Gable Vs Sanderson: Who Was The BIG 10 Conference Tougher Under?

 

I have a good friend of mine that wrestled for Michigan State from '67-'68 to '71-'72 as mostly a reserve that had a handful of varsity matches & one Midlands appearance.  Of course, all these years later he's a huge Iowa fan & I'm not sure if he can even name a single Spartan.  Every time I see him, we talk college wrestling and I don't know how he does it, but he always seems to ask me a question that leaves me flabbergasted. 

"Stephen," he says to me. "Would you say the BIG 10 is better now during the Sanderson era or was it better during the Gable era?" 

That's a Hell of a good question. 

BIG 10 wrestling has always been good.  Today it is, hands down THE college wrestling conference.  

Was it always? 

To my surprise, no.  The BIG 10 wasn't always as dominant as some like to make it out to be.  Matter of fact there were years during Gable's era, when Iowa was the only top 10 team in the NCAA DI from the BIG 10. 

Now let's take a few things into consideration....

For starters the BIG 10 is a lot bigger now than what it was when Gable was Coaching. 

Penn State didn't join the BIG 10 conference until the '93-'94 season.   From '77 to '93 Penn State placed in the top 10 NCAA DI 12 times.  That would make a big difference, but during those years Penn State was EWL. 

Nebraska didn't join the BIG 10 until the '11-'12 season.  From '77 to '97, the Huskers placed top 10 NCAA DI on 8 occasions. Once again, that's pretty significant, but during Gable's time they were BIG 12. 

Objectively speaking, the BIG 10 has been far more competitive for the most part during the Sanderson era than what it was during the Gable era.  

All feels & subjectiveness aside, the #'s don't lie. 

Here is the comparison....

So here are the results in black & white, make of them what you will. 

Obviously adding in Penn State & Nebraska results makes a difference, but even then, I think this debate goes to Sanderson. 

The BIG 10 1980 through 1987 was NOT the conference in NCAA DI wrestling. 

During Sanderson's time at Penn State, the BIG 10 has had the best showing of all conferences every season.  

JT1Wrestle Takes a Look at WVU-Potomac 2026-2027

 

Not much is known about WVU-Potomac at the moment, but I can tell you why I am excited about this new NJCAA program.  I'm excited because the Catamounts have been successful in most of their NJCAA sports, I see no reason why wrestling would be any different.  Winners of the 1995 NJCAA World Series, they've also had success in softball, men & women's basketball, and men & women's cross country.  You never quite know what to expect in year one of a program, but I'm anxious to see if we see any NJCAA qualifiers by season's end. 

Let's Save Northern Michigan Greco-Roman Wrestling!

 

The situation at Northern Michigan is the most unique situation we have in the world of collegiate wrestling.  The consistently top 10 NCAA Division II wrestling program was discontinued in 1988. Despite producing NCAA D2 qualifiers year in & year out, often crowning All-Americans, athletic director Rick Comley had his sights set on making Northern Michigan a top hockey school.  $$, space & resources that were once used for the NCAA D2 wrestling team, were now given to hockey. 

It's been 38 years, I think we can make an assessment. Rick Comley was also the head Men's Hockey coach. 

Was cutting NCAA D2 wrestling worth it?  Did Rick Comley achieve what he set out to achieve? 

Well, you tell me. 

Between the 1988-1989 season & the 2001-2002 season (before Comley stepped down as Head Coach) the Wildcats went 272-281.  That's a slightly below .500 record. 

They won the NCAA National title in 1991, making the quarterfinals in both 1992 & 1993. Last even making the NCAA tournament in 1999.  They won a conference title in 1991, finishing 2nd in 1989 & 1992.  Finished 3rd in 2000 & 2002. 

During Comley's time as head coach, the Men's Hockey team had losing record seasons in 1994, 1995, 1996 & 1997.  In 1996, Northern Michigan went an embarrassing 7-30 on the ice. 

Since Comley's departure as Head Coach, the Wildcats have finished 2nd in the conference twice & 3rd once.  It's been nearly 28 years since Northern Michigan has made the NCAA tournament in hockey. 

So if you're asking me, I'll give Comley credit for winning the national title in 1991 & having good runs in 1992 and 1993.  But overall?  NCAA D2 wrestling was dropped for nothing. 


And now Comley wants to discontinue the Greco-Roman program.  A program that has served the United States international teams for the past 27 years. 

Ironic isn't it?  The last really good Northern Michigan Men's Hockey team was in 1999 & that's when the Greco-Roman program began at Northern Michigan.  Maybe it's something personal? Maybe Comley is upset that the sacrifice he made of the NCAA D2 team for the betterment of his hockey program didn't work out the way he intended?  

