The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

First-year head coach Grant Henderson made an immediate impact at the helm of Grand View University, earning The Open Mat's NAIA Men's Coach of the Year honors after leading the Vikings through a dominant 2025-26 season.

In his debut campaign, Henderson guided Grand View to its fifth consecutive team title at the 2026 NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships and the program's 14th overall national championship dating back to 2012 — continuing one of the most impressive dynasties in college wrestling.

The Vikings were equally dominant in the dual season, finishing with a perfect 14-0 record. Grand View captured the 2026 NWCA National Duals title in January, rolling past Life University 37-7 in the finals to secure its second straight duals crown and 13th in program history. Later in the season, the Vikings added another signature win in a highly anticipated showdown, defeating NCAA Division II power Nebraska-Kearney, 21-13.

Grand View carried that momentum into the postseason. At the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, the Vikings delivered another overwhelming performance, capturing their 11th straight conference title with 264.5 team points. All 12 Grand View wrestlers reached the finals, and the team won the tournament by a staggering 92-point margin.

The Vikings then delivered a statement performance at the 69th Annual NAIA National Championships. Grand View piled up 192.5 team points to secure the title, comfortably ahead of Life (166), Oklahoma City (99.5), Embry-Riddle (85.5) and Doane (80.5).

Grand View crowned four individual national champions: Gabe Gonzales (133), Elijah Larsen (149), Kris Ketchum (174) and Garavous Kouekabakilaho (197). Larsen and Kouekabakilaho repeated as champions, while Grand View produced nine total All-Americans to showcase its depth.