Trojans Set for NCAA Championships with Four Qualifiers
(All images via lrtrojans.com) Story Links CLEVELAND, OH. – Little Rock wrestling is set to send four competitors to the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, held March 19–21 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Trojans will be represented by Brock Herman (149), Jaivon Jones (157), Matty Bianchi (165), and Stephen Little (197) at the three-day national tournament. Brock Herman enters the championships at 149 pounds as the No. 19 seed and will face No. 30 Dylan Layton of Rider in the opening round. Herman has been a key contributor for the Trojans this season and brings a 13–3 record into the national tournament. “We are excited for him, he has been a great addition to the program. Every challenge we have presented he has met head on. He’s a pleasure to coach and a great young man. I know he’s not satisfied with this,” said head coach Neil Erisman. At 157 pounds, Jaivon Jones earned the No. 24 seed and will take on No. 25 Mason Shrader of Central Michigan in the opening round. Jones has put together a strong season to secure his place in the national field and will look to make an impact in Cleveland. “His passion to be great has really shown through. I’m really happy for what he has earned. I’m excited for him next week,” said Erisman. Matty Bianchi enters the NCAA Championships as the No. 8 seed at 165 pounds and will open his tournament against No. 25 Mac Church of Virginia Tech. Bianchi returns to the national tournament as a returning All-American after an outstanding season that saw him post a 19–2 record. “He has been a staple and backbone of this program. From the way he trains, lives his life and competes. He’s the definition of a Trojan,” said Erisman. Stephen Little, the most decorated wrestler in Little Rock program history, returns to the NCAA Championships as the No. 3 seed at 197 pounds. A returning All-American, Little will face No. 30 Kade Rule of Chattanooga in the first round as he looks to make another deep run on the national stage. “Glad to see him back. He’s worked hard and pushed through setbacks. I can’t wait to see what he does next week,” said Erisman. The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships will take place over three days in Cleveland, beginning Thursday with sessions at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday’s sessions are scheduled for 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., while Saturday’s championship sessions will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude with the finals at 6:30 p.m. For the […] More