I don't know. 

I'll tell you what I do know. 

Northern Michigan Greco-Roman has produced a lot of great wrestlers over the years.  Wrestlers that have achieved some very big things in international wrestling.   There are so few places for our Greco-Roman stars to train & Northern Michigan was one of the best.  We can't afford to lose this program. Not if we want to stay relevant & competitive on the Greco-Roman scene. 

Here are a few names & their successes that have come out of Northern Michigan

Andy Bisek

World Bronze 2014
World Bronze 2015
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2015

Ben Provisor

PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2011
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2017
PAN-AMERICAN Bronze 2018
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2021

Chas Betts

2012 Olympian

WWE's Chad Gable 

Ellis Coleman

PAN-AMERICAN Bronze 2010
PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2014
PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2019
PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2025

Spenser Mango

2012 Olympian

2009 PAN-AMERICAN Silver
2014 PAN-AMERICAN Bronze
2015 PAN-AMERICAN Bronze 

Robby Smith

WORLD Bronze 2015

PAN-AMERICAN Bronze 2015
PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2018

Max Nowry

PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2013
PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2018
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2019
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2020
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2026

Sammy Jones

PAN-AMERICAN Bronze 2016
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2022

Alejandro Sancho

PAN-AMERICAN Silver 2016
PAN-AMERICAN Bronze 2020
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2024
PAN-AMERICAN Gold 2025


These are just a handful of the superstars that Northern Michigan Greco-Roman has produced over the years.  There have been many! This is something that needs to continue! To Thrive! Comley introduced the NCAA D2 team to the Grim Reaper 38 years ago.  Let's do what we can to tell him we're not interested in the Greco-Roman program going anywhere with the Reaper. 

I NEED A WILDCARD!!! (Those at 174 lbs who need an At Large Bid to be a 2026 NCAA DI qualifier)

 Once again, only 4 spots left here at 174 lbs.  Like the other six weights we've already discussed, there are far more than 4 wrestlers who are eligible to take one of those four At-Large/Wildcard bids.  I've done my best to narrow it down, already eliminating a few choices for various reasons. 


Those Already Eliminated

Enrique Munguia of Rider - One of the most unpredictable wrestlers in NCAA DI wrestling, you learned in a hurry that Munguia wasn't an easy guy to bet on, nor was he ever an easy guy to bet against.  A MAC champion last year, he still had a pretty good MAC tournament this year finishing in 3rd place. Unfortunately one spot shot of NCAA DI qualification.  Although the Bronco does have an 11-6 victory over Nick Fine, I think what eliminates him here is the fact that everyone else that will be mentioned is ranked, whereas he is not. 

#31 Nick Hamilton of Virginia - The two-time NCAA DI qualifier was actually one match shy of being an All-American last season, but unfortunately this season has not translated into the successful one that many thought that it would be. 7-8 on the year, with no big wins, it's pretty much a shoo-in that the Caviler is left home for 2026.  Has one more year of eligibility. 

#22 Aidan Wallace of Duke - The Blue Devil is proving that even with practically no resources or support from the athletic department that success can still be found through determination & hardwork. Unfortunately though, I don't think it translates into NCAA DI qualification this season though.  Aidan Wallace did put up 25 wins on the year, but unfortunately none against any qualifiers. 

#21 Jasiah Queen of Drexel - Although he has a higher ranking than some of the others I will mention later, plus a 4-3 win over Myles Takats, I believe what really hurts Jasiah Queen here is the loss he took at the EIWA championships to Andrew Christie. I could be wrong, but in comparison to the rest of the field, I think that will unfortunately be the strike that outs the Dragon. 


I think it will come down to these 7....

#32
Avery Bassett
Lock Haven

An NCAA DI qualifier last season, unfortunately injuries have plagued Avery Bassett all season, including having to medical forfeit out of the MAC championships this past weekend.  Nonetheless, the Bald Eagle has a 14-9 win over Myles Takats & a 9-6 s.v. over Lucas Condon. 

#28
Eddie Enright
Northwestern

The Wildcat freshman came up short of placing at BIG 10 tournament that took the top 9.  With 10th & 11th still looking for qualification themselves, that puts Eddie Enright in quite the pickle. Nonetheless 21 wins on the season, a 14-3 major over Lenny Pinto & an 11-4 decision over Lucas Condon. 

#23
Ethan Riddle
Minnesota

The Golden Gopher was 11th at the BIG 10's, which puts him one spot higher than Enright there, but what really gives him credence are some of the wins he's racked up on the year. 

