#3 Nebraska @ #2 Oklahoma State - Friday Nov 13th

 

They say that 13 is an unlucky number & that Friday the 13th is a day to be weary.  Well maybe so for the rest of the world, but for us wrestling fans?  13 is an awesome number & Friday the 13th is a GREAT day!! Why?  Because we get to see the #3 Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the #2 Oklahoma State Cowboys!  An early glimpse of two teams looking to bring home a team trophy from this year's NCAA DI championships.  Between the two teams, 24 All-American honors have been earned! The Orange & Black defeated the Scarlet & Cream 33-6 last year.  I know that the Poke faithful want to see such a lopsided victory yet again, but I also know that Manning isn't going into Stillwater looking to go out like that again.   This will be one of the best duals of the season, and I'm looking very forward to it. 

#4 Vince Robinson Vs #6 Troy Spratley
125

We have two 2027 NCAA DI title contenders going to start us off at 125, in what should be an epic battle between two of college wrestling's best lightweights.  Vince Robinson has thus far been 1st & 4th in the DI nation, as Spratley has been 2nd & 5th.  This will be the 6th meeting between the two.  Robinson owns 7-3, 2-1 tiebreaker, 3-2 & 3-2 tiebreaker over Spratley, where Spratley won their last confrontation by an 8-4 decision. 

#7 Jacob Van Dee Vs #1 Jax Forrest 
133

The odds are most certainly in favor of the Pokes as we head into 133 lbs.  Jacob Van Dee is coming off of having suffered an upset at the hands of Luke Willochell of Wyoming.  Meanwhile, Jax Forrest, the 2026 NCAA DI champion, has yet to know defeat during his collegiate career. Matter of fact, with the exception a single match from last season, he has yet to know a competitive match.  He's 19-0 last year, 18 of those matches saw him own and dominate the field.  JVD has shown us multiple times that it's never wise to count him out.  He's out done himself twice at the NCAA DI championships, earning back-to-back All-American finishes of 7th.  So, do I completely count him out of this confrontation? No, I know better than to do that.  Not giving it a whole lot of merit though, as Forrest may finally be the Bobby Fischer we've been searching for since 2002. 

#5 Anthony Echemendia Vs #1 Sergio Vega
149

It just blows my mind that Oklahoma State has two sophomores on their team that both won NCAA DI titles last year as undefeated freshmen.  That both have a realistic shot at ending their careers without a loss.  College wrestling fans have fixated about the next Cael Sanderson for 25 years & these two are the first real hopes that we've had.  With that said, Anthony Echemenida, the hothead, cocky & arrogant future World & Olympic medalist from Cuba is walking into Gallagher/Iba arena with the mission of crushing that dream in his bare hands.  Last year Vega snuck by Echemendia twice in 4-2 & 2-1 tiebreaker decisions.  In all sports, one of the toughest things to do is beat someone who is really good three times in a row.  Talk about a "Talk you into the building" situation. 

#3 Antrell Taylor Vs #1 Landon Robideau
157

A lot of duals have one marquee match, some even have multiple.  I can't think of too many more this year where damn near every match on the card is a "main event."  With exception to 141 lbs, this dual is nothing but "main events."  This match at 157 lbs is everything a wrestling fan could ask for in a match.  We have Antrell Taylor, a three-time All-American 8th-1st-2nd, looking to end his career with his fourth All-American honor & his second national title.  Then we have Landon Robideau, who in any other situation, on just about any other team, would be the focus as a freshman NCAA DI national champion last year.  But he lost twice, and because he has two fellow freshmen that went undefeated, his accomplishments take a backseat to theirs's.  Insane isn't it? 

They met twice last year.  Robideau with a 4-2 decision & Taylor with a 3-2 decision.  Seems awful early in the season to be saying this, but this match could end up having tremendous barring on seedings come March.  So yes, it is important.

