MANHEIM, Pa. – The Montevallo wrestling team surged in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Top 25 Team Rankings released Thursday, while Cole Hunt and Max Stedeford earned individual recognition.

The Falcons increased their team score from 3.0 to 7.5 points in the national poll following strong performances throughout the early portion of the season.

Hunt broke into the rankings at No. 7 at 125 pounds after being unranked in the previous release. The junior posted a seventh-place finish at the Midwest Classic, highlighted by a ranked victory, and improved his season record to 21-2 with 12 falls.

Stedeford remained steady at No. 15 at 149 pounds for the third consecutive NWCA individual ranking. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native continued his strong 2025-26 campaign at the Midwest Classic, highlighted by a victory over then-No. 13 Gabe Onorato. On the season, Stedeford is 17-3 with six tech falls and eight pins.

The full NWCA rankings release can be found here.

Montevallo opens the 2026 calendar year on Sunday, Jan. 4, when it competes at the Hawk Classic in Montgomery.