Indiana Vs Purdue Dual Preview (Today Jan 17th)

 

The Hoosier state often likes to pride itself on basketball, but tonight, we're settling things on the mat.  The Hoosiers of Indiana may not be ranked at the moment, but rest assure that they'll give the #15 Boilermakers all they can handle in this inner state rivalry.  Going to be some good matches in this one. 

#22 Jacob Moran Vs #1 Matt Ramos
125

While he's had a few scares here and there, thus far Matt Ramos remains undefeated, and the forerunner for the NCAA title in the minds of many who study the results and put together the rankings.  On paper this one looks to be a major for the Boilermakers, and it may very well turn out that way.  Ramos after all already owns a 15-6 major over Jacob Moran.  Then again, it might not, as Moran gave Ramos a closer match in a 7-1 decision in their other meeting. 

U.R. Angelo Rini Vs U.R. Dustin Norris
133

Neither Angelo Rini or Dustin Norris are currently ranked at the moment, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if both were top 33 by '24-'25's end.  Indiana as rankings suggest is the underdog within this mano-a-mano, so bonus points will be essential if the crimson & cream is going to make a push to upset the black & old gold.  Rini majored Norris the last time the two met in a 12-1 decision.  Indiana will need him to rack up the points once again. 

U.R. Henry Porter Vs #27 Greyson Clark
141

Henry Porter has yet to make the NCAA tournament & he is currently unranked, but he did put together 22 wins as a true freshman two seasons ago, and among those wins, some notable victories.  He'll be the longshot in this match against 2024 NCAA DI qualifier, but I wouldn't completely count him out.  

#12 Tyler Lillard Vs #33 Stoney Buell
165

There are so many great stories to the matches in collegiate wrestling & here is one to get hyped and excited about.  Tyler Lillard has shown remarkable advancement thus far this year, really stepping it up and showcasing his talents winning a Midlands title earlier this season.  Going into this match, he is 0-3 against Stoney Buell, as the Boilermaker owns 2-1, 5-1 & 4-2 decisions over the Hoosier.  Beating someone you've never beaten before, can give you that mental edge that can be so vital in this sport.  At the same time though, Buell has to already feel very confident stepping out onto the mat. He knows he can beat Lillard, he already has three times.  If he can do it a fourth time, that would be huge for his confidence, as well as his ranking. 

#32 D.J. Washington Vs #21 James Rowley
184

As far as I'm concerned D.J. Washington is one of the most underrated and overlooked wrestlers in the country.  It seems whenever he has a mishap, the rankers examine it with a fine-tooth comb, but when he pulls off a nice victory, they audition for the part of Mr. Magoo.  Speaking of a nice victory, if he can defeat James Rowley later tonight, that would be a very nice victory.  Easier said than done, as Rowley plans to send both Washington & the Hoosiers back to Bloomington with a loss.  I wonder though, if Washington is to win this encounter, if he'll go up in the rankings, or stay at #32.  I would certainly hope in the least he wouldn't slip in the rankings, but stranger things have happened before. 

#23 Gabe Sollars Vs #29 Ben Vanadia
197

If you're watching this dual live, stream or on television, trust me when I say this;  this match at 197 is very important to both teams.  Important to Indiana in any hope of upsetting Purdue & important to Purdue in putting to rest any idea of being upset.  Ranking Vs result in this one. Sollars has the higher ranking, but it was Vanadia who won the head to head in a 6-3 s.v. the last time the two met.  Look for another outstanding match between these two, with "who's the best DI in Indiana?" on the line. 

#22 Jacob Bullock Vs U.R. Hayden Filipovich
HWT

Much like teammate Tyler Lillard, Jacob Bullock has demonstrated why they might not get as much credit for it as they deserve, Angel Escobedo and staff are making positive changes in the Hoosier wrestling room.  I think Bullock has the tools and ability to be an All American if he performs up to his capabilities this year.  He demonstrated what he can do by making the Midlands finals earlier this season.  Let's not put the cart ahead of the horse though.  Can't overlook anyone and that includes an unranked, but tough Hayden Filipovich. Bullock should pull off this win without much problem, with bonus points not out of the question.  Still would be sharp and alert though, Filipovich is a risk taker and could go for some big moves in this match. 













