MANHEIM, Pa. – University of Central Missouri Mules Wrestling is back in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Top 25 rankings for the first time in 2025-26, debuting at No. 17 in the latest regular season rankings released on Thursday, Dec. 18.

In addition, three Mules wrestlers are ranked in the latest NWCA individual rankings.

Damon Ashworth is now the top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds after being ranked second in the first two polls of the season, while Gage Bernall makes his debut at ninth in the 165-pound rankings. Garrett Lyons, who has been ranked in the first two polls, is No. 14 at 149 pounds.

Ashworth is 10-1 so far this season, while Bernall is 11-2 and Lyons is 4-0.

As a team, the Mules are 3-1 in dual competition.

Central Missouri is scheduled to face three teams in the Jack Hancock Duals on Saturday, Dec. 20, in Golden, Colo. UCM will open with No. 21 Colorado Mines at noon CT before facing Minnesota State at 1:30 p.m. CT and Belmont Abbey at 3 p.m. CT.