#5 Meyer Shapiro Vs #6 Casey Swiderski
165

Here we go.  Here's where we get into the heart of the matter. The core of drama that can make this sport almost mystical in following.  Both of these guys scream, "Doubt me, mo fo."  Meyer 3rd & 5th in the DI nation, took 8th last year much to the chagrins of his critics.  Go to the message boards & Facebook group pages & you'll see plenty thinking he's lost a step & that he isn't as good as he once was.  Swiderski has gotten to know the Negative Nancy's and the Doubting Danny's very well himself.  He's been so good as silencing his critics that we could accurately call him "Shut em up Swiderski."  Because that's exactly what he's been doing time after time, after time.  Shutting them up. 

In many ways I think that makes this the most interesting match of the evening.  You want talking points, you got them.  This will be the one that gets the coffee brewing on Saturday morning. 

#2 Chris Minto Vs #14 Alex Facundo
174

I hope that Oklahoma State knows a good roofing company in the area. Because I'm telling you that if Alex Facundo can once again pull off an upset over Chris Minto, the roof on Gallagher/Iba could very well come off!  Last year the Cowboy defeated the two-time NCAA DI All-American/2026 finalist by a 2-1 decision.   He does it again, it'll probably be the biggest news of week three of collegiate wrestling.  Let's keep in mind that Minto also owns a 4-1 decision over Facundo.  On the surface it may not seem that a #2 with a win over a #14 would mean much outside of the service it provides in an important dual meet.  However, upon a deeper inspection it is quite important.  Facundo is likely to be ranked much higher by season's end, and a win over him would be quite significant. 

#14 Lucas Cochran Vs #10 Michael White
184

I've never truly gotten this or understood why but the gatekeepers of wrestling for some reason like to deny pure talent in a romanticized effort to make it seem that we all started off at the same level, with the same gifts, & the same strengths/aptitudes and the only thing that separated us was hard work.  Maybe that's because so many athletes often chose different avenues of pursuit such as football, basketball and baseball?  I don't know.  What I can tell you is that Michael White is one Hell of an athlete.  An athlete with natural, call them God given or whatever you care to, abilities.  This is a guy that started wrestling his freshman year of high school, and within a very short amount of time, was a state champ.  Now he's the starter of the #2 ranked team in the nation, having to best an All-American for the spot.  I don't doubt that he works hard.  To get to this level, you HAVE to work hard.  But don't leak on my boot and tell me it's raining either.  This kid could've probably been a superstar in any sport & lucky for us, he chose wrestling. 

With that said, Lucas Cochran is a heck of talent in his own right.  He's shown some great potential, ironically enough, at HWT.   I'm real anxious to see what he can do against a formidable opponent at 184 lbs.  It'll be fun. 

#5 Camden McDanel Vs #2 Cody Merrill
197

I know that Nebraska is going into this one looking for an upset & that is well within the cards.  It's hard to beat someone three times in a row & in two 2-1 decisions, one needing a tiebreaker, we can safely say that they've been painstakingly close. For McDanel to pull off the upset against Merill, he's going to have to figure out how to get past his impregnable defense. That's really the key in McDanel winning this match up.  A strategy for Merrill might be to attack hard and attack early, as I don't think that Nebraska would see that coming.  I think the expectation here is for another slow paced, calculated and defensive matchup. I doubt we see any sprinting through the minefields here.  

#9 Cade Ziola Vs #15 Dreshaun Ross
HWT

Battle of the recruits.  Both Nebraska and Oklahoma State have bragging rights in getting in two of the best freshmen HWTs, and now we get to see who gets to brag over who.  Ziola has already had some great collegiate wins, with victories over Koy Hopke, Bennett Tabor & Spencer Lanosga.  Dreshaun Ross by many reputable sources was being slated for a 2027 NCAA DI title before he ever stepped foot on a collegiate mat.   We've had some great rookie HWT's in year's past, but it's not often that we've had a situation where two freshmen could potentially meet in some high-profile situations.  That's usually reserved for the lightweights!  Not this time!  Omaha Skutt Vs Fort Dodge (IA)  on the line.  Let's rock! 