 

Wrestling Community - Let's Help Benny Bautista of NYU in His Fight Against Cancer

 

Last year, Benny Bautista finished his junior season with a 5th place finish in a tough Northeast Regional.  This year, he was hoping to be in the fight for NCAA DIII qualification, to be one of the final 21 wrestlers by seasons end to make it to the national tournament in his weight class.  Instead, Bautista is faced with a challenger that none of us, especially those so young should ever have to face.  Bautista has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer, and awaits surgery soon. 

This is a very trying time for the Bautista family.  In their efforts to overcome and beat this horrid disease, they need support from the wrestling community.  Thoughts, prayers, letters of support and if at all possible donations, as the fight is never cheap. 

If you are able, I ask that you help donate to the Bautista family.  

Fundraiser for Janette Bautista by Renee Pontelandolfo : Support Benny's Fight Against Brain Cancer - is the link for his gofundme. 

Illinois Vs Iowa Dual Preview (Friday Jan 17th)

 

The #13 Illinois Fighting Illini take on the #2 Iowa Hawkeyes in BIG 10 dual action this Friday! While the black & gold look to win their eighth matchup in a row, the blue & orange should hold their own in some of the individual contests. 

#2 Lucas Byrd Vs #4 Drake Ayala
133

A disappointing end to 2023, and missing out on 2024 due to injury, Lucas Byrd has been a man on a mission to make positive that 2025 ends on a high note.  11-0 thus far, he's had some impressive wins, including All American Nasir Bailey.  Drake Ayala, an NCAA DI finalist, currently stands at 10-1. Not only does he want this this victory for his own sake, but also for the team's.  Just because Iowa is currently ranked 2nd, doesn't mean that they've already earned 2nd.  It'll be a dog fight at both the BIG 10 championships & the NCAA championships to earn one of those top four trophies.  Seedings matter, and a W here for either Byrd or Ayala, is important.

#12 Danny Pucino Vs #30 Ryder Block
141

Opportunity swings both ways in this encounter.  Danny Pucino has the opportunity to really cut loose and put some points on the board for the Illini.  Ranking suggests such an outcome.  On the other hand, this could be an opportunity for Block to climb that ladder of rankings & show the Hawkeyes & the nation he's more of an asset than originally thought.  In these team races, within the conference, and within the entirety of the NCAA, "all hands on deck" is the only mentality that will suffice.  A win here would be beneficial for the young Hawkeye. 

#12 Kannon Webster Vs #3 Kyle Parco
149

The Hawkeyes are going into this one expecting to come out with some bonus points, but I guarantee you that is the furthest thing from Kannon Webster's mind.  He's stepping out on the mat to do battle and the only thing he can smell cooking is an upset. Easier said than done against a man of Kyle Parco's resources.  The former Bulldog, former Sun Devil, current Hawkeye is a four time All American, looking for his fifth appearance as one of the nation's elite 8 within his weight class by season's end.  You don't get to that status in this sport, at this level by accident. 

#11 Braedon Scoles Vs #2 Mikey Caliendo
165

I can imagine the late Gordon Solie of the American Wrestling Association (AWA) hyping this match a good hour before the start of the dual. "At 165 lbs, we have a match of youth Vs experience, as Braedon Scoles, a talented freshman continuing to prove himself throughout Division I wrestling takes on Mikey Caliendo, a veteran who has proven himself to be one of the nation's top competitors, and a threat to the NCAA title."  Only we're not in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the AWA we're currently referring to stands for Askren Wrestling Academy.  Do I think Scoles could find himself eventually in the company of former Illini greats like Ernest Benion, Adam Tirapelle, John Llewellyn, John Lockhart & Matt Lackey? Yes, I do.  I think that's further down the line though.  I see him giving the Hawkeye a respectable match, but I do not see an upset.  I think Caliendo is too advanced, too prepared, and too on fire.  Doesn't look to be running out of fuel anytime soon. 

