BEST MATCHES OF Pool 2 NWCA National Duals

 

Yesterday we took a look at Pool 1 (A) & all of the best matches that it would feature & today we're going to take a look at Pool 2 (B) & all of the best matches that it will offer.  Pool 2 (B) will feature Cal State Bakersfield, Bloomsburg, Northern Iowa, Drexel, & Ohio.  Let's take a look at what will be our most exciting matches. 

125

Home crowd favorite Trever Anderson will have his hands full in duals Vs both Cal State Bakersfield & Drexel on Saturday.  The Panther currently ranked #27 in the DI nation isn't quite having the season he was hoping thus far after finishing one match shy of being an All-American at the end of '25.  This weekend he'll have two unranked, yet talented wrestlers looking to get themselves into the rankings by knocking him off. 

Richard Castro-Sandoval is currently 2-4 on the season, not looking nearly as good as Coach Luke Smith was hoping he would, after getting the four-time California High School state place-winner through to the NCAA DI tournament last season.  Yet, RCS is known to show up on big occasions & wrestle his best when audiences are big & occasions are important. 

Desmond Pleasant himself is looking to improve his stock this weekend.  He has yet to make it out of the EIWA championships on two attempts but is hoping to this season. He defeated RCS earlier this season by a 4-1 victory & another win over the Road Runner would look good on the resume.  A win over Anderson, even better. 

#26 Julian Farber Northern Iowa Vs U.R. Kyle Waterman Drexel
133

Taking place in his home gym, on his home mats.  Ranked Vs unranked, this match highly favors the Panther over the Dragon, but with both of these guys, you can never be too sure on what to expect.  There are times when watching Julian Farber, I'm convinced there isn't anyone that he couldn't beat if he was wrestling at his absolute best.  Other times, he seems very susceptible to upset.  As to Waterman, wins over Blake Boarman & Dylan Shawver stick out to me in particular, which is why I think he should be a concern for the Panthers when Northern Iowa duals Drexel. 

  

141

#31 Derek Raike is in a similar situation to what Trever Anderson is in at 125.  He has a ranking within the top 33, wants to stay within the rankings & has a target on his back as two talented unranked opponents he'll be facing this weekend, both want to knock him off.  Thus far, the Bobcat has been wrestling excellent this season. 10-3, he really boosted his confidence with a 7th place showing at DI's most prestigious in-season tournament, the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. 

R.J. Weston is still searching for that big moment, that vital match to serve as a trajectory to an NCAA DI qualification season.  A win over Raike, would do just that. 

Then we have Luke Nichter, a Dragon that qualified for the NCAA DI championships all the way back in 2021.  If he wants to make trip number two, it's going to take getting some big wins & getting back into the rankings.  No time like the present to begin that journey. 

165

Again, one of the best things about the Dual Vs the tournament is that it gives individuals who otherwise normally don't have the opportunity, a chance to come through for their team at an important moment.  I don't know if any of these three individuals will be among the top 33 at 165 lbs by '25-'26's end, but I do know that all three have an opportunity to win important matches as their team tries to advance to day two of the duals. 

Jack Lledo has defeated both Braidon Woodward & Cody Walsh this season, but both matches have been very close.  He defeated Woodward by a score of 4-2 & he squeaked past Cody Walsh 1-0.  Duals like these, every match can be important. 

174

If you're looking for the most exciting matches on the NCAA DI side of things at the NWCA National duals, Pool 2 (B), 174 lbs is the place to look.   Fresh off of his return, Garrett Thompson of Ohio, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier, is not currently featured in the rankings. You'll see soon enough, why he should be. 

The Bobcat has already defeated #10 Jared Simma (a two-time NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, R12 last season) on three occasions. Upending the Panther twice by 8-1 scores as well as a 5-3 score.  You wanna hear a place come unglued?  Find me a louder pop this weekend, than if Simma were to pull off a win against Thompson. I double dog dare ya.  

Let's also add in Jasiah Queen, an NCAA DI qualifier last year, currently ranked #18.  Pool 2 (B) NWCA National Duals 174, is gonna be good. 

#18 Sal Perrine Ohio Vs #28 C.J. Walrath Northern Iowa
184

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, Sal Perrine looked very sharp in Vegas, capturing a 6th place finish.  He will be challenged by a hungry C.J. Walrath, who is looking to climb the rankings ladder this weekend by knocking him off. 

