2026 NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT preview (Sun Feb 15th)

 

The North Central District, also known as "The Iowa Jucos" where I come from.   We are going to see some great wrestling, with highly ranked wrestlers in each weight class.  Going to be a phenomenal tournament. 

125

The final here at 125 looks to be between two highly ranked talents.  Central Missouri transfer Charlie Dykes is having an outstanding season for the Warriors, winning the Millikin Open & placing second at the Art Kraft Memorial.  Noah Jones, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico is also having a standout season. 

133

 We have a probable final here at 133 lbs that could very well end up an NJCAA national tournament semi-final or even a final, depending on seeding.  Ridgewater transfer Tegan Sherk has worked hard this season to cement himself as the #1 wrestler in the NJCAA at 133 lbs.  With that said, at #3, Olli Webb has positioned himself as an NJCAA title contender as well.  Already having broke the IHCC record for technical falls in one season, Webb owns titles at both Luther Hill & Art Kraft.  While it's pretty much a given that the battle for gold will be between Sherk & Webb, look for Alejandro Rodriguez of host NIACC to battle hard for bronze. 

141

A North Central District champion last year & an NJCAA champion last year, Gavyn Whitehead is planning on earning another two gold medals as the end of his community college wrestling career nears.  Standing in his way, in both quests will be Iowa Central's Che Jenkins.  These two have already met once this season, with Whitehead winning a hard fought 9-7 decision.  Can the Warrior beat the Triton again?  We'll find out this Sunday! 

149

Have a very tough bracket here at 149 lbs.  We have Jahkari Clark, an Iowa High School standout that placed 3rd & 2nd at the state championships, looking to become an NJCAA champion who never won a state title.  Thus far this season, he has won the Millikin Open & placed 2nd at Art Kraft.   This bracket will also feature Matt Roche & William Penn, both 2025 All-Americans who placed 2nd & 3rd at last year's North Central District respectively.  I also wouldn't overlook MaCael Bear if I were any of these guys.  An NJCAA qualifier last year, he has the tools to be an All-American this year. 

157

2nd at the North Central District & 7th in the NJCAA back in 2024, 2026 might as well be labeled HALLOWEEN 5: The Return of Michael Myers because the Triton is back & he's looking to earn a North District title this Sunday.  Here to challenge him will be Shehab Mohamed, a North Central District champion last season, who finished 5th in the NJCAA nation.  Thus far this year, Mohamed has won Luther Hill & taken runner-up honors at Art Kraft.  Look for Nick Fischer, who was 3rd at Art Kraft to finish a strong 3rd. 

165

I'm not sure if I'd take the Bangel's advice & walk like one, but if Coach Spree told me to wrestle like an Egyptian, I'd listen.  Mohamed Abdelhady, 3rd at last year's North Central District & 2nd in the NJCAA nation has been wrestling exceptionally well this season.  He won Art Kraft & more importantly in reference to this weekend, he defeated Kaden King 9-3 in dual action.  I expect King, a North Central District champion last season & 3rd in the NJCAA himself, to give Abdelhady a much better match this time out.  Very excited for this likely final.   I look for Josh Berlin, to be another Panther taking 3rd in a tough bracket. 

174

Another deep, fun weight class here at 174 lbs.  Cinsere Clark is a guy that is on the mat as much as he's allowed to be & he's a guy who likes to score points.  3rd at last year's North Central District, he was 4th in the NJCAA nation. Thus far this year, he has won Art Kraft.  At the beginning of the year, everyone was hyped about brother Isaiah, but Demarcus has done a tremendous job making a name for himself in the NJCAA.  Bracket will also feature Matteo Nikolov, a North Central District runner-up last year, 7th in the NJCAA.  I also wouldn't dare overlook Austin Pfantz.  Health has not been a friend to this Redtail, thus keeping him out of the top 10 in my opinion.  Nonetheless, he's a dangerous & talented wrestler, who should not be underestimated or overlooked. 