#21 Danny Braunagel Vs #5 Patrick Kennedy
174

To my understanding, Nelson Brands is still out, which therefore gives Patrick Kennedy an opportunity to garner another win over a ranked opponent, thus giving him even more substance to be the starter come the post-season.  The last time Kennedy met up with Danny Braunagel on the mat, it was a 15-4 thrashing in favor of the Hawkeye.  Kennedy could use such a victory again, but that's the peculiar thing about Braunagel.  With him you never know what you're going to get.  This could once again end in major decision for the black & gold.  Then again, Braunagel could also go toe to toe with Kennedy, and prove that he belongs with him out there on the mat. 

#10 Edmond Ruth Vs #5 Gabe Arnold
184

All duals have a marquee matchup, and I believe the Iowa Vs Illinois dual main event will be between Edmond Ruth and Gabe Arnold here at 184 lbs.  We have two quick, strong, fast & physical wrestlers ready to throw everything they have at one another. Both of these wrestlers enjoy getting the upper hand on their opponents and then making them pay severely for any mistakes that are made.  I'm not sure who draws first blood in this match, but I predict that could be who wins this battle.  Either one of these guys gets a lead, he'll be tough to score on after that. 

#18 Zac Braunagel Vs #2 Stephen Buchanan
197

In my '24-'24 preseason previews I called two time NCAA R12'er Zac Braunagel one of the best 197 lbs'ers yet to All American, and I'm still sticking to my claim.  It doesn't escape me that he's not having the season I hoped he would, and among an impressive win over Mac Stout & taking All American Michael Beard to a 1 point match, he's faced a couple of upsets.  I've been paying attention, I'm well aware.  I also know he's a Braunagel and Braunagel's rarely go into combat without some scars and battle wounds.  Friday though, he'll face who could very well be 197's very best by 2025's end.  Former Cowboy, former Sooner, now Hawkeye Stephen Buchanan has been making some very good wrestlers look silly, so far this season. He's wrestled 11 matches, & only one of them has ended in a decision.  Other than that, it has been two falls, five techs & two major decisions.  The Hawkeye scored a 15-4 major decision over Aeoden Sinclair, who upset Braunagel 16-10.   Does that necessarily mean anything?  In this sport? Not always.  Actually, more often so, it doesn't.  There's a ton of parity in this sport, especially at this level.  I'm still laying my money down on a Hawkeye victory, but I can see Braunagel showcasing why he's finished top 12 twice in his career. 

#11 Luke Luffman Vs #12 Ben Keuter 
HWT

Pride is a key player often within the world of wrestling. Pride in what you do for yourself and pride within what you do for your team.  Both Luke Luffman & Ben Keuter are currently top 12 wrestlers, looking to eventually place themselves within the top 8.  For Luke Luffman a win here would not only be good for him on an individual level, but also help to illustrate that the Illini are no pushovers and Iowa isn't going to just come into this engagement and bully them around.  For Ben Keuter, he's wanting to go from a Rook to a King, and a win over Luffman would be a step in that direction. 

Nebraska-Kearney Vs Grand View Dual Preview (Thursday Jan 16th)

 

A little cross division cross fire this Thursday as #5 in NCAA Division II takes on #1 in NAIA wrestling!  This will be the fourth meeting in a row between these two teams.  While the Vikings defeated the Lopers in a 34-3 beating in 2023, the two other meetings have came down to a single point.  The Vikings won 19-18 in 2022 & the Lopers won last year 18-17.  Will say that this year's dual favors the Vikings in quite a few of the weights, but we wrestle on the mat, not on paper. 