#26 Zayne Lehman Ohio Vs Kaleb Runyon Northern Iowa
197

Zayne Lehman currently ranked #26 in the nation, was an NCAA DI qualifier back in 2023.  He is looking to make trip number two to Cleveland, Ohio in March.  Looking to knock him off this weekend, Kaleb Runyon is ready to strike at opportune time. Huge event, huge crowd, your crowd, your mats, your arena, hope the Bobcat is ready because the Panther will have his teeth & his claws ready to go.  

BEST MATCHES OF Pool 1 NCAA DI NWCA National Duals

 

The NWCA National Duals are upon us!! Taking place in Cedar Falls, Iowa, hosted by the University of Northern Iowa, they will be taking place this weekend January 9th & 10th!  The NCAA DI Duals have been categorized into two pools. Today we'll be taking a look at pool 1 which features, Harvard, Northern Illinois, South Dakota State, Campbell, & Central Michigan.  JT1Wrestle has taken a look at all of the duals that will happen in this pool & has put together what I feel will be the best matches.  

Let's take a look! 

#25 Blake West Northern Illinois Vs #22 Brady Roark South Dakota State
125

The first half of '25-'26 may not have started off the way that Blake West would have liked, but it sure ended the way he wanted it to.  The two-time NCAA DI qualifier is currently on a high, having won the Midlands championship & should be coming into Cedar Falls boosting in confidence.  With that noted, Brady Roark is having himself one heck of a solid sophomore season.  Currently 11-2, he owns wins over Jore Volk, as well as recent Soldier Salute champion Mack Mauger. 

#28 Markel Baker Northern Illinois Vs #23 Derrick Cardinal South Dakota State
133

This is a match that really intrigues me.  We have Markel Baker a junior who has yet to make the NCAA DI national tournament, who is looking like he's definitely making the trip to Cleveland in March.  Thus far the Husky is 11-4 on the season, a Michigan State Open title & 8th at the Midlands.  His opponent here is Derrick Cardinal, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier, who recently become a three-time CKLV place-winner, going 6th-7th-7th overall.  

If Baker can keep this one on the feet, he stands a fighting man's chance.  It's not a shoe-in, but the neutral position is a war that Baker can win.  If this one goes to the mat, it's over.  Cardinal like a lot of Jackrabbits past & current is a monster in the top position.  Cardinal's strategy will be to get on top & Baker's strategy should be to avoid bottom. 

157 

I hope Coach Weiss has Jimmy Harrington well rested & mentally prepared for this weekend, cause come Saturday, the Crimson NCAA DI qualifier will be tested.  Currently ranked #23, it's been a good season for the senior, taking runner-up honors at the Keystone Classic & placing 8th at the prestigious CKLV.  

His toughest challenge here will be #19 Cael Swensen, who ironically enough is also 10-3 on the year.  A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, he didn't place at CKLV compared to Harrington's 8th place showing, but against similar opponents, has a much better track record than Harrington. 

#22 Mason Shrader won't be much easier, if easier at all. An NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, Shrader is currently 13-4 on the year & he placed 3rd to Harrington's 2nd at Keystone.  An opportunity to perhaps show who really was runner-up, had there been wrestle-backs.  

Despite not currently being ranked, I wouldn't overlook Landen Johnson either.  The Husky recently placed 7th at Midlands & will be coming into these duals looking to knock off some names in an attempt to further make a name for himself. 

Johnson will also wrestle Shrader, & the thing to look at here is how similar they are in wins & losses to the same opponents. 

Johnson Vs Swensen will also happen, as well Swensen Vs Shrader. 

165

Things will prove to be exciting at 165 lbs, as they are at 157 lbs.  Some may upon a first glance wonder why in the world I'm including Joe Cangro in this write-up.  He's unranked, he hasn't really done anything worth noting this season & he currently stands 5-9. 

I'll tell you why I include Joe Cangro in this write-up.  Cody Walsh.   Cangro owns a 9-4 decision over Walsh, whereas Walsh owns a 4-3 victory over #28 Marcus Espinoza-Owens.  Bad days, bad match-ups, the unreal amount of parity we have in this sport. I don't need a lecture on it. I've taught the courses.  Still it raises an eyebrow for me, when looking at the Crimson taking on the recent 6th place finish of CKLV. 

I'm also still excited about what the "other" Ferrari brother can do.  We got a small glimpse of his talent this past weekend, as the Camel took a 6th place finish at the Scuffle.  Not convinced we've seen him at full capacity yet though.   Cangro is a match neither MEO or Ferrari should take lightly, & Ferrari Vs MEO I can see being very good. 

