Minnesota is ranked fourth in the recently-released NWCA/USA Today Division I Team Coaches Poll for the 2010-11 season.
The Gophers are the top Big Ten team ranked in part because they are returning three out of four All-Americans from last year’s squad. Noticeably missing will be Jayson Ness and Dustin Schlatter, however.
Cornell received a unanimous vote as the top seed. Minnesota rivals Wisconsin and Iowa are ranked fifth and seventh, respectively.
The team will hold a Wrestling Kick-Off this Saturday prior to the evening football game. Fans are invited to attend the free practice held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Sports Pavilion. It will provide most fans their first chance to see the nationally-ranked freshman recruiting class. The class, including Ness’ younger brother Dylan, is ranked No. 4 in the country.