U.R. Aden Reeves Vs #1 Zach Ourada
125

Wrestling can be complicated at times & trying to figure out why Aden Reeves isn't ranked takes patients and investigation.  What it comes down it is that Grand View has 10,000 wrestlers per weight class, all of them very good, and they're only allowed to submit 12 for official rankings.  Aden Reeves was 3rd in the NAIA nation last season, the favorite to win an NAIA title this year & he's coming off of an outstanding showing at the NWCA national duals.  His opponent in this showdown will be #1 ranked Zach Ourada, who was 5th in the DII nation last year.  Reeves and Ourada have met once officially with the Viking coming out on top 10-5. 

#3 Jackson Cockrell Vs U.R. Drew Arnold
133

Jackson Cockrell took 6th in the NAIA nation last year & his opponent in this showdown will most likely be Drew Arnold, who took 5th place in the Super Region VI last year.  While Cockrell & Arnold have never met, it should be noted that Carson Taylor who will be competing at 141 owns a 17-0 technical fall over Arnold. For whatever that is worth. 

#5 Carson Taylor Vs #7 Joseph Airola
141

It's matches like these that make duals like these fun and exciting.  These two wrestlers know one another well & are likely to put on one of the best matches of the evening.  Carson Taylor is a two time NAIA All American with 2nd & 3rd place finishes, hoping to finish on top in March.  Joseph Airola was one match shy of NCAA DII qualification last season, hoping to not only make the tournament this year, but to also stand on the award stand when it is all said and done.  They've met twice, with Taylor winning a 5-0 decision & Airola winning an 8-4 decision. 

#7 Cole Ferguson Vs U.R. Brady Collins
149

At the beginning of the season, I was under the impression that three time NCAA DII All American Nick James (7th-5th-R12-2nd) had another year of eligibility left.  Found out a short time later, that no he doesn't, as he's now a coach on the UNK team. Bringing this up, to illustrate how different the dual might look if James still had eligibility.  Cole Ferguson, 4th at the Missouri Valley Invitational last year, has quickly moved up the ladder in the NAIA ranks.  His opponent looks to be Brady Collins. 

#4 Dylan Whitt Vs U.R. Cael Robb
157

Once again we favor the Vikings, with Dylan Whitt who was 8th in the NAIA nation last year.  With that said, Cael Robb has had some notable wins thus far in his career.  Still believe we'll see a Viking victory, but might be a better match on the mat, than what it appears to be on paper. 

#7 Justin McCunn Vs U.R. Trenton Munoz
165

Well, I was able to use deductive reasoning to try and configure why Aden Reeves wasn't ranked at 125 lbs in the NAIA, but I'm lost as to why Trenton Munoz isn't ranked in NCAA DII at 165 lbs.  Whatever the reasoning, he's a damn tough wrestler who finished one match shy of D2 All American honors last year.  He'll take on Justin McCunn, who among his W's this season, was also a runner-up at NAIA's toughest in-season tournament, the Missouri Valley Invitational last season.  These two have never met, but all things considered, I would think this one will be a toss up. 

#1 Alex Reynolds Vs #9 Kaden Hart
174

2024 NAIA national champion Alex Reynolds is looking to repeat as champion once again this year.  In this cross division cross fire, he will face Kaden Hart who was one match shy of being an NCAA DII All American last season.  Anxious to see how this one turns out. 

U.R. Cohan Torres Vs #14 Jacobi Deal
184

Here is the one match where I believe things favor the Lopers.  Haven't seen a whole lot out of Cohan Torres yet & Jacobi Deal, a very tough backup last season, is showing that he is NCAA DII qualification material, and maybe even All American material. A win over a Viking, would be a step in the right direction. 

#1 Garavous Kouekabakilaho Vs #2 Jackson Kinsella
197

Whether it be football, basketball, wrestling or any other sport, it is often said that one of the toughest things to do, is to beat someone three times in a row.  Thus far Garavous Kouekabakilaho, an NAIA runner-up last year, has defeated Jackson Kinsella, 4th in the DII nation, by scores of 8-3 and 9-2.  While rather dominant victories, it's still probable that Kinsella could give him a tougher match this time around. 

