ASHLAND – The Southern Oregon University men's wrestling team will defend its Cascade Conference title as the favorite to win it again in 2025-26.

In Thursday's CCC preseason coaches' poll, the Raiders received six of 11 first-place votes to take the top spot. They were followed directly by Providence (Mont.), which returned three NAIA All-Americans, and Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), which brought back two.

Among SOU's 33 returning wrestlers are eight NAIA Championship qualifiers. All-Americans Asher Ruchti (197) and Vonn Fenn (125/33) headline that group after placing fifth in their weight classes.

The Raiders also have back nine regulars from a dual lineup that posted a 19-3 record last season. They went on to capture the CCC title with 150 ½ points to runner-up Embry-Riddle's 137, then took home ninth place from the NAIA Championships for the team's best finish in eight years.

Reigning CCC Coach of the Year Joel Gibson, entering his sixth season, supplemented the roster with 31 additions during the offseason.

The Raiders will hold their annual Red & Black Intrasquad on Oct. 30 before making their official debut at Pacific's Mike Clock Open on Nov. 9.

The NAIA Top 25 preseason poll will be released next Thursday.

2025-26 CCC Men's Wrestling Preseason Poll

Team (1st-place)	Points
1. Southern Oregon (6)	111
2. Providence (3)	108
3. Embry-Riddle (1)	95
T4. Corban	77
T4. MSU-Northern	77
6. Arizona Christian (1)	71
7. Eastern Oregon	68
T8. Westcliff	39
T8. Simpson	39
10. Evergreen	25
11. Hope International	16