Nelson Brands, an NCAA All-American from the University of Iowa, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Cal Poly wrestling program, head coach Jon Sioredas announced on June 3.
Brands said, “I can’t wait to work alongside this coaching staff and group of athletes. I’m bringing a relentless work ethic and infectious positive energy to help elevate the team as we build something special together.”
Brands comes to Cal Poly after a standout career at Iowa from 2018-25 and a promising start in coaching. Sioredas said, “Nelson is the total package, and we are thrilled to bring him to San Luis Obispo. He competed at the highest level of college wrestling, he was raised inside one of the toughest cultures the sport has ever produced, and he has a genuine passion for developing young men. Our athletes are going to learn a tremendous amount from him, both on the mat and in the way he carries himself. This is a major addition for our program.”
During his time at Iowa, Brands was a two-time NCAA qualifier who earned All-American honors in 2022-23 by placing fifth at 174 pounds after defeating five top-15 nationally ranked opponents. After finishing his collegiate career in 2024-25 with a record of 59-21, Brands served as head wrestling coach at Regina High School in Iowa City last season.
Brands is part of one of American wrestling’s most accomplished families; his father Terry Brands is an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time World champion while his uncle Tom Brands is an Olympic gold medalist and current head coach at Iowa. Growing up around such experience helped shape Nelson’s approach to both competing and coaching.
Cal Poly’s wrestling program recently achieved its sixth consecutive top 25 national ranking during the 2025-26 season while qualifying multiple wrestlers for national championships each year.
