University of Wyoming Wrestling Returns to National Duals Invitational

Cowboys aim to improve on 2025 performance against top programs

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting the action and movement of a college wrestling match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, gold, and crimson red.A conceptual illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of collegiate wrestling through a cubist, geometric lens.Today in Tulsa

The University of Wyoming wrestling team has been selected to return to the prestigious National Duals Invitational tournament, following a previous appearance in the 2025 event. The Cowboys will compete against some of the top-ranked programs in the country in a bracket-style format, seeking to build on individual accomplishments and improve upon their 0-2 showing from the previous year.

Why it matters

The National Duals Invitational is a high-stakes event that features the best college wrestling teams in the country, offering significant prize money and prestige to the winners. Wyoming's return to the tournament provides the Cowboys with another chance to test their skills against elite competition and potentially earn a lucrative payout for the program.

The details

In the 2025 National Duals Invitational, the top 12 spots were automatically granted based on the 2025 NCAA Championships team standings, with 11 of those teams accepting the invitation. The remaining five spots were filled via a random draw from teams that finished between 13th and 25th place at the NCAAs, including the University of Wyoming, which placed 22nd. The Cowboys' 2025 appearance at the BOK Center in Tulsa proved challenging, as they finished the event with an 0-2 record, despite strong individual performances from wrestlers like Riley Davis, Eddie Neitenbach, and Joey Novak.

  • The 2025 National Duals Invitational took place from November 15-16, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • The University of Wyoming has been selected to return to the 2026 National Duals Invitational.

The players

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming wrestling team, which placed 22nd at the 2025 NCAA Championships and secured a spot in the 2025 National Duals Invitational through a lottery system.

Joey Novak

A returning All-American wrestler for the University of Wyoming, who expressed an eye toward a national title in 2026.

Eddie Neitenbach

A University of Wyoming wrestler who aimed for All-American honors in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“While facing two top-10 teams is expected, the team did not compete hard enough.”

— Mark Branch, Head Coach, University of Wyoming

What’s next

As Wyoming prepares to return to the National Duals Invitational, the program looks to build on the individual ambitions of its wrestlers, such as Joey Novak's pursuit of a national title and Eddie Neitenbach's goal of earning All-American honors in 2026.

The takeaway

The University of Wyoming's return to the prestigious National Duals Invitational tournament provides the Cowboys with another opportunity to test their skills against the nation's elite wrestling programs and potentially earn significant prize money and prestige for the program.