15 Top Wrestling Colleges in Florida

Last Updated on 05/08/2024 by John Penn

Florida is home to outstanding wrestling programs spanning NCAA Division 1 universities down to junior and community colleges across the state. Here is a look at some of the top wrestling colleges that make Florida a hotbed for the sport.

List of Wrestling Colleges in Florida

1. University of Central Florida (Orlando)

The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando hosts an NCWA Division I club wrestling program. The environment is highly competitive and student-driven, fostering a strong sense of community among wrestlers. UCF provides access to well-maintained athletic facilities, including wrestling mats and a fitness center.

UCF offers a Division I club wrestling program under the NCWA, allowing students to compete at a high level while pursuing their education.

Admission to UCF is competitive, focusing on academic performance. The club wrestling program requires a small membership fee, making it affordable for students. On-campus dining options are plentiful, with various meal plans available to accommodate different preferences.

2. University of Florida (Gainesville)

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville features an NCWA Division I club wrestling program. The environment is vibrant and encouraging, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and personal growth. The wrestling team has access to campus facilities, including dedicated mats and strength training equipment.

UF’s club wrestling program competes in Division I under the NCWA, providing a platform for students to engage in competitive wrestling.

Admission to UF is highly selective, with a focus on academic excellence. The club wrestling program charges a modest membership fee, keeping it affordable for participants. The university offers a wide range of dining options, ensuring that students can find meals that suit their needs.

3. Florida State University (Tallahassee)

Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee offers an NCWA Division I club wrestling program. The environment is energetic and supportive, promoting both athletic and academic success. The team practices in university athletic facilities equipped with wrestling mats and a well-furnished gym.

FSU’s club wrestling program is part of the NCWA Division I, allowing students to compete at a national level.

Admission to FSU is competitive, with an emphasis on academic achievements. The wrestling club has a low membership fee, making it accessible to most students. The campus provides a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

4. University of South Florida (Tampa)

The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa hosts an NCWA Division I club wrestling program. The environment is inclusive and dynamic, encouraging students to develop their wrestling skills while balancing their studies. USF provides access to excellent athletic facilities, including wrestling mats and fitness centers.

USF’s club wrestling team competes in the NCWA Division I, offering students a chance to engage in competitive wrestling.

Admission to USF is moderately competitive, focusing on a combination of academic performance and extracurricular involvement. The club wrestling program has a low membership fee, making it affordable for students. On-campus dining options are diverse, with meal plans available to suit various dietary preferences.

5. Southeastern University (Lakeland)

Southeastern University in Lakeland offers an NAIA wrestling program for both men and women. The environment is faith-based and supportive, focusing on developing student-athletes in a holistic manner. The university provides state-of-the-art wrestling facilities, including practice mats and strength training areas.

The university’s wrestling program competes in the NAIA, offering opportunities for both male and female wrestlers to compete at a national level.

Admission to Southeastern University is selective, with a focus on both academic and athletic qualifications. The tuition is moderate, with scholarships available for student-athletes. The campus offers various dining options, including meal plans that cater to different needs and preferences.

6. Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale)

Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale features an NAIA wrestling program for men and women. The environment is competitive and career-focused, offering excellent support for student-athletes. The wrestling team has access to top-notch facilities, including practice mats and a fully-equipped gym.

Keiser University competes in the NAIA, providing wrestling opportunities for both male and female athletes at a high level.

Admission to Keiser is selective, with a focus on academic and athletic achievements. Tuition is moderately priced, with athletic scholarships available to help offset costs. The university offers a variety of dining options, including meal plans that cater to different dietary needs.

7. St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens)

St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens offers an NAIA men’s wrestling program. The environment is vibrant and supportive, with a focus on academic and athletic success. The university provides modern wrestling facilities, including mats and strength training equipment.

St. Thomas University competes in the NAIA, offering a competitive men’s wrestling program.

Admission to St. Thomas is selective, with an emphasis on academic performance and athletic potential. Tuition is moderate, with scholarships available for student-athletes. On-campus dining provides various options, including meal plans that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

8. Warner University (Lake Wales)

Warner University in Lake Wales offers an NAIA wrestling program for both men and women. The environment is close-knit and supportive, promoting personal growth and athletic excellence. The university provides excellent wrestling facilities, including dedicated mats and a fitness center.

