Fan Voting Opens for 2026 Dan Hodge Trophy – WIN Magazine
The 2026 fan voting for the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy is now open, inviting wrestling enthusiasts to support their favorite athletes. This year’s finalists emerged from an impressive pool of talent, with seven NCAA champions remaining undefeated throughout the season. The winners were crowned during the NCAA DI Wrestling Championships held on March 21, 2026, in Cleveland.
Finalists for the 2026 Dan Hodge Trophy
This year’s finalists include competitors from Penn State and Oklahoma State, reflecting their strong wrestling programs. Here is a closer look at the finalists:
- Luke Lilledahl (Penn State, 125 pounds) – Record: 25-0
- Jax Forrest (Oklahoma State, 133 pounds) – Record: 18-0
- Sergio Vega (Oklahoma State, 141 pounds) – Record: 24-0
- Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State, 165 pounds) – Record: 27-0
- Levi Haines (Penn State, 174 pounds) – Record: 26-0
- Josh Barr (Penn State, 197 pounds) – Record: 24-0
- Issac Trumble (North Carolina State, 285 pounds) – Record: 21-0
Key Statistics from the Championship Season
The student-athletes demonstrated remarkable performance throughout the season, leading to their Hodge Trophy nominations. Here is a summary of their achievements:
| Name | School | Year | Win-Loss | Pins (P) | Tech Falls (TF) | Major Decisions (MD) | Bonus % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Lilledahl | Penn State | So. | 25-0 | 18 | 4 | 5 | 58.3% |
| Jax Forrest | Oklahoma State | Fr. | 18-0 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 88.9% |
| Sergio Vega | Oklahoma State | Fr. | 24-0 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 45.8% |
| Mitchell Mesenbrink | Penn State | Jr. | 27-0 | 16 | 1 | 9 | 96.3% |
| Levi Haines | Penn State | Sr. | 26-0 | 13 | 0 | 6 | 80.8% |
| Josh Barr | Penn State | So. | 24-0 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 95.8% |
| Issac Trumble | North Carolina State | Sr. | 21-0 | 36 | 1 | 0 | 71.4% |
Voting Details and Criteria
The Dan Hodge Trophy is highly esteemed in collegiate wrestling, often compared to the Heisman Trophy. The voting committee includes former Hodge winners, retired coaches, media members, and representatives from national wrestling organizations.
Voting ends on March 27, 2026. Additionally, the wrestler with the most fan votes will earn five extra first-place votes.
Previous Dan Hodge Trophy Winners
Here’s a brief look at the history of the Dan Hodge Trophy winners:
| Year | Name | School |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wyatt Hendrickson | Oklahoma State |
| 2024 | Aaron Brooks | Penn State |
| 2023 | Mason Parris | Michigan |
| 2022 | Gable Steveson | Minnesota |
| 2021 | Spencer Lee | Iowa |
| 2021 | Gable Steveson | Minnesota |
The award’s winner will be announced on March 31, 2026, at noon CST. Fans are encouraged to participate by casting their votes for who they believe should win the 2026 Dan Hodge Trophy.
