GREENVILLE, S.C. — The University of Mount Olive men's wrestling team was selected to finish seventh in the 2026-27 Conference Carolinas Men's Wrestling Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office Thursday.

The Trojans earned 115 points to rank seventh among the conference's 15 programs. Lander University topped the poll with 191 points and 10 first-place votes, while UNC Pembroke and Newberry College tied for second with 164 points. UNC Pembroke received one first-place vote, while Newberry collected four.

The University of Montevallo placed fourth with 156 points, followed by Belmont Abbey College in fifth with 152 points. King University ranked sixth with 149 points, just ahead of Mount Olive. Emmanuel University (96), Ferrum College (82) and Shorter University (80) rounded out the top 10.

Mount Olive returns several key contributors heading into the 2026-27 season, including Ben Hernandez, Calan Staub and John Domencic, who were each named to the Conference Carolinas Wrestlers to Watch list.

Hernandez enters his junior season after placing at the 2026 NCAA Super Region II Championships. The San Clemente, California, native will look to build on that postseason experience as he returns to the Trojans' lineup.

Staub returns for his senior season at 197 pounds. The Fayetteville, North Carolina, native brings experience to the Trojans as they prepare for another competitive campaign in Conference Carolinas.

Domencic also returns as a junior, competing at 285 pounds. The Cary, North Carolina, native will look to make an impact in the heavyweight division as Mount Olive works toward a strong season.

The preseason poll was voted on by the league's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own school.