University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Northern Colorado Wrestling Set To Join Pac-12
4/1/2026 8:02:00 AM | General, Wrestling
GREELEY, Colo. – The Pac-12 Conference and Northern Colorado Athletics jointly announced that the Bears will join as an affiliate member in the sport of wrestling beginning in the 2026-27 season.
UNC will join Oregon State and fellow affiliate members Air Force, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Little Rock and South Dakota State as members of Pac-12 Wrestling.
"We are grateful for our time in the Big 12 and the meaningful relationships, competitive opportunities, and support it provided our wrestling program," said Director of Athletics Darren Dunn. "At the same time, we are excited to begin a new chapter in the Pac-12, where we believe new opportunities will continue to improve the overall experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans."
The Bears had great success in the Big 12 conference, highlighted by 40 NCAA qualifiers, six All-Americans,four individual Big 12 Champions, and a National Champion.
"We appreciate the Big 12 and the competition it has provided UNC Wrestling. We're excited about joining the Pac-12 and for the opportunity it will bring to our athletes in the Western region," said Head Coach Teyon Ware.
For more information on UNC Wrestling, please visit UNCBears.com.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, visit the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the wrestling team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNCBearsWrestle) and Instagram (@UNCBearsWrestle)
UNC will join Oregon State and fellow affiliate members Air Force, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Little Rock and South Dakota State as members of Pac-12 Wrestling.
"We are grateful for our time in the Big 12 and the meaningful relationships, competitive opportunities, and support it provided our wrestling program," said Director of Athletics Darren Dunn. "At the same time, we are excited to begin a new chapter in the Pac-12, where we believe new opportunities will continue to improve the overall experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans."
The Bears had great success in the Big 12 conference, highlighted by 40 NCAA qualifiers, six All-Americans,four individual Big 12 Champions, and a National Champion.
"We appreciate the Big 12 and the competition it has provided UNC Wrestling. We're excited about joining the Pac-12 and for the opportunity it will bring to our athletes in the Western region," said Head Coach Teyon Ware.
For more information on UNC Wrestling, please visit UNCBears.com.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, visit the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the wrestling team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNCBearsWrestle) and Instagram (@UNCBearsWrestle)
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Dedeann Pendleton-Helm (Mar 31)
Tuesday, March 31
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Wayne Angel (Mar 31)
Tuesday, March 31
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Tina Barrett (Mar 31)
Tuesday, March 31
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Teyon Ware (Mar 24)
Tuesday, March 24
