Gardner-Webb Wrestling Announces Upcoming 2025-26 Schedule

Runnin’ Bulldogs Open 21-Match Season on Nov. 2 in New Jersey; Set to Have Eight Contests at Home

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Head Coach Daniel Elliot and the Gardner-Webb wrestling team have announced the 2025-26 competitive slate, featuring eight matches inside Paul Porter Arena.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs open 2025-26 with an exciting event in New Brunswick, N.J., hosted by Rutgers of the Big Ten. GWU will face hosts Rutgers, as well as Bloomsburg and Centenary on Nov. 2.

Throwdown on The Yorktown is next, as the Runnin’ Bulldogs take to the deck of the USS Yorktown in Charleston once again. This year, Gardner-Webb will square off with Big Ten opponent Maryland, as well as Air Force on Nov. 15.

GWU once again travels to West Point in 2025-26, as the Runnin’ Bulldogs then visit Army for the Black Knight Invite on Nov. 23.

After a short break for Thanksgiving, dual meets get started with a bang as the Runnin’ Bulldogs open December with a pair of big home matches. Duke visits Paul Porter Arena on Dec. 3, followed by Michigan State on Dec. 5, before GWU heads back out on the road to face Kent State and Buffalo on Dec. 13, with both matches taking place in Buffalo, N.Y. Gardner-Webb rounds out the bulk of non-conference with a trip to Ohio on Dec. 21.

Into the new year, the annual Southern Scuffle takes place in Chattanooga on Jan. 3 and 4. Conference meets then follow, with the Dawgs opening Southern Conference action, at home against Chattanooga, on Jan. 16.

Campbell is up next, with the Runnin’ Bulldogs battling the Fighting Camels as well as Clarion head-to-head on Jan. 23 in Buies Creek, N.C.

From there, Gardner-Webb returns home to host Davidson (date TBA) and The Citadel on Feb. 6. Bellarmine and Presbyterian each follow on the road on Jan. 8 and 12 in Southern Conference action, before the Runnin’ Bulldogs head back home to face VMI on Feb. 15 and George Mason on Feb. 19 to complete the home portion of the schedule.

After a visit to App State to finish the regular season on Feb. 22, the Runnin’ Bulldogs prepare for the 2026 Southern Conference Championships in Asheville on March 6 and 7, then the NCAA Division I National Championships beginning on March 19 in Cleveland, Ohio.

For updates, game times, and more news on the Runnin’ Bulldogs, visit gwusports.com, or follow @gwusports on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.