2-1 tiebreaker, 16-10 & 15-4 over Sergio DeSiante
11-8 s.v. over Colin Kelly
8-3 over Lucas Condon 

#27
Derek Gilcher
Indiana

The Hoosier finished 10th at the BIG 10's, which I would think gives him precedence over both Enright & Riddle, but then again, maybe not.  An NCAA DI qualifier in 2023, he has an 8-3 win over Lucas Condon & a 9-2 decision over Brody Baumann. 

#16
Brody Conley
West Virginia

The 2024 NCAA DI qualifier was one match shy of placing at this year's BIG 12's.  Nonetheless, a good ranking & wins over both Brody Baumann (8-0) & Cael Valencia (2-0) should help the Mountaineer as he pleads his case. 

#14
Luca Augustine
Pittsburgh

A Three-time NCAA DI qualifier, Luca Augustine finished 4th in an ACC bracket that took the top 3.  An R12'er in 2025, I'm pretty sure that when it's all said & done, we'll be looking at a four-time NCAA DI qualifier.  A 2-1 tiebreaker over Sergio DeSiante & a 7-2 decision over Nash Singleton on the season. 

#13
Jared Simma
Northern Iowa

At the beginning of the season, I really thought that by this time Jared Simma would have established himself as All-American potential.  Like, serious All-American potential.  I still believe that with the right draw & wrestling at his absolute best, the Panther can find the award stand.  He of course has to be selected for NCAA DI qualification first.  I'm 99.99% positive that he will be.  Despite not placing at the BIG 12's, he has plenty of wins (more than anyone else listed here) over those who have already qualified. 

6-3 s.v. over Colin Kelly
9-1 over Cael Valencia
5-2 over Moses Espinoza-Owens
3-0 over Lucas Condon 

I NEED A WILDCARD!!! (Those at 165 lbs who need an At Large Bid to be a 2026 NCAA DI qualifier)

 
165, along with 125 is the only weight class with four At-Large/Wildcard spots, while all of the other eight weights have only four.   Two I feel for sure.  The others?  Damn....I don't know what to think. 


???

#31 Peyten Kellar of Oklahoma - Of the great mysteries that his sport often bestows upon us, what happened to Peyten Kellar in his final year of collegiate eligibility may be the top one of 2026.  5th in the DI nation back in 2024, he was a shell of his former self this season. As usually there probably is a reason behind it & as usually it'll take a few years of rumors & innuendos before the truth is revealed.  8-11 on the year, 8th in the BIG 12's. 

#29 Ryan Burgos of Edinboro - An NCAA DI qualifier in 2023, what kills Ryan Burgos here is a nightmare of a final MAC tournament.  That is something the selection committee will NOT look over & will NOT forgive.  Nonetheless, put up 20 wins this season, including a 13-5 major over Mac Church. 

#27 Thomas Snipes of The Citadel - I said it earlier & I'll say it again.  The SOCON only takes the champs (which Thomas Snipes was last season) and it's still slim to none that you're getting in, even if you take 2nd.  Snipes went 0-2 at this year's SOCON & that puts him in the same sinking ship with Burgos.  The selection committee isn't going to overlook that & they're not going to forgive it.  The Bulldog put up 22 wins this season, a 2-1 decision over Andrew Sparks. 

#26 Marcus Espinoza-Owens of South Dakota State - If MEO had taken 5th at the BIG 12's instead of 6th, I'd think he'd stand a shot at Q, but seeing that he didn't, I don't think he gets in this season.  15 wins on the year, none against qualifiers. 

#30 Dylan Elmore of Navy - I think those in charge are a bit more lenient with the EIWA than they are with the MAC & the SOCON, but still Dylan Elmore is not in a good position.  Not placing is a major strike against the Midshipman. 21 wins on the season, including sticking Cesar Alvan in 42 seconds. 


Sloan Swan of Wyoming  - The Cowboy wrestled better at the BIG 12's this weekend than he's ever wrestled his entire collegiate career.  Finished 5th in a BIG 12 bracket that took the top 4.  Yet will a good tournament be rewarded over rankings & an overall season?  I would think for sure he'd get the nod over Peyten Keller but MEO?  #26 compared to U.R, but...but...but...   Not only did Swan beat MEO at the BIG 12's, he also beat him earlier this season as well. 

Maxx Mayfield of Missouri - A three-time NCAA DI qualifier, Maxx Mayfield failed to place at the BIG 12's.  A win over Connor Euton (8-6) being behind MEO & Swan isn't the only thing starving this Tiger.  The fact that he split time with J Conway is what I think is really making things tough on Mayfield getting a nod. 

