COLLEGE WRESTLING WEIGHT CLASSES
NCAA wrestling is contested in ten weight classes. Divisions I, II and III all use the same ten. Women’s college wrestling uses a separate set of ten.
Men’s NCAA weight classes
| Weight class (pounds) |
|---|
| 125 |
| 133 |
| 141 |
| 149 |
| 157 |
| 165 |
| 174 |
| 184 |
| 197 |
| Heavyweight, 183–285 |
Heavyweight has a floor as well as a ceiling: a wrestler must weigh more than 183 pounds and no more than 285 pounds. Men compete in folkstyle.
Women’s NCAA weight classes
Women’s wrestling became the NCAA’s 91st championship sport in January 2025, with the first national championship held in March 2026. Divisions I, II and III compete together in a single national championship.
| Weight class (pounds) |
|---|
| 103 |
| 110 |
| 117 |
| 124 |
| 131 |
| 138 |
| 145 |
| 160 |
| 180 |
| 207, minimum 146 |
Women compete in freestyle, the same style used at the Olympics. Men’s college wrestling is folkstyle.
Dual meet weight allowance
Under the 2025-26 and 2026-27 NCAA Men’s Wrestling Rules Book, a one-pound allowance applies to dual meet competition, with an additional pound for competition on consecutive days.
A wrestler who weighs in for one weight class may be shifted up to a higher class. Moving up has a cost on the way back down: the weight management program determines the date on which the wrestler is again eligible for the lower class.
How college classes compare to high school
High school wrestling uses up to fourteen weight classes starting at 106 pounds, so the college classes sit farther apart. A high school wrestler at 157 might land at 149 or 157 in college depending on how they fill out, and the gap between 197 and heavyweight is wide enough that many light heavyweights have to navigate it carefully.
See high school wrestling weight classes
Tracking weight through the season
Takedown Scoring and Stats records practice and competition weigh-ins, charts each wrestler against their descent plan, and flags anyone who weighs in below plan — so a coach knows who is on track for their class and who is not, before weigh-in day.
For coaches
Takedown handles scoring, video, stats, weight and roster management for college and high school programs on iPad. Schedule a demo or see pricing.
For parents and fans
Follow live match scores and results from wrestling programs across the country with Takedown LIVE. Free, in your browser, no account needed.
Sources: NCAA.com; 2025-26 and 2026-27 NCAA Men’s Wrestling Rules Book; 2025-26 NCAA Women’s Wrestling Rule Book. Weight classes and allowances can change between seasons — confirm the limit for your specific competition and division.