184

 The thing I love most about the North Central District is the intense rivalry between Indian Hills & Iowa Central.  For years & years, Iowa Central dominated the Iowa junior college wrestling scene.  Then in recent times, Indian Hills after decades & decades of locals trying to get wrestling back at their community college, finally got it back.  Then they hired Cole Spree, and we have a new king in town.  Iowa Central isn't happy about it.  They don't like having that #2 next to their name in the North Central District & they don't like having that #2 next to their name in the NJCAA.   When we watch these matches between the Warriors & the Tritons this Sunday, the sentiment will be revealed. 

Here at 184, look for the rivalry to be quite heated.  We have Jarrell Miller, originally a University of Iowa commit, who has dominated the NJCAA this year.  We also have Jonathan Clohency, a Luther Hill champ & Art Kraft runner-up. 

197

This one will be really interesting.   Likely to meet in the North Central District finals, we have Andrew Marquez, a North Central District runner-up last season & NJCAA champion.  We also have Umair Amad, who himself was a North Central District runner-up.  While Marquez has the higher ranking, it was Amad who upset Marquez earlier this season 4-2.   I also would keep a strong eye on Jean Ngoma of Ellsworth. The Panther may not be ranked at the moment, but he did win the Art Kraft memorial. 

HWT

Wouldn't that be awesome if the team title between Iowa Central & Indian Hills came down to the final match of the night? As tough as both teams are & as bad as both teams want to be crowned North Central District team champs, this is not that farfetched of a prediction.  I can see HWT being the deciding factor of who takes home the gold.  Despite what rankings say on paper, trust me, on the mat tells a different story. 

The last Zaman Anwar & Naasir Edmonds met on the mat, it was a closely contested 4-2 decision for the Triton.  Anwar, to give him some background, is already a Commonwealth Games silver medalist.  So along with collegiate credentials, this guy is gonna rack up some international accomplishments too.  Edmonds was a North Central District champion last year, 6th in the NJCAA nation.  Thus far this year he has won the Millikin Open & taken 2nd at Art Kraft. 

Now to speak of Josh Vis of Hawkeye CC.  I'm a little surprised that Vis isn't within the NJCAA's official top 10. No bother, # next to his name or U.R. next to his name, the guy IS All American potential & I say he proves that this weekend.  He may not overcome Edmonds or Anwar, but I do expect the Red Tail to take a bronze medal with authority.  

2026 South Central District Preview (Sat Nov 14th)

 

The #8 Pratt Beavers host one of the toughest qualifiers in all of the NJCAA this weekend, as they host #9 Northeast Oklahoma (NEO), #11 Cowley, #18 Carl Albert State & #19 Fort Hays Tech Northwest (FHTN), among other tough teams.  Looks to be good wrestling at many weight classes, with well contested matches to determine our champions. 

125

Rankings be what they are, it was Zane Donley who nearly tech'd Ernest Grant in a 14-3 major decision when they met in the dual.  Grant, a transfer of York (NEB) was one match shy of being an NAIA All-American last season.  Donley himself one match shy of being an NJCAA All-American last season, as well as a South Central District runner-up.  This bracket will also feature Keegan Sullivan, who was 3rd at last year's South Central District. 

133

Very tough weight class.  5th in the NJCAA & a South Central District champion last season, Logan Crawford will have his hands full this tournament.  Why? Well for one, S.M. Gonzalez was also 5th in the NJCAA & a South Central District champion last season! On top of it, add in Matt Long, who defeated Gonzalez in the finals of the Bob Smith Open 2-1.  If rankings reflect seeding, we're going to see one Hell of a semi-final, to be followed by one hell of a final.  Cam Kiser upsetting any of the three ranked wrestlers might be a tall order, but I do think he'll prove himself to be the fourth best wrestler in this bracket. 

141

Another tough weight class.  Evan Rodriguez, who was also 5th in the NJCAA last season, returns to defend the South Central District title he won a year ago. Here to challenge him will be Tyler Misenheimer, who among his credentials this season was runner-up at the Viking Open & 3rd at the Millikin Invitational.  Although not currently ranked, Jordan Cullors was 3rd at the South Central District last year, as well as 7th in the NJCAA nation.  We also have Jameal Agnew, an NJCAA qualifier from last year, champion at the Cougar Open. 