#32 Jared Keslar of Pittsburgh - 5th in an ACC bracket that took the top 4, Jared Keslar was an NCAA DI qualifier last year.  Owns a 4-2 win over Mac Church. 


So spots #3, #4 & #5 I think are going to take a lot of argument and a lot of debate.  

Spots #1 & #2? 

#16
Tyler Lillard
Indiana

A high ranking & finishing 10th in a BIG 10 bracket that took the top 9, I'm very confident that the Hoosier will be heading to Cleveland here in a couple of weeks.  A 4-2 win over Sean Seefeldt & a 8-5 s.v. over Cesar Alvan. 

#5
Matty Bianchi
Little Rock

I know it's going to piss some people off, but hey, life isn't fair and neither is wrestling.  Yes, I'm 100% positive that Matty Bianchi gets one of the At-Large/Wildcard picks & Anthony Berg who upset him at the PAC-12's gets left home.  Bianchi, an All-American last season, more than earned his opportunity to compete at the 2026 NCAA's, throughout the season. 

4-1 over Braeden Scoles
5-1 over Gunnar Filipowicz
3:44 fall over Brock Woodcock
4-1 over Matt Olguin 

I NEED A WILDCARD!!! (Those at 157 lbs who need an At Large Bid to be a 2026 NCAA DI qualifier)

 
4 seems to be the magic number when we talk about At-Large/Wildcards & 4 is the number we're dealing with here at 157 lbs.  Painfully obvious with the amount of talent still left that hasn't qualified yet, that it simply isn't enough.   Some of these guys will unfortunately be staying home this season.

I came up with 10 worth candidates & thus far I've eliminated three

Those Already Eliminated

Jared Hill of Wyoming - Unranked & a losing record, I had to say it, but I think the odds are against Jared Hill getting into the NCAA DI's for a fourth-time.  Nonetheless, as stacked as the BIG 12 has been the past four years, earning a spot on the award stand four seasons in a row is impressive.  Hill was 6th-6th-5th-8th. On the season, a 9-6 s.v. over ACC champ Collin Gaj & a 7:01 fall over Cael Swensen. 

Draydon Morton of California Baptist - This is the third CBU wrestler that I've found in this spot unfortunately.  The BIG 12 took the top 5.  Morton took 7th, leaving not only the 6th place wrestler still needing a spot, but also a very high ranked wrestler from the BIG 12 also needing a spot.  With only four spots available, I cannot see 3/4's of them going to BIG 12 wrestlers. 

Stoney Buell of Purdue - A 2024 NCAA DI qualifier, what Stoney Buell has going against him that he has two other BIG 10 wrestlers ahead of him in both finish & ranking, who also need a wildcard to call themselves 2026 NCAA DI qualifiers.  Nonetheless, Buell defeated Cael Swensen twice this season by scores of 4-3 & 11-6.  He also defeated Jaivon Jones 9-7. 


The 7 left....

#32
Jonathan Ley
Navy

Finishing 3rd in an EIWA bracket that only took the finalists, I'm not 100% positive what happened in a semi-final match where Jonathan Ley was disqualified.  Nonetheless the Midshipman has 26 wins on the season, one of which is a 5-2 decision over Gavin Drexler & another a 2-1 decision over Colton Washleski. 

#24
Tony White
Rutgers

An NCAA DI qualifier way back in 2023, Tony White finished 10th in a BIG 10 bracket that took the top 8.  15 wins on the season, the one that matters most here is a 4-1 s.v. over Charlie Millard. 

Victor Voinovich
Iowa

The Hawkeye has been very loyal to the B&G program ever since arriving back in the fall of 2023.  A reliable hand that has done what is asked of him, every time he's been given the opportunity.  Fell one match short of qualification at the BIG 10's & what is really killing him here is the fact that he's been a backup most of 2025-2026.  It's teammate Jordan Williams who has the #15 ranking.  IF Voinovich had more starts, I'm sure he WOULD have wins over qualifiers. Unfortunately, not the case.  He might still stand a shot though. 

#20
Mason Shrader
Central Michigan

5th in a MAC bracket that took the top 4.  The 2025 NCAA qualifier has 24 wins on the season, three of which help his case as he takes the stand. 

4-1 over Jimmy Harrington
11-7 Derek Raike
4-2 over D.J. McGee

#18
Dylan Evans
Pittsburgh

Ironically enough, Dylan Evans also finished 5th in a bracket that took the top 4 & he was also a qualifier last season.  21 wins on the season for the Panther.  A 4-1 win over Laird Root & a 12-2 major over Colton Washleski. 

