NCAA Wrestling Championships Return to Cleveland in 2026

Top college wrestlers compete for national titles on ESPN networks and Fubo

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:00am

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The 2026 NCAA wrestling championships will take place from March 19-21 in Cleveland, Ohio at the Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The event will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, and will also be available to stream live on Fubo. Penn State and Oklahoma State are expected to be among the top contenders for the team title, with Penn State looking to defend its recent run of four straight championships.

Why it matters

The NCAA wrestling championships are one of the most prestigious events in college sports, showcasing the top talent in the country. The return to Cleveland, which has hosted the event multiple times in the past, will draw significant interest from wrestling fans across the Midwest and beyond. The event also serves as a showcase for the sport, helping to grow its popularity at the grassroots level.

The details

The 2026 NCAA wrestling championships will feature the top collegiate wrestlers from across the country competing for individual and team titles. The event will take place over three days, with the first round on Thursday, March 19, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals on Friday, March 20, and the medal round and championship finals on Saturday, March 21. All matches will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, allowing fans to follow the action from anywhere.

  • The 2026 NCAA wrestling championships will take place from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21.
  • The first round will be held on Thursday, March 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
  • The semifinals will take place on Friday, March 20 at 8 p.m. ET.
  • The championship finals will be held on Saturday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Cael Sanderson

The head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, which has won 12 NCAA titles since 2011, including the last four in a row.

Oklahoma State

The most decorated program in college wrestling history, with 34 national championships.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to defend our title and continue our dominance in college wrestling.”

— Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State Wrestling

“The NCAA wrestling championships in Cleveland are always a can't-miss event for our fans. We're excited to showcase our program and compete for another national title.”

— John Smith, Head Coach, Oklahoma State Wrestling

What’s next

Fans can purchase tickets to the 2026 NCAA wrestling championships through the event's official website or through Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers to stream the event live.

The takeaway

The 2026 NCAA wrestling championships in Cleveland will be a must-see event for fans of the sport, as the top college wrestlers in the country compete for individual and team titles on the national stage. With powerhouse programs like Penn State and Oklahoma State expected to be in the mix, the event promises to be an exciting showcase of the best that college wrestling has to offer.