Navy Vs North Carolina State Preview - Thur Nov 12th

 

I've been saying for quite some time that Navy has improved tremendously under the leadership of Head Coach Cary Kolat & I believe that they will demonstrate that against NC State Thursday night.  I don't expect the #21 Midshipmen to defeat the #14 Wolfpack, but I do think they'll win some of the tossups & compete hard in matches where the red, white & black are favored.  

U.R. Nick Treaster Vs U.R. Dom Deputy
125

Not sure where 2026 EIWA runner-up Andrew Binni is currently, but as of right now Nick Treaster has found himself in a bit of a slump. Currently standing 1-5 on the season, he could use a good win.  That's going to be awfully tough to do as NC State continues their tradition of tough rookie 125 lbs'ers.  A Pennsylvania high school state champ, Dom Deputy is currently standing at a 5-1 record. I'd be very shocked if by the next time rankings come out, if he wasn't in them. 

#14 Caedyn Ricciardi Vs #25 Zach Redding
141

This match intrigues me.  EIWA finalist Caedyn Ricciardi is currently standing at a 5-0 record, looking real hot, winning the Navy Classic.  He's right outside of that top 12 standing & he's itching to place his name within that All-American conversation.  With that said, I wouldn't count Zach Redding out of this match. He's been NCAA DI R12 in his career, and as I said in a podcast about him not too long again, his main issue has been injuries. The three-time NCAA DI qualifier has been held back by health, and if he's finally 100%, I promise you that will make a difference.  This match against Ricciardi is a perfect situation for us to see exactly where he is. Looking forward to it. 

#28 Jonathan Ley Vs #8 Jackson Arrington
157

Twice the NCAA DI R12, Jackson Arrington is a man on a mission to reach a destination that won't have him anything less than the 8th best wrestler at his weight class by the end of 2027.  He's currently 3-0 and he's been rather dominant within his matches.  Jonathan Ley, an NCAA DI qualifier last year, currently made the Navy Classic finals.  I don't think an upset is within the cards here.  I think what is though, is an opportunity to show that you belong on the mat with one of AA candidates within your weight class. 

U.R. Dylan Elmore Vs #6 Will Denny
165

The Midshipmen are once again outclassed here at 165 lbs.  Will Denny ironically enough came up short of NCAA DI qualification last year and was one of the most surprising not to get an At-Large Wildcard entry.  Standing at #6 in the nation, it's obvious that the ranking committee feels he'll do much better this year.  Dylan Elmore has yet to make the NCAA DI championships.  3rd at the Navy Classic, I do think he'll be top 33 by season's end.  A great accomplishment in its own right, but nowhere near top 6.  A win here will be not to get majored.  

#4 Danny Wask Vs #10 Matty Singleton
174

Here we go.  Here's our advertisement.  He's what you throw up on the marquee.  Two-time NCAA DI All-American Danny Wask is on a journey to become only the second three-time All-American in Navy's 118 year history on the mat.  The Midshipman currently stands at 5-0, having won the Navy Classic, and he's been on a terror.   Meanwhile, we haven't seen Singleton in action yet.  The 2025 DI All-American, who was one match shy of All-American status last year has yet to wrestle.  Both of these guys obviously have big goals & big expectations.  Getting a win would be huge for either. 

#33 Daniel Williams Vs #17 Jake Dailey
184

Here's where NC State does not want to become complacent.  Daniel Williams has pulled off some pretty impressive upsets in the past & I wouldn't rule it out that he tries to get one over Jake Dailey, the former Tar Heel who is now trying to impress the other members of his new pack.   Rankings have this one a clear favorite for Raleigh, but I say that it turns out better on the mat than what it is on paper. 

197
U.R. Zyan Hall Vs U.R. Patrick Brophy

Neither one of these guys are ranked at the moment.  That does and that doesn't surprise me at the same time.  In other words I can see why they were left off of the top 33 & I respect the ranking committee leaving them off the top 33.  On the other hand, both of these guys are pretty good, and both are NCAA DI qualifier material.  Zyan Hall finished 3rd in a tough EIWA bracket last year that only took the top 2.  Patrick Brophy was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025.  In other words while neither guy would pick up a ranked win in this situation, by year's end a win here would prove to be of significance.  I would imagine all concerned would be aware of this fact. 

