SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — For just the second time in program history, the University of Mount Olive men's wrestling program produced an All-American, as Brent Nicolosi secured an eighth-place podium finish at 157 pounds at the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Championships.

Nicolosi joins Michael Vernagallo, who became the program's first All-American after his eighth-place finish at 165 pounds at the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Nicolosi finished the national tournament 2-3 overall, securing a pair of key victories on his way to the podium. In the opening round, Nicolosi earned a 5-2 decision over Michael Ortega of the University of Indianapolis, controlling the bout to advance in the championship bracket.

In the second round, Nicolosi faced No. 1-ranked Gabe Johnson of the University of Central Oklahoma, the eventual 157-pound national champion, falling by fall in 1:17 to move into the consolation bracket.

Nicolosi responded with a strong performance in consolations, earning a 19-11 major decision over Nicolas Zamora of Maryville (MO) behind five takedowns. He later fell to Nico Taddy of West Liberty by a 14-0 major decision before dropping an 8-2 decision to Holden Huhn of Gannon in the placement match to finish eighth overall.

Also representing the Trojans at the national championships was Jack MacKiernan at 184 pounds. MacKiernan fell to Branson Britten of Central Oklahoma by 10-0 major decision, before dropping a 7-2 decision to Cole Casilio of Kutztown in the consolation preliminary round.