149

Zach Dawson, 3rd at last year's South Central District & a match shy of NJCAA All-American honors leads the way in another loaded bracket.  He'll contend with Topher Garrett & Kyler Tabor in an effort to be crowned champion this Saturday. 

#2
Jake Goodwin
Pratt
157

The three-time state champ has been proving all season long that he was an outstanding pickup for the Beavers.  A Cougar Open champion earlier this season, I say he picks up some South Central District Gold this weekend. 

165

No ranked wrestlers here at 165, but if I be a guessing man, this is the final I think we will see.  Dylan Reed was an NJCAA qualifier last season & Blake Winsor won the Cougar Open earlier this season. 

174

Scout Trotter is the obvious favorite here at 174 lbs, but seeing that the South Central District is being hosted by Pratt, I can see Trystian Juarez giving him a respectable match.  Juarez was the runner-up at the Cougar Open earlier this season. 

184

Another weight class that doesn't feature any ranked wrestlers, but should still have a good final.  I'm predicting that the Beavers have another finalist in Drew Withington, Cougar Open champion earlier this season.  I believe his finals opponent will be Maleek Ayonrinde, an NJCAA qualifier last year, who placed 3rd at Dan Harris earlier this season. 

197

Beavers look to crown yet another champion in front of their home crowd. Preston Hagel, who won the Cougar Open earlier this year.   Look for Draven Pipkin, an NJCAA qualifier from last season, to be his opponent in the finals. 

HWT

3rd in the South Central District last year & a match shy of being an NJCAA All-American, Jude Beers is having a great season thus far.  Titles won at the Falcon Open, Viking Open & the Millikin Invitational, he was 3rd at the Drury Open.  Look for Brayden Hill to be his finals opponent & we could see a darkhorse finalist in Sebastian Lopez, another home crowd favorite, winner of the Cougar Open earlier this year. 

2026 WEST DISTRICT Preview (Sat Feb 14th)

 

Hard to believe but the 2025-2026 NJCAA wrestling season is coming to an end.  We're in qualifier time & we start things off here in the West District.  Hosted by Southwestern Oregon, tournament looks to be heavily dominated by Clackamas & North Idaho.  Although Snow has some tough wrestlers & surprisingly enough, so does Big Bend. 


Clackamas looks to show their stronghold at both 125 lbs & 149 lbs.  Allen, Texas native Kelby Bernard is having himself a great rookie season, as is returning Reggie Raiz who sat '24-'25 out.  Upsets of course can always happen, but I would look for those two weights to be easily won by the Cougars. 

As to the other weights? 

Well, if seeds hold up, we could see many exciting finals throughout the tournament.   In some weights, even some good semis, as well as consolation finals.  

Let's take a look....

133

A Cougar Vs a Cardinal, which will be the majority of the finals matches we see this Saturday at the West District.  Paris Ruiz, a freshman out of Buchanan High School in Clovis, California, an area that has been producing great talent a very long time.  His opponent is likely to be Hoyt Vass, an NJCAA qualifier from last season, who placed 3rd at the West District. 

141

Here's another battle between the two tough western United States NJCAA teams.   We have Cade McCallister, a native of Oregon & Parker Ballantyne a native of Utah.  Anxious to see if they're as close on the mat, as they are in the rankings. 

157

And yet another likely final featuring Clackamas & North Idaho as we take a look at 157 lbs.  Aaron Concepcion who started off his collegiate career at NCAA DII, has since been having a phenomenal time in the NJCAA, looking to be a title contender this year.  The two-time Alaskan High School State champion defeated Colton Tucker, an All-American candidate in his own right, 18-8 earlier this season. 

165 lbs 

Again, a likely final between Clackamas & North Idaho, & as did 125, 133, 141, 149, & 157, 165 will too favor a Cougar to win the West District title.  A West District champion a year ago, as well as an NJCAA runner-up, Henry Dillingham defeated Colton Theobold 18-11 earlier this season. 