Greg Hagan Vs #1 Crew Howard
HWT

2nd-1st-2nd in the NAIA, and the fact that he hasn't been within the rankings yet this year, I was almost positive that Greg Hagan has used up his eligibility last season.  Yet then shockingly, he showed up at both the Coe Invitational and the RENO tournament of champions.  As to why he's still not in the rankings (and I last checked 1-14-2025), all I can figure is see exhibit Aden Reeves.  His opponent will be NCAA DII's #1 ranked Crew Howard, who was 3rd in the D2 nation last season.  These two outstanding talents have met once with Hagan winning a tight 4-2 decision. 

===

So here we have it.  6 of the matches favor the Vikings, but in a couple of those 6 matches, I wouldn't completely rule out a Loper upset.  UNK is really only favored at one weight as far as I'm concerned, so winning the three toss-up matches will be vital against the Vikings.  

2025 SUNY-AC Championships Preview (Sat Jan 18th)

 

The State University of New York Athletic Conference tournament will be held in SUNY-Cortland this year.  An eight team tournament, we won't see a lot of ranked wrestlers, but we will see some good wrestling.  Let's take a look weight by weight. 

125

We have two returning SUNY-AC champions here at 125 lbs.  Lee Rubin of R.I.T., who won the tournament last season & Liam Bullock of Brockport who won the tournament in 2023, and finished in 3rd place last year.  We also have Dan Parkulo of St. John Fisher who was the runner-up last year, & Christian Lievano who has 5th & 4th place finishes.  With as much talent as there is returning, we also have a very tough freshman Tomah Gummow ready to mix it up as well. 

Difficult to tell how this one will go down as there has been quite a bit of parity among these wrestlers.  Rubin owns a 13-7 decision over Parkulo, a 4:27 fall over Lievano & both a 14-3 major & 11-8 decision over Bullock.  Bullock owns a 19-2 tech over Lievano, a 21-8 major over Rubin & both a 14-1 major as well as a 5:37 fall over Parkulo.  Parkulo owns a 10-7 s.v. over Bullock & a 1-0 decision over Lievano.  Gummow owns a 12-4 major over Bullock. 

133

I'm 99.9% positive that 2024 NCAA DIII All American Isaias Torres is going to be our SUNY-AC champion on Saturday. 3rd & 2nd so far, it'd take a major upset for him to add anything other than a gold, to the bronze and silver he already owns.  He owns a 17-3 major decision over Cody Merwin and both an 8-0 major as well as a 5-2 decision over Danny Poggi. 

The real question here, is who meets Torres in the finals? Cody Merwin was an NCAA DIII qualifier himself back in 2023.  He owns both a 5-2 decision as well as a 4:32 fall over Danny Poggi.  With that said, teammate Culley Bellino has seen most of the action so far in '24-'25. 

141

Looking very forward to this probable final between two young talents at 141 lbs.  Gabe Goss an NCAA DIII qualifier last year is currently 11-0 on the season.  Jackson Maby, a very talented freshman, is currently 18-1.  His one loss? A 3-1 decision to Goss.  A lot on the line here, including an opportunity to break into the rankings for Maby. 

149

Without a doubt in my mind, 149 lbs will be the best weight class in the SUNY-AC this season.  Talk about a loaded bracket.  Both Angelo Centrone & Avery Leonard at currently undefeated with records of 17-0 & 21-0 respectively.  I said all of last year that Centrone was one of the best backups in the country & he's been proving it left and right.  Leonard is a transfer out of Avery, who qualified for the NCAA DIII championships in 2023.  

This bracket also features returning All American Mike Glynn who was 8th in the D3 nation last season.  Centrone owns a 10-4 decision over Glynn & Leonard owns a 16-5 major decision over Glynn. Wenchard Pierre-Louis has won back to back SUNY-AC titles, but if all who can show up, do show up, winning a third title this Saturday is going to be w-o-r-k. He currently stands 14-1 on the season himself. 