HWT
#10 Spencer Lanosga Vs U.R. Bennett Tabor 

To be quite honest I was expecting a better start to '26-'27 for Bennett Tabor. Here's a guy that has done some good things in his career, and pictured him coming into the season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Showing the collegiate wrestling world they were wrong to forget about and dismiss him. Still plenty of season left.  Way too early to give up on that premonition.  However, Thursday night is going to be his toughest test yet.  Spencer Lanosga 3rd in the EIWA & 6th at Cliff Keen last year, is on a mission to go from right outside of AA contention, to no less than two spaces higher in the rankings to IN AA contention.  You give me Bennett Tabor at his best, and I'll give you one of the best matches of the night.  You give me anything less, and Lanosga could pick up bonus.  

Indiana Vs Lock Haven Preview: Saturday Nov 7th

 

Lehigh will be hosting a series of duals this weekend and one that intrigues me most will be the Hoosiers of Indiana taking on the Bald Eagles of Indiana. Neither team is currently ranked in the top 30, but both teams are looking to make leaps and bounds throughout the season.  Coach Escobedo & staff have taken to the Transfer Portal as they compete within the warzone that is NCAA DI's toughest conference, the BIG 10.  They're a mixture of veterans and newcomers looking to climb that rankings ladder.  Coach Moore has a group of guys that have been with him for quite some time now. Guys that have shown potential that are looking to step it up.  Lot to prove here for both programs in this dual. 

5 of the 10 matches stick out to me in particularly. 

149
#20 Tom Crook Vs #16 Lucas Kapusta

The Tampa, Florida native did some big things at Virginia Tech during his time as a Hokie, and Coach Escobedo is expecting some big things out of him now that he is a Hoosier.  Currently ranked #20 in the nation, a win over the #16th ranked Lucas Kapusta would be a great way to start of '26-'27.  Kapusta won 25 matches last year & a Mid-American Conference (MAC) title.  Should be a good match. 

165
#21 Tyler Lillard Vs #28 Nick Stampoulos

I know Tyler Lillard is much better than his #21 ranking, and I know that he has the tools, and capabilities to finish off his collegiate career as an All-American. It's also not lost on me that Nick Stampoulos is one of those wrestlers that you never count out & that you never look past.  He qualified for the NCAA DI championships all the way back in 2024, and he hasn't been back since.  This will be his final opportunity to make the dance, and I can see that as a result having him wrestle with extra intensity.  He upset Gavin Drexler last year, so I put nothing past him.  We have two guys here, both looking to prove themselves in '26-'27.  Should result in a great match. 

184
#27 Sam Goin Vs #30 Sammy Gautreau

I'm anxious to see if these two are as close to one another on the mat as they are in the rankings, and as they are in first names.  Sam Goin, along with many of his Hoosier teammates is looking to improve upon his ranking.  Sammy Gautreau was one match shy of being an NCAA DI qualifier last season, and you know that's been itching at him for the past 7 months.  Either way, both of these guys would walk off the mat with a nice W. 

197
#18 Gabe Sollars Vs U.R. Tucker Hogan 
197

Neither one of the Hogan brothers is currently ranked, but I don't think that will be the case for very long.  Both are talented wrestlers that should break into the top 30, I would imagine before the first of the year.  Tucker doing so against Gabe Sollars? Pretty tough pop quiz to start off the season.  Sollars is in the same boat as teammate Lillard.  He has the tools and the capabilities to be an All-American this season. Matter of fact, two years ago, he came within a match of doing exactly that.  The last time these two met, it was a textbook, controlled 5-1 victory for the Hoosier.  I predict one of two things will happen in this match.  Either Sollars will widen the gap & win by a larger margin, or Hogan will close the gap & make it a much closer match. 

