LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University wrestling team opens its 2026–27 campaign on Sunday, November 1, at 9 a.m. at the Princeton Open in Princeton, NJ.
The Broncs enter the season following a historic campaign that saw them capture their first-ever MAC Tournament Championship and send four wrestlers to the NCAA Championships. Rider returns an experienced lineup highlighted by
Brock Zurawski and
Dylan Layton.
The Broncs open the season at the Princeton Open before a schedule that features nine home dates, five Power Four duals, and a return to the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas. Highlighting the slate are home duals against Big Ten opponents Michigan on November 20 and Indiana on December 20.
Top Returners to Watch
- Brock Zurawski (197 lbs) – Zurawski returns for his senior season after helping the Broncs capture their first MAC Tournament Championship. He enters the season ranked No. 1 in the MAC preseason rankings at 197 lbs and No. 18 nationally by FloWrestling.
- Dylan Layton (149 lbs) – Layton enters his senior season ranked No. 2 in the MAC preseason rankings. He is also nationally ranked No. 19 by WrestleStat and No. 27 by InterMat.
- Noah Michaels (125 lbs) – Michaels enters his junior season ranked No. 4 in the MAC preseason rankings.
- Kendrick Hodge (165 lbs) – Hodge returns for his junior season ranked No. 7 in the MAC preseason rankings.
Key Additions
- Shay Addison – A transfer from Arizona State, Addison joins the Broncs after posting a 9-11 overall record and going 4-4 in dual competition during the 2025-26 season. He is a two-time Big 12 Championship participant and NWCA Scholar All-American.
MAC Preseason Rankings
- The Mid-American Conference's 2026–27 Preseason Poll projects the Broncs to finish seventh, with four wrestlers ranked in their respective weight classes, including three in the top five.
- Leading the way is Brock Zurawski, ranked No. 1 at 197 lbs, followed by Dylan Layton, ranked No. 2 at 149 lbs.
- Noah Michaels enters the season ranked No. 4 at 125 lbs, while Kendrick Hodge is ranked No. 7 at 165 lbs.
National Rankings (FloWrestling / WrestleStat / InterMat)
- 149 lbs: Dylan Layton – No. 19 (WrestleStat) | No. 27 (InterMat)
- 197 lbs: Brock Zurawski – No. 18 (FloWrestling) | No. 17 (WrestleStat) | No. 16 (InterMat)
Last Year at the Princeton Open
- Three Broncs reached the podium at last year's event, as Brock Zurawski and Dylan Layton earned runner-up finishes, while Brendon Abdon placed third.
- Zurawski and Layton each advanced to the finals at 197 and 149 lbs, respectively, while Abdon secured third place with a 9-7 victory over Dakota Morris of Army.