Tyler Rossini
SUNY-Oswego
157

Not a whole lot to say here at 157 lbs.  Tyler Rossini won the SUNY-AC title last year, and I'm pretty confident that he'll repeat as champion this weekend. 

165

I would like to think that the 2025 165 lbs SUNY-AC finals would be a rematch of last year's SUNY-AC finals, but Liam Strouse of R.I.T. has yet to compete this season.  Last year Konrad Parker defeated the Tiger 11-4 for the title.  Confident that Parker will be back in the finals to defend his title, but not sure who will stand across from him if Strouse is still not competing. 

#12 Jackson Gray
Ithaca
174

2nd in last year's SUNY-AC championships, I'm predicting another title for the Bombers in Jackson Gray at 174 lbs. 

184

No doubt in my mind, 7th in the D3 Nation last season, a SUNY-AC champ, and currently 13-1 on the year, our champion on Saturday will once again by Jack Ryan.  Have a good feeling that Xavier Pommells, who had to injury default in last year's finals, will once again make the finals.  Although I am anxious to see a probable semi-final between him & Robert Cunningham who was 4th last year. 

197

197 is going to be a fun weight class.  Here we have the gold, silver & bronze from last season, all returning to do battle again.  Will they finish within the same order?  Braydon Vandenberg a former Buffalo Bull, won the title last season.  He owns a 4:18 fall over Cascen & he also stuck LiCastri in 4:21, but there other match was much closer in a 10-9 decision.  LiCastri, a former Long Island Shark, owns three W's against Cascen, be them 4-1 & 7-3 decisions with a 13-4 major decision.  Cascen owns a 4-2 decision over LiCastri.  

HWT

8th in the D3 Nation back in 2023, and having sat out last season,  I feel pretty confident that our champion on Saturday will be Josh Harkless of R.I.T.   With that said, I can see Nick Franco, an NCAA DIII qualifier in his own right, giving the Tiger a good match in the finals. 

2025 NWCA National Duals - Best NCAA Division II Matches of Round 1

 

There is going to be a ton of great wrestling action at the NWCA National duals in Cedar Falls this Friday and Saturday.  I wish I had time to preview all of the divisions (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA & Women's) but between working a shoot job 40+ hours a week, and other commitments I have in life, + the fact that brackets only came out a short time ago, I had to pick and choose what to preview.  Decided to give NCAA DII the nod here.

In our first round, we have some very exciting dual meets. In these 8 duals, I've picked out what I feel will be the 16 most exciting matches. 

#14 Jason Strope McKendree Vs #8 Logan Davis West Liberty
125

Here we have two wrestlers with very different paths going head to head.  Jason Strope, a junior for the Bearcats has been around quite sometime & is finally getting his opportunity as a starter.  Logan Davis is fresh out of high school, having himself one heck of a rookie season winning the Mount Union Open & the King Open, while going 14-1 thus far.  Owns a very impressive 5-4 victory over All American Treyvon Gray. 

#6 Cory Peterson McKendree Vs #9 Alec Cook West Liberty
165

The dual between the Bearcats & the Hilltoppers, will also feature two of the best 165 lbs in the DII nation.  Cory Peterson, who has thus far had All American finishes 4th-3rd-4th, taking on Alec Cook who himself was an All American in 2023.  Earlier this season, Peterson had a setback having to medical forfeit at the Midwest Classic, having finished 3rd & 2nd in previous tournaments.  It's been a month, and hopefully we get to see him back in action.  The last he and Cook met, it was a 4-1 s.v. decision for the bearcat. 

#1 Ty McGeary West Liberty Vs #11 Zeke Waltz McKendree
184

At the current moment, two time NCAA DII champion Ty McGeary stands at 98-7, and hasn't lost to a D2 wrestler since the '22-'23 season. Stranger things have happened, but I don't know if we'll see him lose to another D2 wrestler again. With that noted, he will face some tough challenges this year, and one of them could be tomorrow against Zeke Waltz of McKendree. Waltz was one match shy of being an All American in 2023, and then finished one match shy of earning NCAA DII qualification last year. 

