The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2021 NSIC Wrestling Coaches' Poll with the Wolves picked sixth in the league. Northern earned 36 team points in the poll and senior Marcus Placide was named the NSIC wrestler to watch.
 
The Wolves head into year six under the direction of head coach Rocky Burkett after a 9-8 dual record in 2019-20. NSU tallied NSIC dual victories over MSU Moorhead and Minot State, as well as wins over nationally ranked opponents Fort Hays State, New Mexico Highlands, and UNC Pembroke. Northern spent a majority of the season ranked in the NWCA Top-25 or receiving votes, while Dayne Morton, Caden Moore, James Burks, and Marcus Placide each held national rankings during the year. Placide was named to the NSIC All-Conference second team at 184 pounds. Senior Walker Carr punched his ticket to the NCAA Championships at 157 pounds. The Wolves boast one of their largest rosters in recent years with 22 returners and nine freshman and transfers.
 
Placide went 27-7 overall and 6-2 in the NSIC. He won the Jimmie Invite and Finn Grinaker open to kick off the season and was named to the NSIC All-Conference second team.
 
NSIC Preseason Wrestling Coaches Poll