MANHEIM, Pa. — Five returners with 30+ career wins, as well as two 2025-26 NCAA national qualifiers, has led UNC Pembroke to starting the 2026-27 ranked 17th in Division II by the NWCA. The Braves will also start the year with five wrestlers ranked in the NWCA individual rankings.
 
The Braves are one of three Conference Carolinas teams in the initial rankings, joining Belmont Abbey (T13th) and Lander (22nd).
 
In the individual rankings, James Bankston is No. 2 in the heavyweight division, Cooper Davis is No. 7 at 125 pounds, Keegan Roberson is No. 11 at 157 pounds, with Avery Buonocore and Nick Williams both ranked 13th at 149 pounds and 165 pounds, respectively. 
 
The Braves will open the 2026-27 season Sunday, November 1 as they head to Glenville, W. Va. for the Pioneer Open, before returning home to host the PJ Smith Pembroke Classic on Saturday, November 7.