#11 Cole Ritter Maryville Vs #15 Jakob Hurley Tiffin
174

Here's a match that interests me.  At the Midwest Classic, All American Cole Ritter was set to meet Jakob Hurley in the bloodround, to see who would earn a medal.  There ended up being no match as Ritter medical forfeited and Hurley eventually finished in 8th place. Hopefully when Maryville takes on Tiffin tomorrow, we won't see another medical forfeit. 

#11 Ethen Doty Upper Iowa Vs #5 Gabe Onorato Glenville State
149 lbs

Have a really good match here at 149 lbs, when Upper Iowa duals Glenville State.  Ethen Doty, a senior for the Peacocks is one of the better wrestlers at 149 lbs who has yet to make the NCAA DI national tournament.  Gabe Onorato, a former DI wrestler for Drexel, is continuing to make a name for himself in NCAA DII wrestling, competing for the Pioneers.  These two have met on the mat once, with Onorato winning a tight 3-1 match at the Midwest Classic.  He worked his way back up to a 3rd place finish, as Doty finished 8th.  A win here for Doty would jump him up quite a few spots in the rankings.  A win for Onorato, would be yet another impressive showing for the former Dragon as he took looks to climb the rankings. 

#1 Hayden Pummel Glenville State Vs #6 Lawson Losee
174

Pardon the pun, but other than one, 1 point loss to last year's NCAA DII champion, former Northern Illinois Husky Hayden Pummel has been pummeling competition here in NCAA D2 wrestling. He earned his #1 ranking with an extremely impressive showing at the Midwest Classic, that included a win over Josh Kenny, in route to bringing home a gold medal. He still has a lot of challenges left this season though, and Lawson Losee will be one of them.  Losee finished 5th at the Midwest Classic in his own right. 

#8 Colter Bye Upper Iowa Vs #6 Kyle Homet Glenville State
184

Usually when you see you have a Bye in one of your wrestling matches, that's a good thing.  Not in this case, not when it is a Colter Bye.  Bye, an All American in 2023, recently finished in 6th place at the prestigious Midwest Classic.  His opponent in this dual, Kyle Homet, finished in 4th place.  Should be a good match between two talented athletes. 

#1 Derek Blubaugh Indianapolis Vs #3 Jackson Kinsella Nebraska-Kearney
197

A three time NCAA DII national finalist & last year's NCAA DII champion, it's hard for me to picture anything other than '24-'25 ending with an undefeated record and a second national title.  That doesn't mean others won't try though.  Derek Blubaugh sits upon the throne with a humongous target on his back & many worthy adversaries ready to knock him off.  One of them is Jackson Kinsella, who finished 4th in the DII nation last season.  It'll be interesting to see how this match goes, as Kinsella at least on paper, should be one of Blubaugh's toughest challenges this season. 

#9 Brayden Mirjavadi Grand Valley State Vs #3 Cade Mueller Augustana (SD)
184

A three time NCAA DII qualifier and R12 in the D2 nation last season, Cade Mueller is on a mission to earn an All American honor in his last season of collegiate wrestling.  Along the way, he'll have many obstacles, and first round national duals, will be Brayden Mirjavadi, who finished an impressive 7th at the Midwest Classic. 

#15 Wyatt Miller Grand Valley State Vs #5 Max Ramberg Augustana (SD)
197

As fun and rewarding of a world as wrestling can be, it can also be a cruel and unforgiving place.  Wyatt Miller was 8th in the D2 nation last season, but suffered an injury at the Midwest Classic, and it's been a rough go ever since. I think he's way better than the current #15 ranking he has, but I'm not sure if things are going to get any better tomorrow.  First round, he has Max Ramberg, 6th in the D2 nation last season, who majored him 13-1.  