174

Compare and contrast.  We once again look to feature North Idaho Vs Clackamas in a final, but here at 174 lbs, this time we favor the Cardinal over the Cougar.  Dylan Block, a native of Great Falls, Montana scored big points in a dual earlier this season, sticking Pablo Hernandez at the 3:49 mark.  

184

No question about it, the best weight class in the West District.  Another likely final between North Idaho & Clackamas, but both semi-finals & consolation finals well worth the watch.  Seth Martin looks to dominate the weight class, majoring Lusiano earlier this season 9-0.  Looking forward to a battle for bronze between Ken Phillips & Drake Wood, unless Phillips is able to pull off the upset against Lusiano in the semis. 

197

Through our first eight weight classes, and 197 marks the first of which that does not favor either a Cougar or a Cardinal to win the tournament.  Aiden Ford of Big Bend, comes in the favorite as we our bound to see one of our best semi-finals of the tournament between Elijah Josey & Jackson Lougen.  The last these two talents met, it was a 7-4 decision for Josey. 

HWT

The Vikings continue to show their prominence in the upper weights with West District favorite Hunter Tibodeau.  He defeated Ray Griffin, last year's West District champion & 4th place NJCAA All-American by a 4-1 score the last the two met.  Likely to be the final match of the evening, it should prove to be an epic main event. 

BEST OF THE UNRANKED: HWT

                                        

The NCAA Division I championships are approximately two months away.  Still a lot of wrestling to be conducted between now and then, but with all that can change between now and then, one thing is likely to stay the same. 

There are only 33 slots per weight class & there are more than 33 wrestlers per weight class who are eligible to get them.  

125 through 197 complete, we now take a look at those that could steal spots at 285 lbs!  

Jack Forbes
Utah Valley

What he has going against him:  In a 13-8 record, some of those 8 losses aren't good, and I would imagine are what is keeping him outside of a top 33 ranking. 

What he has going for him:  After two losing seasons & going a hard 0-2 at last year's BIG 12 championships, it has been rewarding to see how much improvement Jack Forbes has made in his final season as a Wolverine.  Never above a 10 win season in all of his time at Utah Valley, he's already at 13 wins for the year.  These aren't just against anybody either.  He owns a 13-8 decision over Jarret Stoner & an 8-2 decision over Luke Rasmussen.   I see the BIG 12 taking 7 to the NCAA DI championships this year, and yes I can see Forbes being one of those 7. 

Ashton Davis
Cornell

What he has going against him:  A 12-10 record & some of those 10 losses are real head scratchers. 

What he has going for him:  The 2025 NCAA DI qualifier as of right now is likely to receive the *3 seed at the Ivy League championships.  Putting Alex Semenenko as the *1 seed & Vincent Mueller as the *2 seed.  Against Semenenko, Davis is two & one.  Dropping a 3-2 decision, he's defeated Semenenko by 4-1 & 8-1 decisions, both contested in overtime.   He's two & zero against Mueller, defeating him twice by 6-1 decisions.   

    Daulton Mayer           Stephan Monchery
       Bellarmine                  Appalachian State

What they having going against them: Each other

What they have going for them:  The pin gawd of collegiate wrestling currently stands at a 13-8 record on the season, looking to make his first NCAA DI championships.  Among those 13 wins, a 0:39 fall over Monchery.  Was this a look at pure dominance, or did a really good pinner simply catch a tough Mountaineer offguard? 

Monchery is tough.  Currently 15-7 on the season in his own right, plus he owns an impressive 6-4 decision over Conner Barket.  

Whatever happens in a likely SOCON final, I don't see it being an under a minute fall again.  I think match #2 is going to be a much closer decided contest.   Whoever wins, will be packing their bags for Cleveland, Ohio.  
    

BEST OF THE UNRANKED: 197

 

The NCAA Division I championships are approximately two months away.  Still a lot of wrestling to be conducted between now and then, but with all that can change between now and then, one thing is likely to stay the same. 