U.R. Matt Walsh Harvard Vs U.R. Adrian Cramer Central Michigan
184

Here's why this match intrigues me.  These pool matches on Saturday are important in determining who gets to advance for matches on Sunday.  Every match counts & in a dual of Harvard Vs Central Michigan, upsets are vital.  Now is there really going to be an upset here at 184?  Well, not officially.  Neither Matt Walsh or Adrian Cramer are ranked.  HOWEVER....

The first time these two met, Cramer wiped the mat with Walsh in a 16-6 major decision. The two have met twice more since that time & Cramer has squeaked by both times with a 4-3 victory.  You have to know that Walsh wants this match. He wants to turn those two one-point losses into a win.  Cramer goes into this one knowing he's the wolf on top of the mountain, who needs to keep the wolf climbing the mountain from reaching his destination. 

U.R. Brock Fettig
South Dakota State
184

And while we're talking 184 lbs, why not add in Brock Fettig.  What makes Fettig interesting?  Well this...

In comparison to Adrian Cramer, he has a 5-4 loss to Guiseppe Hoose, whereas Cramer has a 4-1 s.v. over Hoose.  He also has a 4-1 s.v. over Isaac Dean, whereas Cramer has a 4-1 s.v. loss to Dean.  That suggest to me that Fettig Vs Cramer, should be a good match. 

U.R. Brant Cracraft
Campbell
184

You thought I was done at 184! Well, I'm NOT!  Brant Cracraft is currently 3-10 at the moment & this is why I love dual meets. To be frank, Cracraft probably isn't going to be top 33 by season's end.  Probably won't have a winning record by season's end either.  What he can do though, is be a hero in the dual meet Vs South Dakota State.  He already owns an 8-5 s.v. over Fettig & this would be a bigger stage, at a bigger moment to do so again. 

HWT

We'll have some really good wrestling in Pool 1 at HWT.  We have #21 Devon Dawson, #32 Bryan Caves & #20 Luke Rasmussen all looking to do battle on day one of the NWCA National Duals. 

Hard to believe with as well as he's been wrestling this season that the former Pratt NJCAA standout Devon Dawson has yet to make the NCAA DI championships.  Currently 15-5 on the season he was 8th at CKLV, as he made the finals of the Midlands. 

Bryan Caves, currently 12-5 on the season was 5th at the Midlands. 

Luke Rasmussen, an NCAA DI qualifier last year, was recently 7th at CKLV, with a 7-2 sudden victory over Dawson. 

What really sticks out to be here is that Caves nearly tech'd Rasmussen the last they met 14-1. Yet I don't see that, as dominatingly one sided as it was, the guarantee for this match the way you think I would. Rasmussen is weird that way.  He's turned some very ugly losses into respectable losses. Hell, he's turned some very ugly losses into wins! It'll be interesting to see what happens on Saturday. 

2026 SOUTHERN SCUFFLE PREVEIW - 165!!

 

#5
Matty Bianchi
Little Rock

The 2025 All-American finished 7th in the DI nation last year competing at 157 lbs, but so far 8 lbs up, he is fairing quite well at 165, a current 7-0 on the season.  Based on ranking alone, he is the clear favorite to win a title this weekend, but I'm anxious to see if it's as smooth on the mat, as it is on paper.

#14
Ryan Burton
Virginia Tech 

The Hokies could also start Mac Church here as well, and if they do, Church is a top 8 contender in his own right.  Ryan Burton I would think will either be the *2 or *3 seed, depending on how the seeding committee matches him up with Gunner Filipowicz. 

 

#16
Gunner Filipowicz
Army

The Black Knight has wrestled very well at these championships the past two seasons, winning a title last year & runner-up honors the year before that.  This is a tough bracket & he'll have some challenges if he wants to make the Scuffle finals once again.  Which a three-time Scuffle finalist, would be a great credential to carry around. 

#17
Bryce Hepner
North Carolina

Between injuries, redshirts, & fighting for varsity position at Ohio State, I don't believe we've seen Bryce Hepner at his best yet.  Now that he's at North Carolina & he's the clear starter, I think we might.  I'm very anxious to see how he does this weekend.  He has only one loss so far this season & that's to a very tough L.J. Araujo.  This is a guy that could really take this tournament by storm & be the talk of the weekend. 

