinals that evening. Semifinals and wrestle-backs take place Saturday morning, with the national finals set for Saturday night.
King's four qualifiers bring a balanced mix of explosiveness, experience, and grit. Watkins leads the charge as a legitimate title contender, while Morrisette, Bertrand, and Coley each have clear paths to All-American status. If the Tornado wrestle to their potential, this could become one of the most memorable national performances in program history.
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