Warner University’s wrestling program competes in the NAIA, providing opportunities for both male and female wrestlers to compete at the collegiate level.

Admission to Warner is moderately competitive, with a focus on both academics and athletics. Tuition fees are reasonable, with scholarships available for student-athletes. The campus offers various dining options, including meal plans that cater to different dietary needs.

9. Webber International University (Babson Park)

Webber International University in Babson Park offers an NAIA wrestling program for men and women. The environment is student-focused and competitive, providing strong support for athletic development. The university provides state-of-the-art wrestling facilities, including practice mats and strength training areas.

Webber International University competes in the NAIA, offering wrestling opportunities for both men and women.

Admission to Webber is selective, with an emphasis on academic and athletic qualifications. Tuition is moderately priced, with financial aid and scholarships available for eligible students. The campus offers a variety of dining options, including meal plans that cater to different dietary needs.

10. Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers)

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers hosts an NCWA Division II club wrestling program. The environment is laid-back and supportive, encouraging students to participate in wrestling while focusing on their studies. FGCU provides access to well-maintained athletic facilities, including wrestling mats and fitness centers.

FGCU’s club wrestling team competes in the NCWA Division II, offering a platform for students to engage in competitive wrestling.

Admission to FGCU is moderately competitive, focusing on academic performance. The wrestling club has a low membership fee, making it affordable for students. On-campus dining options are diverse, with meal plans available to suit various dietary preferences.

11. Florida International University (Miami)

Florida International University (FIU) in Miami offers an NCWA Division I club wrestling program. The environment is diverse and inclusive, promoting both athletic and academic growth. The team practices in university athletic facilities, which include wrestling mats and strength training areas.

FIU’s club wrestling team competes in the NCWA Division I, providing students with opportunities to compete at a high level.

Admission to FIU is competitive, focusing on academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. The wrestling club charges a small membership fee, making it accessible to most students. The campus offers a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

12. University of North Florida (Jacksonville)

The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville hosts an NCWA Division II club wrestling program. The environment is supportive and student-driven, encouraging participation from wrestlers of all skill levels. The team practices in well-equipped university athletic facilities, including wrestling mats and a fitness center.

UNF’s club wrestling team competes in the NCWA Division II, offering a competitive outlet for students interested in wrestling.

Admission to UNF is moderately competitive, with a focus on academic performance. The wrestling club has a low membership fee, making it affordable for students. The campus provides a variety of dining options, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals.

13. Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach)

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in West Palm Beach offers an NCAA Division II wrestling program, one of the few in Florida. The environment is faith-based and supportive, emphasizing both academic and athletic excellence. The university provides top-tier wrestling facilities, including dedicated mats and strength training equipment.

PBA’s wrestling program competes in the NCAA Division II, offering student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level.

Admission to PBA is selective, with an emphasis on academic and athletic performance. Tuition is moderately priced, with scholarships available to help offset costs. The campus offers various dining options, including meal plans that cater to different dietary needs.

14. Brewton-Parker College (Mount Vernon)

Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, offers an NAIA wrestling program for both men and women. The environment is supportive and community-oriented, focusing on developing well-rounded student-athletes. The college provides modern wrestling facilities, including practice mats and a fitness center.

Brewton-Parker’s wrestling program competes in the NAIA, providing opportunities for both male and female wrestlers to compete at the collegiate level.

Admission to Brewton-Parker is selective, with a focus on both academic and athletic qualifications. Tuition is affordable, with scholarships and financial aid available for eligible students. The campus offers a variety of dining options, ensuring students have access to nutritious meals.

15. Florida A&M University (Tallahassee)

Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee hosts an NCWA Division II club wrestling program. The environment is lively and inclusive, promoting participation from students of all backgrounds. The team practices in university athletic facilities, which include wrestling mats and strength training areas.

FAMU’s club wrestling team competes in the NCWA Division II, offering a platform for students to engage in competitive wrestling.

Admission to FAMU is moderately competitive, focusing on academic performance. The wrestling club charges a low membership fee, making it accessible to most students. The campus provides a variety of dining options, ensuring that students have access to healthy and affordable meals.

Final Remarks

As this overview shows, Florida offers top-tier wrestling opportunities at both university and college levels for prospective student-athletes across the state and region seeking to compete.