BUIES CREEK, N.C. – The Campbell wrestling team is set to open its 2026-27 home slate against Northern Colorado. The Camels will face the Bears in their first dual of the season Saturday afternoon in Carter Gym.

Action is set to begin at 4 p.m. Live statistics and additional information will be available on the Campbell Athletics website.

LAST TIME OUT

The Camels opened the 2026-27 season at the Southeast Open. The Camels had 24 wrestlers compete at the tournament, highlighted by a sixth-place finish by Zander Phaturos at 133 pounds in the open division.

SCOUTING NORTHERN COLORADO

Northern Colorado travels to Buies Creek for its second dual as a member of the Pac-12.

The Bears enter the matchup with an 0-1 record after falling to No. 17 Oklahoma, 41-4, at home. Murphy Menke earned Northern Colorado's lone victory at 165 pounds.

The Bears are in their second season under head coach Teyon Ware. In his first season at the helm, Northern Colorado posted a 3-10 dual record, including a 2-6 mark in Big 12 competition.

SERIES HISTORY

Campbell trails the all-time series, 0-2. The teams last met on Dec. 19, 2025, in Greeley, Colo., with Northern Colorado earning a 34-12 victory. Sawyer Van Rider secured a win at heavyweight, earning a 5-1 decision.

The first meeting between the programs took place Dec. 15, 2011, at the Pope Convocation Center. Northern Colorado claimed a narrow 20-19 victory.

IN THE RANKINGS

Two Camels rank among the top 100 nationally at their respective weight classes, according to WrestleStat. Colby Crouch checks in at No. 48, while Sawyer Van Rider is ranked No. 95.

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

Campbell's roster features eight returners, highlighted by heavyweight Sawyer Van Rider. Van Rider led the Camels with a third-place finish at the 2026 SoCon Championships, going 3-1 in the tournament and battling through the consolation bracket to secure a podium spot. The Camels also return Brant Cracraft at 184 pounds. Cracraft finished fourth at the SoCon Championships.

The Camels welcome in 20 newcomers, including 17 freshmen. The refreshed roster will look to prove itself among the SoCon's best.

PRESEASON TALK

Campbell was picked to finish eighth in the SoCon preseason poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches. 

Four-time defending champion App State was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2027 SoCon wrestling championship. The Mountaineers received all eight available first-place votes.

FAR & WIDE

Campbell's roster features 28 wrestlers from 18 different states. North Carolina leads the way with eight wrestlers and is the only state represented by more than two Camels.

PROJECTED LINEUP

125: Jose Trejo
133: Zander Phaturos
141: Sal Borrometi
149: Q'veli Quintanilla
157: Jimmy Tildsley
165: Luke Burgar
174: Brant Cracraft
184: Paolo Ciatto
197: Cael Dunn
285: Brycen Arthur -OR- Sawyer Van Rider

STAY TUNED

For coverage of Campbell wrestling, follow the Camels on X, Facebook and Instagram (@GoCamelsWrestle).