HWT
#17 Connor Barkett Vs U.R. Talan Hogan 

I know how sad Duke was to lose him & I know how happy Indiana was to get him.  Coach Escobedo has himself a very tough HWT, that I'm anxious to see how he performs wearing Hoosier colors this season.  As I said, I think both of the Hogans will be in the rankings before the 1st of the year, but Talan getting the upset over Barkett? Tough order.  I do think that Hogan will be a great first match to see where Barkett is though.  He had great coaches at Duke, but what he didn't have there was a strong room full of workout partners.  He has that at Indiana & I'm anxious to see how much of a difference that makes in his wrestling.  

#2 Life Vs #6 Southeastern Sun Nov 7th @ Takedown At Yorktown

 

One of the most exciting things in college wrestling this season, is that this is the first year ever of Southern States Athletic Conference wrestling!  We have two of the best teams in NAIA wrestling, Life & Southeastern, both of which want to be the first ever SSAC team champions by the end of 2027!  These two wrestling giants will be meeting early on this season, as they do battle this Sunday at the Takedown At Yorktown! 

Should be a very exciting dual & these are the matches JT1Wrestle looks forward to most. 

Mikey Doerr Vs Jake Bucci
125

Life Vs Southeastern. As already noted, two teams both looking to rule the SSAC by the end of the season.  What fun it is to start things off with two light weights both looking to start off '26-'27 with a bang! Mikey Doerr had some big wins last season & Jake Bucci placed 4th at the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational.  

Isaiah Rubio Vs Aaron Lucio
133 lbs

3rd & 2nd thus far in the NAIA nation, I believe it is fair to say that Aaron Lucio is a contender for both an SSAC title as well as a National title in 2027.  Isaiah Rubio himself last season, a Battle in the Bluegrass champion.  When these two met in the dual, Lucio scored a takedown in the first period, and those were the only real points scored in what ended in a 4-1 decision for the Fire.  Team pride, ranking, seeding at conference, a whole lot on the line in this match of talented light weights. 

Mauro Michel vs Andrew Voiles Or Drew Jones
141 lbs 

In the NAIA it's not uncommon to have more than one talented wrestler at a weight & therefore you never know who will be sent out onto the mat.  What I can tell you is that at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) last season, Andrew Voiles defeated teammate Drew Jones 4-2 in the semi-finals in route to a 2nd place finish.  Mauro Michel then majored Jones 12-3 for a 3rd place finish & Michel also finished 3rd in the NAIA Nation a couple of weeks later.  Michel Vs Voiles is the match I want to see, because I wouldn't be at all surprised if that ends up being out SSAC final. 

149
Elvis Solis Vs Mario De La Torre

Wrestling sure can be a funny sport at times. Often times one of the toughest to predict.  At the AAC last year, Elvis Solis took it to Mario De La Torre in the finals in a 13-3 major decision.  Yet at the NAIA championships, De La Torre finished 4th to Solis finishing 7th.  

174
Reese Jones Or Konlin Weaver Vs Ty Rodriguez Or Husam Mustafa

A lot of talent here at 174 lbs & I can't tell you for sure what we will end up seeing.  I can tell you what I hope we end up seeing though.  I'd love to see a rematch of last year's AAC championships where Reese Jones squeaked past Ty Rodriguez in a 2-1 decision.  Jones vs Husam Mustafa Or Rodriguez vs Weaver could also be a lot of fun as well.  Or We could also possibly see Jones or Weaver move up to 184 lbs to take on a very tough August Batson. 

197
Efren Arizmendez Vs Gentry Smith

Two-time AAC runner-up Gentry Smith who finished R12 at last year's NAIA championships is looking to win a SSAC title this year.  Efren Arizmendez will be a great first test in route to acing that final exam.  Smith is favored, but I look for this to be a good match. 

THUR NOV 5th - UW-Parkside vs UW-Whitewater

 

Cross Division, Cross fire!! We have one of the best NCAA D2 teams in the country taking on one of the toughest NCAA D3 teams in the country as two Wisconsin powerhouses meet up this Thursday!  Four matches stick out in particularly in what should be a great dual! 