There are only 33 slots per weight class & there are more than 33 wrestlers per weight class who are eligible to get them.  

Much like 165 lbs, for the most part 197 looks to me like the top 33, are probably gonna be the top 33 come season's end.   Obviously whoever wins 197 in the SOCON would technically make two, but I only see one real "stealer." 

Mikey Squires
Binghamton

What he has going against him:  No big wins yet.  

What he has going for him:  Four seasons with the Princeton Tigers & three of those seasons as a backup, Mikey Squires now finds himself floating just outside the top 33 as a Bearcat of Binghamton.   He currently owns an 11-2 record.  The EIWA looks likely to send four to the NCAA DI championships & it is a question as to whether Squires can place in the top four or not.  He's wrestled J.T. Davis to close decisions in the past (4-1, 3-0)  & that gives faith that he might be able to turn such losses into a win.  

Best of the Unranked: 184

 The NCAA Division I championships are approximately two months away.  Still a lot of wrestling to be conducted between now and then, but with all that can change between now and then, one thing is likely to stay the same. 

There are only 33 slots per weight class & there are more than 33 wrestlers per weight class who are eligible to get them.  

At 184 lbs, there are four currently outside the top 33 I can see stealing spots come qualification time. 

Jaden Bullock
Virginia Tech

What He has going against him: A 12-10 record & some not so great losses among those 10 losses. 

What he has going for him: The 2024 NCAA DI qualifier despite some ugly losses this season, also has some quality wins.  He defeated Tomas Brooker 8-6 & he also owns a 4-3 decision over Ian Bush.  There's still enough time between now & the end of the season to logically see the ACC allot 3 spots to the NCAA DI championships. In that case, the third spot is likely to be Bullock's.  

Let's say that the ACC does not & come qualification time, there are only 2 spots available.  Bullock wrestled Chase Kranitz recently, dropping a 9-6 decision.  The type of match that could have gone either way.  A likely ACC semi-final, with qualification on the line, that Bullock can win. 

T.J. McDonnell
Oregon State

What he has going against him: The PAC-12 is likely to only allot the champion to the NCAA DI championships. 

What he has going for him:  The 2025 NCAA DI qualifier is currently 0-2 against likely PAC-12 finals opponent Cesar Garza.   However, both matches this season have been extremely close.  He wrestled the Mustang to an 8-6 decision back in November & more recently he took him into the tiebreakers before ultimately dropping a 5-3 decision.  The old saying is often true.  It's hard to beat a good wrestler three times in a row.  

Will Ebert
Binghamton

What he has going against him:  Having made JT1Wrestle's "Best to Not qualify" list in both 2024 & 2025, I was expecting a lot more out of Will Ebert in '25-'26.  Unfortunately, things haven't been going the Bearcat's way, as he currently holds a 5-4 record.  Two of those four losses, not pretty.  

What he has going for him:  The EIWA is likely to take three to the NCAA DI championships.  I honestly don't know if finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd is going to happen for Ebert this season or not. What I do know or at least feel strongly about, is that he can be the 4th best wrestler in the bracket.   If he can find himself in that consolation final, with qualification on the line, perhaps he can pull it off. 

Tyler Bienus
Bucknell

What he has going against him: As said, the EIWA looks like it is likely to only allot the top 3 to the NCAA DI championships this season.  As of right now, on paper, due to an 8-0 major decision loss to Will Ebert, Tyler Bienus looks to be the 5th best man. 

What he has going for him: The Bison pulled off a very impressive 4-2 win over Aiden Brenot here a couple of weeks ago.  In a sport with so much parity & turn around, gotta think that it's not out of the question that he ends his EIWA run with a top 3 finish. 

BEST OF THE UNRANKED: 174

 

The NCAA Division I championships are approximately two months away.  Still a lot of wrestling to be conducted between now and then, but with all that can change between now and then, one thing is likely to stay the same. 

There are only 33 slots per weight class & there are more than 33 wrestlers per weight class who are eligible to get them.  

