By: Madie Brink
BURNSVILLE, MINN. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) unveiled its 2025-26 Preseason Coaches' Poll and Wrestlers to Watch list today with the University of Sioux Falls men's wrestling program selected to finish 8th in the conference, and Jordon Oehme was honored as USF's Wrestler to Watch.
The poll, released by the NSIC, placed two-time defending champion St. Cloud State at the top with 96 points and seven first-place votes, ahead of Augustana (91 points, three first-place votes) and Parkside (84 points, one first-place vote).
Sioux Falls finished 6-11 overall last season and 1-8 in the NSIC, a big improvement from their inaugural season 2-12, 0-9 NSIC record. Head coach Matt Meuleners enters his fourth season at the helm of the program.
Season Outlook
As the University of Sioux Falls Wrestling program enters its third season under head coach Matt Meuleners, the Cougars continue to build a strong foundation within one of the nation's premier NCAA Division II conferences. After showing steady growth last winter, USF returns a deep and motivated roster highlighted by a mix of experienced upperclassmen and a talented incoming group eager to make an immediate impact.
The Cougars have prioritized developing internal competition and leadership in the practice room — key elements that Meuleners believes will translate to results on the mat. With several wrestlers coming off redshirt seasons, USF expects increased depth across multiple weight classes and improved consistency in dual action.
"We are excited about the competition we have in our room," stated Meuleners. "We have a good group coming off redshirt who are hungry to compete. The competition and depth we have in our room is exciting and we are looking forward to what we can do this season."
Anchored by junior Jordon Oehme, the Cougars are focused on climbing the NSIC standings and producing national qualifiers. USF's schedule features a competitive non-conference slate before diving into the rugged NSIC dual season in December, providing valuable tests leading into the Super Region V Championships and the NCAA Championships, which will take place in Sioux Falls this March.
Wrestler to Watch: Jordon Oehme | Jr. | 141 lbs | Brandon, S.D.
Junior Jordon Oehme returns as one of the anchors for the Cougar lineup after a breakout 2024–25 campaign that saw him emerge as both a consistent competitor and team leader. Oehme capped his sophomore season with a 6th-place finish at the NCAA Super Region V Championships, solidifying his reputation as one of the top wrestlers in the region.
Compiling a 14–12 record, Oehme showcased his versatility with 2 falls, 4 tech falls, 3 major decisions, 3 decisions, and 2 sudden victories, totaling 41.5 match points across the season. His strong performances included a first-place finish at the Haws/Elton Rumble and a fifth-place showing at the Jimmie Open, helping him earn national recognition in both NWCA and Open Mat rankings.
"Jordon is a great leader for our team," said Meuleners. "He loves the sport and his passion is felt by his teammates. We are excited to see him continue to improve as a wrestler and a leader for our team."
A dedicated student-athlete, Oehme also excelled in the classroom as a NWCA Scholar All-American, reflecting the Cougar wrestling program's commitment to excellence on and off the mat. His leadership, competitive drive, and steady improvement make him a natural choice as USF's NSIC Wrestler to Watch for the 2025–26 season.
Up Next
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Non-conference competition begins Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Jimmie Open in Jamestown, N.D.
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NSIC dual schedule launches Dec. 5 and runs through Feb. 15, 2026.
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Super Region V Championships: Saturday, Feb. 28 — RA Facility, Marshall, Minn.
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NCAA Championships: March 13–14, Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, S.D. (co-hosted by NSIC & Sioux Falls Sports Authority)