125
Brady Phelps Vs Drew Dolphin

The sport of wrestling is all about proving yourself.  Showing the world what you can do on the mat.  The Dolphins have been a part of UW-Parkside for quite some time.  Dad Jim wrestled for the Rangers a few moons ago & brother Troy one match shy of D2 qualification last season, has his sights set on All-American status having stuck both James Wright & Elijah Lusk last year.   Drew won 12 matches last year, including a huge pin against a DI opponent from Iowa.   Should he get a win against a very tough Brady Phelps, that would be one heck of a way to start off the '26-'27 season.  Phelps 5th at Regional 7 last year, looked super tough at Pete Willson capturing 3rd place.  Parkside won most of the see-saw matches in last year's dual. This one will be important. 

157
Easton Worachek Vs Luke Swan

Looking really forward to this one.  When these two met last year, it was a tight, calculated 4-3 win for Worachek.  It will once again be a great match, that will probably be decided by a point or two.  It's amazing to compare these two to one another.  Woracheck was 2nd at Super Region V & Swan was 2nd at Regional 7.  Woracheck was 2nd at the Midwest Classic & Swan was 2nd at Pete Willson.  There are going to be a lot of great matches in this dual.  This is one of them. 

165
Brody Hemauer Vs Braydon Peet

Another match that is going to be absolute fire. This one was decided by a single takedown last year as Braydon Peet took a 3-1 decision on Brody Hemauer.  Both of these guys are already the top of the top within their Divsion.  Hemauer reps D2 with All-American finishes of 6th & 5th, where was Peet reps D3 with back-to-back All-American finishes of 4th.  I know so many out there get passionate & sometimes even heated in the D2 Vs D3 debates.  If you're one of those people, this match is a MUST SEE!!

174
Dajun Johnson Vs Jermaine Butler

Looking very forward to this one. Let's face it.  '25-'26 didn't go for either of these guys the way they were hoping it would.  Jermaine Butler did secure his second NCAA D3 qualification, but having won the Pete Willson Invitational two seasons ago, I don't think he was super excited about finishing 6th last year.  Dajun Johnson was 3rd in the D2 nation in 2025 & he came up short of qualification this past season.  In other words, I think both of these guys carry a bit of a chip on their shoulder, and both of them are looking at going into this dual & getting a huge win over the other.  Last year Johnson won a very hard fought 4-3 war.  It'll be a war again this year & could very well end up the best match of the night. 

FRI OCT 30th - #6 North Idaho Vs #5 Clackamas

 

The world of college wrestling starts things off with bang as the #6 North Idaho Cardinals take on the #5 Clackamas Cougars. These two programs have both represented west coast wrestling proudly and strongly over the years & they are very familiar with one another.  Last year Clackamas won a well contested 28-21 bout.  As they look to once again walk out of Coeur d'Alene with a victory, North Idaho looks to avenge their loss. 

I'm sure all of the matches will be exciting but there are four that JT1Wrestle looks forward to in particularly.  

Kelby Bernard Vs Parker Ballantyne

These guys were at different weights last season, with Kelby Bernard winning a West District title & Parker Ballantyne finishing 3rd.  At the NJCAA championships however, Ballantyne would capture a 5th place finish, as Bernard finished one match shy of All-American honors. There is a chance that this match might not happen because either could go 133 or 141.  My hope though is that they're both at the same weight, cause this match would be dope. 

Pablo Hernandez Vs Dylan Block
174

This is going to be a real good one.  These two met in the West District finals last season, & Dylan Block's immediate aggression paid off as he hit two back-to-back takedowns in the first period, holding on for a 6-3 decision.  I would imagine that Hernandez is expecting the bull right out of the gate this time, and should be more prepared to not be taken off guard.  Hernandez went 2-2 at the NJCAA championships last season, as Block captured 4th place. 

Lusiano Lopez Vs Seth Martin
184

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see this matchup at the West District last season, as Lusiano Lopez was upset in the semi-finals, settling for 3rd as Martin won a title.  As the NJCAA championships, Lopez avenged the loss he took in the semi-finals eventually finishing 7th.  Martin finished 5th.  So, in other words the comparisons here are in common opponents and parity.  Martin has the edge heading into this matchup, but I would not count Lopez out. 

