Sun Devils Enter Collegiate Grappling Competition Under Head Coach Dan Huber TEMPE, Ariz. — The National Collegiate Grappling Association is pleased to welcome Arizona State University as a new program for the 2026-27 season, bringing one of the nation's most recognizable collegiate names in wrestling and combat sports into NCGA competition.
TEMPE, Ariz. — The National Collegiate Grappling Association is pleased to welcome Arizona State University as a new program for the 2026-27 season, bringing one of the nation's most recognizable collegiate names in wrestling and combat sports into NCGA competition.
The Jiu-Jitsu Program at Arizona State University was founded during the spring semester of 2026 by student Jacob Malek, who serves as the organization's president. As the club began preparing to expand from training into organized collegiate competition, Malek reached out during the summer to Dan Huber to become the program's head coach. The Sun Devils are now organizing their first NCGA roster and preparing for their inaugural season of collegiate grappling competition.
Huber brings an extensive background in grappling and mixed martial arts to the program. A professional mixed martial artist who has competed in grappling and MMA since 2010, Huber has owned and operated Spartan Nation Combatives and Fitness in Mesa, Arizona, since 2016. In 2012, Huber represented Team USA at the Grappling World Championships in Krakow, Poland, earning a World Bronze Medal in No-Gi Grappling. His competitive résumé also includes championships with Rage in the Cage and the World Fighting Federation.
The addition of collegiate grappling is particularly fitting at Arizona State, a university with deep connections to combat sports. Sun Devil wrestling has produced numerous athletes who later achieved prominence in professional mixed martial arts, including Ryan Bader, Cain Velasquez, C.B. Dollaway, Aaron Simpson and Dan Henderson. Huber believes that history, combined with the talent available on the ASU campus, gives the new program an excellent foundation upon which to build.
“Arizona State University has a rich history and connection with mixed martial arts,” Huber said. “Arizona State University has a deep talent pool for grappling, and we can't wait to join the NCGA competition.”
The Sun Devils enter their first season focused not simply on participation, but on developing a competitive program. Huber plans to emphasize technique, drilling and conditioning while building a team culture that provides students with opportunities for personal development as well as athletic success.
“We train to win, of course,” Huber said. “Through technique sessions, drills and conditioning, we look forward to every moment in the journey. Far beyond any destination is the growth and lifelong memories we look forward to experiencing in the first official year for our program.”
Beyond competition, Malek and Huber hope to grow participation, establish team uniforms, involve the surrounding community and continue increasing the university's support for collegiate grappling. Huber sees the NCGA as an opportunity for students to develop “physically, mentally and emotionally” while creating experiences and friendships that can last long after their college careers have ended.
The NCGA welcomes Arizona State University, Coach Dan Huber, student president Jacob Malek and the entire Sun Devil grappling program to the association and looks forward to seeing ASU take the mat during the 2026-27 collegiate grappling season.