NCGA Announces Updated Collegiate Grappling Season Structure Beginning in 2026 [Dallas, Texas, December 2025] The National Collegiate Grappling Association (NCGA) announced today a revised competitive structure for the collegiate grappling season beginning in 2026. Under the new model, the official season will run from January through April, concluding with Conference Championships and the NCGA National Championships in late April. Beginning in January 2026, collegiate programs will enter a unified regular season period designed to support training cycles, academic balance, and high-level competitive preparation.
NCGA Announces Updated Collegiate Grappling Season Structure Beginning in 2026
[Dallas, Texas, December 2025] The National Collegiate Grappling Association (NCGA) announced today a revised competitive structure for the collegiate grappling season beginning in 2026. Under the new model, the official season will run from January through April, concluding with Conference Championships and the NCGA National Championships in late April. Beginning in January 2026, collegiate programs will enter a unified regular season period designed to support training cycles, academic balance, and high-level competitive preparation.
This structure provides teams with a consistent timeline to organize, train, and compete at the national level.
Strategic Partnership With the American Grappling Federation (AGF)
The NCGA is also pleased to announce a strategic partnership with a leading Grappling promotion, the American Grappling Federation (AGF). Through this collaboration, official NCGA collegiate divisions will be integrated into AGF’s established national event footprint, significantly expanding competitive access for collegiate athletes.
The partnership ensures that events will benefit from AGF’s experienced operations teams, certified officiating, and standardized rule implementation.
Support for Team-Organized Competitions
In addition to AGF hosted opportunities, NCGA affiliated institutions will retain the ability to host dual meets and other sanctioned competitions throughout the season. To support these events, the NCGA will provide:
- Access to certified referees
- Event-management software and technical support
- Operational guidance to ensure compliance with NCGA standards
- Programs may coordinate these services directly through the NCGA.
Statement From NCGA Leadership
“We have listened closely to the needs of our collegiate programs and made the decision to restructure the season to provide teams with the time and clarity necessary to train, organize, and adequately prepare for the rigors of collegiate grappling,” said Jason Townsend, Sr. Director of Strategy and Operations. “We believe this adjustment will elevate the level of competition and ensure that all teams have ample opportunity to prepare for a successful season.”
For additional information or to coordinate sanctioned events, please contact:
Jason Townsend, [email protected]
About the NCGA
The National Collegiate Grappling Association (NCGA) is the national governing body for collegiate grappling in the United States. The NCGA is dedicated to establishing a unified competitive structure, enforcing consistent rules and operational standards, and expanding meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level of the sport. Through partnerships, sanctioned events, and support for institutional programs, the NCGA works to promote integrity, safety, competitive excellence, and the long-term growth of collegiate grappling nationwide.