197
Elijah Josey Vs Jackson Lougen

Here's another great matchup for the evening.  In the semi-finals of the West District last season, Josey used a late 2nd period takedown to get past Lougen 4-1.  In front of a home crowd, in an important dual, what momentum it would give Lougen to pull off the upset.  Josey was 5th at the NJCAA championships.  

JT1Wreste Takes A Look At Army 2026-2027

 

It's a fun time in college wrestling for the military academies.  At the D3 level both USCGA & the USMMA are doing well, and here in NCAA DI, Army is looking good, and so are Air Force & Navy.  Army does lose a few tough wrestlers, but they bring back quite a few as well.

Gone...

Charlie Farmer, an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025 & an EIWA runner-up.   Missed out on qualification this year, but did end his career with 74 career wins & placed 5th at the Southern Scuffle. 

Ethan Berginc ended his career a four-time NCAA DI qualifier with EIWA finishes of 4th-3rd-3rd-2nd & 95 career wins. 

Wolfgang Frable an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025, came up a little short this year. 71 career wins. 

Back...

141
Braden Basile

4th in the EIWA, Braden Basile heads into '26-'27 a two-time NCAA DI qualifier. 

165
Gunner Filipowicz

4th-6th-3rd thus far in the EIWA, Gunner Filipowicz will challenge for a conference title this season as well as for All-American honors.  A 5-2 win over NCAA DI bronze medalist Cesar Alvan, he's thus far been 2nd-1st-2nd at the Southern Scuffle. 

174
Andrew Christie

One match shy of NCAA DI qualification last year, Andrew Christie won 22 matches on the season & took 8th at the Southern Scuffle. 

184
Cooper Haase

18 wins on the season last year for Cooper Haase who was one match shy of placing at Southern Scuffle. 

HWT
Brady Colbert Or Lucas Stoddard

Probably the most underrated wrestle-off in all of NCAA Division I wrestling.  Brady Colbert has thus far been 4th & 3rd in the EIWA, as Lucas Stoddard was an NCAA DI qualifier himself in 2024.  I'm not sure if Colbert beat Stoddard outright for the spot last year or not, as Stoddard was hurt during the Lehman Open.  Both have been spectacular at the Southern Scuffle in recent years.  Colbert has been 3rd-3rd the past two tournaments with Stoddard being 2nd-2nd-4th the past three.  Very anxious to see how this turns out. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Wyoming 2026-2027

 

Wyoming looking very good as we head into 2026-2027.  Lose two to the ends of eligibility but bring back a lot of talent.  Should be a great year for the brown & gold. 

Gone...

Gabe Willochell ends his career a four-time NCAA DI qualifier. One match shy of ending it all as an All-American. 

Jared Hill unfortunately did not earn his bid to become a four-time NCAA DI qualifier but nonetheless did find his way onto the BIG 12 award stand four times.  As tough as the conference is, that is an accomplishment that should be recognized. 6th-6th-5th-8th. 

Back...

133
Luke Willochell

Luke Willochell earned NCAA DI qualification for the Cowboys last season, also placing 6th at Cliff Keen Las Vegas. 

165
Sloan Swan

Sloan Swan finished 5th in a BIG 12 bracket that took the top 4 to the NCAA DI championships. 15 wins on the season, he defeated e'Than Birden 5-3. 

174
Riley Davis

Riley Davis was 6th at the BIG 12's this past season & one match shy of being top 8 in Vegas. 

184
Eddie Neitenbach

7th in the DI nation, Eddie Neitenbach was 2nd in the BIG 12 & 3rd at CKLV. 

197
Joey Novak

The accomplishments & credentials just keep piling up for Joey Novak. Thus far the Cowboy has been 5th & 4th in the DI nation, while capturing 8th-4th-2nd place finishes at CKLV.  He was also a BIG 12 finalist last season. 

HWT
Christian Carroll

Christian Carroll is proof of why the At-Large Wildcard system is so important to NCAA Division I wrestling. After not having a good BIG 12 tournament, Carroll turned around & put it together at the national tournament earning 8th place All-American honors.  23 wins on the year, he has thus far been 8th & 2nd at CKLV.