South Dakota State wrestling to face North Carolina at Sanford Pentagon
Posted: June 30, 2026
South Dakota State University will square off on the mat with the University of North Carolina in a wrestling dual on Friday, Dec. 18 at the Sanford Pentagon. Ticket sales and broadcast information will be determined at a later date.
“These are two tremendous wrestling programs that will provide a great show in Sioux Falls,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “South Dakota State has an enthusiastic fan base that has supported the team over the years at the Pentagon, and we’re excited to welcome North Carolina to the Rushmore State for the very first time.”
South Dakota State head coach Damion Hahn and North Carolina head coach Rob Koll previously worked together at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where Coach Hahn served as an assistant for Coach Koll from 2006-2013 before being elevated to associate head coach from 2013-2018.
Coach Koll is entering his 4th season leading his alma mater at UNC, where he was the 1988 national champion at 158 pounds. In his first three seasons leading the Tar Heels, at least five individuals have qualified for the NCAA Tournament each year.
"We are appreciative of South Dakota State and the Sanford Pentagon for their collaborative efforts in putting together this dual,” Koll said. “Having previously worked with Coach Hahn during our time together at Cornell, I have tremendous respect for him and his program at SDSU. We look forward to bringing the Tar Heels to Sioux Falls in December."
South Dakota State will be participating in its 13th dual at the Sanford Pentagon. The Jackrabbits are 10-2 all-time in Sioux Falls, including last year’s 24-14 victory over Arizona State. SDSU has won at least 12 duals in each of the last five seasons under Coach Hahn, who’s entering his 9th season leading the Jackrabbits program.
"We’re really looking forward to having North Carolina come to the Sanford Pentagon this season. It’s a great venue for a dual, and our fans always make it a fun environment,” Hahn said. “Rob Koll is one of the best in the business, and having worked with him at Cornell, I have a lot of respect for how he runs his program. You know his teams are going to come in ready to compete. It should be a really good test for us and a dual that our team is excited about."
This will be the 2nd all-time meeting between the Tar Heels and Jackrabbits. UNC defeated SDSU 36-6 as part of a multi-team event in Lincoln, Neb. on Nov. 18, 2012.
