The NCAA released the first of three coaches’ panel rankings for the 2010-11 wrestling season on Thursday. The final rankings will be one of the tools used as part of the selection process to determine the qualifiers for the 2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

Wrestlers in each weight class will be measured by winning percentage, rating percentage index (RPI) and coaches’ rankings to earn spots for the 2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The coaches’ rankings are compiled by a vote of coaches across the nation. Each qualifying tournament has five coaches rank the top 33 wrestlers in two weight classes. For ranking purposes, coaches must select a wrestler as a starter at a designated weight class. In addition, coaches may only select one wrestler per weight class.

The top-ranked wrestlers at each weight class in the inaugural rankings are: Brandon Precin, Northwestern (125 pounds); Jordan Oliver, Oklahoma State (133 pounds); Kellen Russell, Michigan (141 pounds); Kyle Dake, Cornell (149 pounds); Steve Fittery, American (157 pounds); Jordan Burroughs, Nebraska (165 pounds); Jonathan Reader, Iowa State (174 pounds); Kirk Smith, Boise State (184 pounds); Cam Simaz, Cornell (197 pounds) and Zachery Rey, Lehigh (Heavyweight).

Coaches Rankings