Arkansas Wrestle (All images via lrtrojans.com)
The Pac-12 Conference announced its 2025–26 wrestling postseason awards, recognizing standout performances across the league as voted on by head coaches. Little Rock’s Stephen Little was named Wrestler of the Year, while Jaivon Jones earned Co-Newcomer of the Year honors.
Redshirt junior Stephen Little (197 lbs., Sturgis, Kentucky) turned in a historic season for the Trojans, becoming the first wrestler in Little Rock program history to be named Pac-12 Wrestler of the Year. Little also became the first 197-pound wrestler to earn the honor since the weight class was introduced in 1999.
Little’s season was highlighted by a third-place finish at the 2026 NCAA Championships, where he became the first Trojan to advance to the national semifinals and the first three-time All-American in program history. His national success followed a dominant showing at the Pac-12 Championships, where he captured the 197-pound title for the second time in three years. He was also named Wrestler of the Meet, marking the third consecutive year a Little Rock wrestler earned the distinction.
“Stephen is the epitome of what it means to be a Little Rock Trojan,” said head coach Neil Erisman. “It’s no surprise he’s being honored again. He had a great NCAA tournament and represented Little Rock as the most decorated athlete ever in school history.”
Graduate transfer Jaivon Jones (157 lbs., Macedonia, Ohio) made an immediate impact in his first season with Little Rock after spending five seasons at Northern Illinois. Jones claimed the Pac-12 title at 157 pounds, giving the Trojans back-to-back champions in the weight class and contributing to three individual conference champions for Little Rock.
Jones carried that momentum into the NCAA Championships in Cleveland, where he made his national tournament debut and recorded a notable upset over No. 10 Logan Rozynski of Lehigh in the consolation bracket. His performance earned him Co-Newcomer of the Year honors, marking the second time in three years that a Little Rock wrestler has received the award.
“Jaivon had a great year,” Erisman said. “He persevered through a tough start and found his rhythm. His impact goes beyond the mat as a leader in the classroom and among his teammates. We are grateful for him and all he has done this year.”
The postseason recognition caps off another milestone season for Little Rock wrestling, highlighted by historic achievements, conference titles, and continued success on the national stage.
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