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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Graceland Wrestling Earns Top-Five National Academic Ranking from NWCA

Graceland Wrestling Earns Top-Five National Academic Ranking from NWCA

MANHEIM, Pa. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets wrestling program has been recognized among the top academic teams in the nation, earning the No. 5 spot in the 2025 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) NAIA Men's Scholar All-America Team Awards.

Graceland posted an impressive team GPA of 3.4975, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence both on the mat and in the classroom.

"This is a testament to our program culture and belief that success is not just about what we accomplish on the mat, but how our student-athletes chase being the best version of themselves in every aspect of their lives," said head coach Zack Mullins. "All the credit goes to the hard work and discipline of these young men. They were an amazing group to coach, and I am excited to see them take this mindset with them into adulthood, fatherhood, marriage, career and beyond."

Eastern Oregon University led the nation with a 3.6047 team GPA, followed closely by Doane University (3.5783), Embry-Riddle University (3.5473), and University of Saint Mary (3.5425) ahead of Graceland.

The full top-five team rankings are as follows:

  1. Eastern Oregon University — 3.6047

  2. Doane University — 3.5783

  3. Embry-Riddle University — 3.5473

  4. University of Saint Mary — 3.5425

  5. Graceland University — 3.4975

In addition to the team honors, the NWCA also recognized individual scholar-athletes across the NAIA. The complete list of 2025 NAIA Men's Scholar All-America Individual Award winners can be viewed on the NWCA's official websited by clicking here.

NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer commended the top programs for their achievements, stating, "Coach Azure and his team exemplify the true spirit of Scholar All-Americans by excelling both on the mat and in the classroom. Their dedication to academic success while competing at the highest level of NAIA wrestling is remarkable, and we congratulate them on earning this well-deserved honor."

The Yellowjackets' academic success continues to reflect the program's vision under Coach Mullins and Coach Evans, emphasizing discipline, growth, and excellence in all areas of student-athlete life.

For more information on Graceland wrestling and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.