#16 
Teague Travis
Missouri

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, I'd be really shocked if Teague Travis didn't get a nod.  I'm not 100% sold he will, but it'd really throw me off if he didn't.  6th in the BIG 12, which took the top 5, Travis has a 6-3 win over Laird Root. 

#7
Vinny Zerban
Iowa State

Spots #2, #3 & #4 are up for debate, but spot #1 is no doubt going to Vinny Zerban.  A three-time NCAA DI qualifier & 6th in the DI nation a year ago, he has the wins this season that tell JT1Wrestle that he IS heading to Cleveland. 

4-3 over Luke Mechler
7-5 over Daniel Cardenas
17-1 over Jimmy Harrington
12-5 over Gavin Drexler
5-2 over Ty Watters 

I NEED A WILDCARD!!! (Those at 149 lbs who need an At Large Bid to be a 2026 NCAA DI qualifier)

 

Like 141 lbs, 149 lbs only has 4 spots left for the NCAA Division I National tournament.  When evaluating the weight class, I started off with 10 eligible candidates.  I've done my best to narrow it down. 

Here is who I've already eliminated and why...

Those Already Eliminated

Wille McDougald of West Virginia - I absolutely hate knowing that a three-time NCAA DI qualifier won't be going to the NCAA DI's in his final season, but I can't see McDougald being one of the final four who get in.  A losing record of 7-11 & no wins of significance. It's not happening. 

#30 Kaden Keiser of Appalachian State - 26 wins on the season, including an 8-6 win over Ryan Michaels, but I'm pretty much 100% positive that Keiser will not get a nod.  You cannot finish 4th in a SOCON bracket that is only taking the champion.  I'm not even real positive if you could finish 2nd. 

So now we're left with 8....

#33
Drew Roberts
Minnesota

The lowest ranking of those left to mention & probably the worst record.  Yet here's the thing, are we counting quantity or are we talking quality?  The 2024 NCAA DI qualifier may only have an 11-10 record but take a look at some of those 11 wins.  

5-1 over Brock Herman
7-6 over Michael Gioffre
4-2 over Ryder Block
5-3 over Andrew Clark

#31
Wynton Denkins
Virginia

An NCAA DI qualifier last season, Wynton Denkins finished 5th in an ACC bracket where he needed to finish in the top 4.  18 wins on the season, what really sticks out to me is a 3-2 decision over ACC champ Collin Gaj. He also has an 8-5 decision over Dylan Layton. 

#25
Noah Tolentino
Oregon State

Tolentino finished 3rd in a PAC-12 bracket that only took the finalists.  17 wins on the season, an ability to upend Gabe Willochell on two occasions is the best thing the Beaver has going for him. A 1:54 fall & a 14-8 win over the Cowboy. 

#22
Kaden Kassidy
George Mason

An NCAA DI qualifier last year & 15-4 on the year, for the life of me, I do not understand the strategy of making the MAC semis & then defaulting out to 6th place.  Of all the times I've had to include Patriots in my "Best to Not Qualify" list, I can't help but think this decision is going to come back to bite him in the ass.  As tough and competitive as the field has become, you cannot rely on that.  A 15-9 win over Kade Brown & 10-7 win over EIWA champ Eugene Harney.  Good wins, but will they be enough? 

#20
Josh Edmond
Missouri

Another three-time NCAA DI qualifier who is now at the mercy of the decision makers who decide who goes and who doesn't. A 2024 R12'er, who finished 7th in the BIG 12 bracket that only took the top 5. 22 wins on the season, a 6-2 win over Brock Herman. 

#18
Chance Lamer
Nebraska

If I haven't convinced you yet how tough it can be to qualify for the NCAA DI championships, here's yet another three-time NCAA DI qualifier relying on an At Large/Wildcard bid to earn his fourth qualification.  This one a two-time NCAA DI R12'er.  Chance Lamer finished 10th in a BIG 10 bracket that took 9.  17 wins on the year. 

12-4 over Lucas Kasputska
14-3 over Dylan Layton
8-1 & 5-2 over Michael Gioffre

#15
Eligh Rivera
Princeton

An Ivy League finalist last season, Elijah Rivera finished 4th this season, when he needed to finish at least 3rd.  Nevertheless, the Tiger has enough quality wins & a good ranking that should get him into the dance this year. 

4-3 over Lachlan McNeil
11-4 over Jacob Frost
4-1 s.v. over Dylan Layton 

#13
Max Petersen
North Dakota State

Of all the candidates in line to get an At Large/Wildcard bid, Max Petersen to me looks to be in the best shape.  A High ranking & a 6th place finish in a BIG 12 bracket that took the top 5. 

6-5 over Caleb Rathjen
17-4 over Anderson Heap
8-3 over Lucas Kasputska