BRISTOL, Tenn.- The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has released its Preseason NCAA Women's Coaches Poll for the 2026-27 season, and King University has earned a share of the No. 5 spot nationally. The Tornado, who are coming off another strong campaign, are tied with Lehigh at 36 points, just one point ahead of Grand Valley State.

Defending national champion McKendree leads the poll with 98 points, followed by Iowa (89), last season's national runner-up. Presbyterian (64) and North Central (38) round out the top four.

King's national recognition is further boosted by senior standout Stella Steigler, who opens the year as the top-ranked wrestler at 160 pounds. She is one of six returning national champions to start the season ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes. Steigler's leadership and elite performance will be key for the Tornado as they look to compete among the nation's elite programs.

With a top-five national ranking and an individual ranked No. 1 at 160 pounds, King University enters the 2026-27 season with high expectations and the potential to contend on the national stage once again.