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.

Gavyn Whitehead became Indian Hills' first-ever two-time national champion in men's wrestling after repeating as national champion at 141 pounds.

On Wednesday, Whitehead was announced as the 2026 NJCAA Men's Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat.

Whitehead defeated several ranked wrestlers during the regular season. He reached the finals of the Millikin Open and Sioux City Open.

The Indian Hills sophomore was dominant in the postseason. He claimed a title at the
NJCAA North Central District with a technical fall in the semifinals and a pin in the finals.

At the 2026 NJCAA Men's Wrestling Championships, Whitehead reached the semifinals with two pins and a technical fall. In the semifinals, Whitehead pinned returning national finalist Dmitri Alarcon of Western Wyoming. He capped off his championship run with a convincing 14-7 victory over No. 2 Evan Rodriguez of Cowley.