#26
Max Norman
Brown

One of the things I love about a tournament like the Southern Scuffle is that it gives us an opportunity to see talent shine from smaller schools, that often get overlooked.  Not everything is the NCAA DI tournament & not everything is going to feature the top 12 wrestlers in each weight class. There are 80 varsity wrestlers per weight class in NCAA DI & I for one appreciate the chance to get to see those ranked between 15th & 33rd compete for honors.  Max Norman of Brown fits that category & the Brown Bear should have a good weekend. 

#30
Tom Snipes
The Citadel

The Bulldog was 5th here a year ago & will be gunning for another top 8 finish this weekend. 

#31
Sean Seefeldt
Pennsylvania

The Quaker has some notable wins as he heads into Chattanooga this weekend. One of which includes a 2-1 tiebreaker over Ryan Burton. 

U.R.
Peyten Kellar
Oklahoma

It's so hard for me to believe that Peyten Kellar has a U.R. next to his name.  An All-American in 2024 & here in the '25-'26 season, isn't even within the top 33.  The fact of the matter is, a few bad matches got him in this predicament & a few good matches could get him out of it.  As Oklahoma fanatic Cradlezone says, "He needs to get his shit together" & the Scuffle provides a perfect opportunity to do just that.  Being unranked will affect his ranking, but head-to-head, there's no one in this bracket beyond his abilities. 

U.R.
Boeden Greenly
North Dakota State

Another tough kid with a U.R. next to his name that is more than capable of having a # next to it instead.  Greenly was 4th here a year ago & owns a 4-1 s.v. over Snipes. 

U.R. 
Anthony Ferrari
Campbell

The overlooked & forgotten about Ferrari brother.  Everyone everywhere has something to say about A.J. & most everyone is excited about the potential of Angelo. Few have much to say about Anthony, but that's why tournaments like this exist. If there's a time to break through, step out of the shadows & make a name for yourself, this is it.  Among the place-winner candidates this weekend, will be the Camel.  Owns a 5-4 decision over Seefeldt, btw. 

U.R.
Tanner Peake
Davidson

Injuries could stand to leave this kid alone for a while, because he has the talent & potential to be an NCAA DI qualifier for the Wildcats this season, if he can just stay healthy.  He was one match shy of placing here last season & whether it's a win or a loss, I see him in that bloodround match yet again. 

U.R.
D.J. Shannon
Michigan State

D.J. Shannon is one of those wrestlers that won't give you a single reason to include his name on the list of potential place-winners for a tournament & then turn around & wrestle well enough to where you feel like a complete idiot for leaving his name off the list.  Every season he pulls off a, "How in the Hell did he win that?" match or two.  Can't say for sure it'll be this weekend, but guess what?  I can't say it won't be either. 

2026 SOUTHERN SCUFFLE PREVIEW - 184!!

 

Once again a look at....

Who contends for a title?

Who contends for making the finals?

Who contends for a top 8 finish here in Chattanooga? 

#5
Jaxon Smith
Maryland

Among the many accomplishments & credentials the All-American has already earned during his collegiate career, a Southern Scuffle title looks to be added this weekend. 

#11
Brian Soldano
Oklahoma

Wanting to make his mark within his new home & solidify himself as All-American material, Brian Soldano will be among those challenging Jaxon Smith for a Scuffle title this weekend. 

#17
Aiden Brenot
North Dakota State

Ranking may not suggest it, but results do.  The NCAA DI R12'er, has thus far been 7th & 4th in these championships and will look to challenge for the title this weekend.  Among Aiden Brenot's wins, a 4-2 decision over Jake Gilfoil, a 12-2 major over A.J. Heeg & a 4:15 fall over Brock Delsignore. 

#22
Jaden Bullock
Virginia Tech

Yet another contender for the Scuffle title here at 197?  I'd say so.  Jaden Bullock gave Jaxon Smith a 4-1 matchup & furthermore he has both a 13-3 & 12-4 win over Brian Soldano. 

#25
Caleb Campos
American

Coach Jason Borrelli is looking to put some of his Eagles on the award stand this weekend in Chattanooga & Caleb Campos is one of them. 

#30
Christan Hansen
Cornell

The young Big Red has thus far had some impressive wins in his career & could very well open up some eyes this tournament.  Owns a 7-5 decision over Jaden Bullock. 

U.R. 
A.J. Heeg
Northern Colorado

Unranked at the moment, A.J. Heeg is yet to wrestle a match in '25-'26.  If he does make his debut this weekend, the fact that he made the finals last season is enough to suggest what he is capable of. 