#3 Jakason Burks Central Missouri Vs #11 Shane Corrigan UW-Parkside
125

Jakason Burks really ought to be endorsed by the NJCAA, as he is living, walking, breathing testimony as to why NAIA, D3, D2 & D1 ought to be scoping the community college wrestling scene every bit as much as they do the high school, when looking for recruits.  Burks has taken the NCAA D2 nation by storm, winning the prestigious Midwest Classic with some very impressive wins.  One of those wins was a mind-blowing 17-1 technical fall over two time NCAA D2 All American Shane Corrigan.  Corrigan who had been 4th & 3rd in two previous Classics, ended up falling short of a third medal.  These types of situations make great storylines in our sport.  I mean, what happens when they meet today?  How much of a psychological edge does Burks have over Corrigan going into this encounter?  Corrigan wasn't just given those two All American honors, he earned them.  Gotta think he goes into this match with absolute focus, determined to end in a completely different result.  Anxious to see how this one turns out. 

#5 Matt Chi UW-Parkside Vs #13 James Wright Central Missouri
133

Have a good, solid match here at 133 lbs between Matt Chi of UW-Parkside & James Wright of Central Missouri.  I've been saying all season that Chi is probably the best 133 lbs'er yet to make the NCAA DII tournament.  Not only do I think he'll finish top 21 this season, I believe he more than has the skills, talent & ability to finish top 8.  He was recently 5th at the Midwest Classic & today he'll have a good challenge from James Wright, who himself finished one match shy of a medal at the Midwest Classic. 

#4 Ben Durocher UW-Parkside vs #6 John Ridle Central Missouri
157

Of all the NCAA DII first round matches at the NWCA National Duals tomorrow, I think this match at 157 lbs is the one I'm looking most forward to.  I'm a big fan of both of these guys & I'm almost certain this is going to be an outstanding confrontation.  If you've been reading me very long, it doesn't take more than a couple of articles to gather that I champion wrestlers who have a chip on their shoulder.  Ben Durocher's chip is having finished just shy of an All American honor last season.  John Ridle's chip, is after earning All American honors, illness kept him from having the end to '23-'24 that he otherwise would have.  Both of these guys are looking tough this season, Durocher 20-2 & Ridle 15-3.  They met in the consolation finals of the Midwest Classic, with Durocher winning an 8-5 s.v. decision.  Look forward to another barnburner. 

#4 Reece Worachek UW-Parkside Vs #12 Damon Ashworth Central Missouri
184

Reece Worachek recently achieved an incredibly rare accomplishment, when he earned his fourth Midwest Classic medal in Indianapolis about a month ago. 6th-7th-4th-2nd.  Come March, he wants to earn an even rarer accomplishment and become a four time NCAA DII All American. Thus far he is 8th-7th-4th.  The Ranger has already accomplished so much in his collegiate career and he still has some lofty goals yet ahead of him.  First round NWCA national duals, he'll have to contend with a tough Damon Ashworth.  Despite a disappointing showing at the Midwest Classic, Ashworth is not one to be underestimated or overlooked.  He was 5th in the D2 nation last year.  A guy who can get hot, once the Bunson starts burning. 

#3 Reece Barnhardt Mary Vs #10 Peter Rolle Central Oklahoma
133

Ironically enough, we get to talk about another wrestler in NCAA DII wrestling looking to achieve the rare accomplishment of being a four time All American. Reece Barnhardt made history back in December not only earning his fourth Midwest Classic medal, but by making the finals of the tournament for the third time!  So far in the D2 nation he's been 4th-7th-4th.  Peter Rolle, who is wrestling in his first season as the Broncos starter, after having been a backup his first four years, would love to knock off the Maurader. Rolle placed 7th at the Midwest Classic. 

#8 Sean Solis Mary Vs #5 Dylan Lucas Central Oklahoma
141

Got a good one here at 141 between Mary and Central Oklahoma.  2023 All American Dylan Lucas (who was one match away from All American status in 2024) defeated former North Dakota State Bison Sean Solis 6-3 for 5th place at the Midwest Classic back in December.  I estimate this will be another close encounter between these two All American candidates.