North Dakota State Joins Pac-12 Wrestling Conference

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) wrestling program will join the Pac-12 Conference as an affiliate member starting with the 2026-27 season. This decision marks a significant expansion for the Pac-12 wrestling division, which will include several new affiliate members.

South Dakota State University AthleticsNDSU Wrestling to Join Pac-12 Conference as Affiliate MemberThe Coloradoan

Alongside NDSU, the Pac-12 will welcome Northern Colorado, Air Force, and South Dakota State as affiliate members in wrestling. This addition brings the total number of wrestling programs in the Pac-12 to nine, the largest since the 2008-09 season. The other existing members include Oregon State, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Little Rock, and Northern Illinois.

The ColoradoanNDSU Wrestling to Join Pac-12 Conference as Affiliate MemberSouth Dakota State University Athletics

NDSU's Director of Athletics emphasized that this move is critical for the program's long-term success and will help preserve traditional rivalries while expanding the Bison brand nationally. The transition to the Pac-12 is expected to enhance the competitive experience for student-athletes, allowing them to vie for conference championships and potentially NCAA National Championships.

NDSU Wrestling to Join Pac-12 Conference as Affiliate Member

NDSU Wrestling Head Coach expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to compete in the Pac-12, noting that the conference's profile aligns well with the program's goals. He highlighted the importance of this affiliation in providing student-athletes with championship opportunities.

NDSU Wrestling to Join Pac-12 Conference as Affiliate Member

Justin Sell, the Director of Athletics at South Dakota State, also commented on the significance of joining the Pac-12, stating that it enhances the student-athlete experience by allowing competition at the highest level. He expressed optimism about the future of South Dakota State wrestling within the conference.

South Dakota State University Athletics

While the announcement has been met with excitement from the involved institutions, there has been some skepticism regarding the implications of affiliate membership. Critics argue that joining as an affiliate may not provide the same level of support and resources as full membership in a conference.

South Dakota State University Athletics

There are no significant conflicting reports regarding the addition of these teams to the Pac-12 wrestling conference. However, the specific impacts on each program's resources and support structure as affiliate members remain to be fully articulated.

South Dakota State University Athletics

As the 2026-27 season approaches, the newly affiliated teams will prepare for their inaugural competition in the Pac-12. The conference's expansion in wrestling is expected to foster increased visibility and competitiveness in the sport, with implications for future recruitment and program development.

South Dakota State University Athletics

• “As we continue to chart the course for our future at NDSU, conference affiliation and alignment are critical for our long-term success,” — NDSU Director of Athletics

NDSU Wrestling to Join Pac-12 Conference as Affiliate Member

• “We look forward to competing in the Pac-12, beginning this upcoming season,” — Justin Sell, SDSU Director of Athletics

South Dakota State University Athletics

• “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to join the Pac-12 conference as an official member in the sport of wrestling,” — Damion Hahn, SDSU Head Coach

South Dakota State University Athletics