U.R.
Brock DelSignore
Little Rock

Despite currently being out of Intermat's top 33 at 184,, Brock DelSignore is more than a threat to making the top 8 here in George McIntyre's home town.  The Trojan owns a 5-1 decision over last year's finalist A.J. Heeg & he took probable *1 seed Jaxon Smith into sudden victory the last time they met.  he also owns a 17-2 tech over Tomas Brooker. 

U.R.
Jake Gilfoil
Army

The Black Knights are very capable of heading east out of Chattanooga with a good helping of post-Christmas hardware this weekend.  Among their place-winner candidates, Jake Gilfoil who was 8th here a year ago. 

(Redshirting)
Asher Cunningham
Penn State

You knew I was going to add Asher Cunningham to the list of place-winner candidates.  It'd be stupid not to. 

U.R.
Tomas Brooker
Appalachian State

If you look at this picture carefully, you can see that the singlet reads, "Darkhorse."  How appropriate.  If there be a darkhorse in this bracket, Tomas Brooker is it.  I've seen this guy get it handed to him on the mat & then turn around weeks later & beat the same guy!!  Brooker finishing top 12 here at the Scuffle would not surprise me at all. Neither would him winning that blood-round match & making the top 8. 

U.R.
Dom Baker
Virginia

The name Dom Baker is one that has completely fallen off the radar.  A couple of years ago, competing for Campbell at 165 lbs, he was both a contender for a SOCON conference title & among those within the top 25.  He's not in that category yet at 184, now competing for Virginia.  That doesn't mean that he can't be or that he won't be.  I've said it 1,000 times over the years & I'm saying it again now.  It only takes one good tournament & than "Whammo! You're back!"  I imagine we will see some examples of that this week.  Perhaps Baker will be an example here at the Scuffle. 

2026 SOUTHERN SCUFFLE PREVIEW - 197 !!

 

Who's fighting for Scuffle gold? 

Who's fighting for a spot in the Scuffle finals? 

Who's gonna be Scuffle top 8? 

Let's take a look! 

(Reserve)
Conner Mirasola
Penn State

Let me tell you a few of little facts about Conner Mirasola.  1 - He's one of the best 197 lbs'ers in NCAA DI wrestling.  2 - He is & will remain a backup to Josh Barr this season.  3 - He'll show himself as one of the best backups in the entire country by contending for the Scuffle title this weekend.  BTW, he won last year's Scuffle. 

#3
Stephen Little
Little Rock

I find it difficult to believe that if both Conner Mirasola & Stephen Little enter the Southern Scuffle, that our final will be anything but.  I do believe strongly that Conner Mirasola is a top 8 197 lbs'er in the NCAA & I'd like to see what he can do against a multiple time All-American like Little. 

#9
D.J. Parker
Oklahoma

Intermat ranking suggest that D.J. Parker is our favorite for a Scuffle bronze this weekend, but I dare not call it a shoe-in.  As I said, Mirasola Vs Little feels like a very, very probable final, but I'm not 100% sold on what our consolation final will look like.  Lot's of good talent in this bracket, Parker one of them. 

#15
Branson John
Maryland

I'll continue the theory that the real story at 197 lbs will be the war for bronze.  Among those in the battle, Branson John. 

#17
Sonny Sasso
Virginia Tech

Sonny Sasso used his long, lanky reach last season to capture a 3rd place finish at last year's Scuffle.  It would not surprise me at all to see him do the exact same thing this tournament. 

#24
Wolfgang Frable
Army

The Black Knight was 4th here a year ago & will once again be looking for a solid finish. 

#27
Andrew Reall
Brown

I've actually surprised myself with the number of Brown Bears I can see making top 8 status this weekend. A program that has struggled in more recent times, it is refreshing to see them making strides.  Andrew Reall, among their place-winner candidates. 

#31
Kael Wisler
Michigan State

A candidate for top 8, Kael Wisler of Michigan State. 

U.R.
Josh McCutcheon
Gardner-Webb

I've already named 8 wrestlers I see fighting for a spot on the award stand & naming Josh McCutcheon now makes 9.  The Runnin' Bulldog was 8th here a year ago & looks to become a two-time Scuffle place-winner this weekend.  


There's gonna be an odd man out?  Maybe even more than one, but these are the 9 I see gunning for place-winner status this weekend.