Here at 174, it isn't an abundant amount like 157, but it is a fair amount. An often wild and crazy weight class, full of parity, make '25-'26 no exception. 

Sergio DeSiante
Virginia Tech

What he has going against him: Life is a little tougher in the Atlantic Coast Conference than what it was in the Southern Conference.  If DeSiante was still wrestling for Chattanooga, I'd say there would be nothing to worry about as he'd be a clear favorite to win the SOCON title.  He's at Virginia Tech now though, and the bracket looks to be a lot thicker. 

What he has going against him: Never a fan of injuries, but they are a part of this sport.  Lorenzo Norman being out for the rest of the year makes it one less person to get through in Blacksburg, if DeSiante wants to qualify for this second NCAA DI championships.  I would think the tournament being held at home, in front of Hokie fans would also be an advantage.  I see the ACC taking four here & the idea of DeSiante pulling off an upset isn't that far of a stretch.  He's taken Luca Augustine into the tiebreakers, & among his wins, 4-2 over Myles Takats & 5-4 over Derek Gilcher. 

Holden Garcia
Princeton

What he has going against him: Parity for one.  Ironically enough, he just beat Enrique Munguia who earlier in the season beat Nick Fine.  Fine has two wins over Garcia, one by technical fall.  I can't see the Ivy League taking anything more than two here, and Garcia is not beating Simon Ruiz. 

What he has going for him:  The first time the Tiger met up with Nick Fine, he lost 18-0.  Yet the second time he met up with the Lion, he only lost 5-3.  If you can turn an 18-0 loss into a 5-3 loss, can you turn a 5-3 loss into a win?  He's going to have to if he wants to see the NCAA DI championships this season. 

What they have going against them: Well for starters, each other.  Both Avery Bassett & Enrique Munguia were NCAA DI qualifiers this past season, but it is almost certain that at least one of them (if not both) will not be going to the NCAA DI championships this year.   

As to the Mid-American Conference championships, I see only two allocations, and one of them (Garrett Thompson) is already spoken for.   This leaves only one spot open in the conference for qualification, and three talented wrestlers who want that spot. 

What they Have going for them:  Munguia has to be the most unpredictable wrestler in NCAA DI wrestling for the '25-'26 season.  With him you never know what you're going to get.  He defeats Nick Fine 11-6, and then turns around & drops an 11-2 major decision to Holden Garcia who not long before was tech'd by Fine.  Seeding wise, he does have an 11-5 win over Bassett but....

Bassett has a much better record of 14-5, than Munguia's record of 9-8.   Again, a lot of season left, but the OTHER huge thing Bassett has going for him is that while he hasn't faced Logan Messer yet this year, he owns both an 8-5 s.v. & 7-3 decision over the Patriot.  If he can defeat him again on February 1st, this could potentially give Bassett the *2 seed.  Munguia himself will get a shot at Messer on Jan 30th. 

Cael Valencia
Arizona State 

What he has going against him:  He might not even be the starter come the BIG 12's.  Leo Tukhlynovch beat him officially 10-9 earlier this season & they've split time ever since.  On top if it, many of the BIG 12 opponents that Valencia would face, have already had their way with him this season.  Talking falls & major decisions.  

What he has going for him: I almost feel stupid putting him on this list, but I'm telling you when qualification is on the line, it's like Valencia removes his glasses, rips open his shirt, reveals the diamond shaped S & becomes a whole new wrestler.  I've seen this guy do things that he shouldn't have been capable of doing.   In 2024, he got beat up pretty bad by Mason Reiniche at RENO eventually getting pinned at the 5:00 mark.  Come PAC-12's, he destroyed Reiniche 16-4.   

Now granted the BIG 12's is gonna be a lot tougher than the PAC-12's, but if any coach sees his wrestler has Cael Valenica in the next round, they should treat him like the unstable land mine that he is.  I see the BIG 12 having 8 allocations, and the Sun Devil could steal one. 



What he has going against him: A 5-8 record 

What he has going for him:  A 9-2 decision over M.J. Gaitan really sticks out for the Road Runner.