JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Michigan 2026-2027

 

I started doing coverage for collegiate wrestling during the 2001-2002 season & of the many things that have changed drastically the last 25 years, the one thing that has remained the same is the overall position of the Wolverines of Michigan.  I've said it many times (and if I would have known more about keeping rights to my own work & not allowing someone to have full intellectual properties to my work 10 years ago, I'd be able to prove it) that Michigan is the best team historically yet to win an NCAA DI team title.  

Yet it seems season after season, the last 1/4 of a century, the maize & blue always seem to be missing something. They've done as well as 2nd & often are a top team both within the BIG 10 & the NCAA DI.  Yet they're that great band, that never seems to have it all at the same time.  A great singer, a great lead guitar, a great rhythm guitar & a great bassist, they lack a talented drummer.  Then once they get a great drummer, the singer quits.  It's a never ending cycle with Michigan, this year no different. 

I mean over the past 25 years, you've only had two bad seasons for the Wolverines.  In 2010 they finished 43rd & in 2013 they finished 33rd.   Other than that, the Wolverines have been a top 20 team or better most of the time.  In fact, 17 times they've been a top 10 team.  In the past 10 years, they've brought home team trophies three times, and finished one place shy of a team trophy (5th) twice. 

If I can't think of a more elegant way to say it, I'm just ready for there to finally be a season 125, 133, 141, 149, 157, 165, 174, 184, 197 & HWT where Michigan has it all, all at the same time.  

2026-2027? 

The Wolverines are very strong throughout the middle weights. 149 through 184 things are looking good for Michigan.  Yet at the moment, 125 & 133 remain untested.  197 & HWT, also seem at the moment to be holes in the lineup.  

I hope to not be seen as negative or pessimistic. That isn't my intention here at all.  It's simply that I was 16, a kid who had just got his license when I began to contemplate the idea of Michigan one day winning an NCAA DI team title. 5 years shy of having my first beer.  Now I'm closer to early retirement than I am to those years.  I'd still like to see Michigan bring home that gold plated trophy someday.  

Gone are....

Diego Sotelo, a Harvard transfer who earned NCAA DI qualification three times during his career. Was 7th at Cliff Keen Las Vegas this year. 

Dylan Ragusin, a four-time NCAA DI qualifier who earned a 5th place All-American finish in 2024.  Unfortunately, he was hurt in 2025 & was never able to get healthy again.  

Lachlan McNeil who really showed what tenacity was all about various times throughout his career.  4th-6th-5th-3rd in the NCAA DI championships, he came through and made it happen each season, even when many doubted him.  A transfer of North Carolina, he was 3rd in the BIG 10 this year, 98 career wins.  A future Common Wealth Games & Olympic medalist for Canada. 

Joe Walker, who was not varsity this year, but nevertheless had some great wins.  One match shy of placing at CKLV & 3rd at the Midlands. 

Taye Ghadiali who came into the BIG 10 from Campbell and showed those who like to snub Southern Conference wrestling that there IS talent in the SOCON.  The three-time SOCON champ came in and won a BIG 10 title.  Earned a bronze medal at the NCAA DI's (8th earlier in his career for Campbell) & also took 3rd at CKLV.  128 wins to close out a fantastic career. 

133
Moses Mendoza

The Wolverine are putting a lot of faith into true-freshmen in their lower weights & U20 PAN-AMERICAN bronze medalist Moses Mendoza at 133 lbs is one of them. 

141
Kellan Wolbert

Kellan Wolbert, a four-time Wisconsin State champion is another true-freshman that the maize & blue are looking very forward to this season. 

141
Eren Sement

Eren Sement, a reserve for the Wolverines last year, took 8th at the Midlands. 

149
Sergio Lemley

The two-time NCAA DI qualifier who was one match shy of All-American honors in 2025 returns to the lineup after redshirting this past season.  22-1 on the year, the Mt. Carmel product was 3rd at last year's Midlands. 

157
Dan Zepeda

A transfer of North Carolina State, Dan Zepeda won RENO last year & had a very impressive 1:46 fall over Jude Swisher. 

165
Cam Catrabone

22 wins on the season, Cam Catrabone was 5th in the BIG 10 & 7th in the DI nation.  Pretty sure he's going to be our starter here at 165 lbs, but do keep in mind how touch 2025 DI qualifier Dylan Gilcher is. 

174
Beau Mantanona

Been a lot of great brother combinations at Michigan over the years.  The Amines, the Rechsteiners, the Churellas. Michigan is no stranger to great brother combinations.  This generation is the Mantanona's.  Beau won 25 matches for the Wolverines last season.  5th in the BIG 10 he was 7th in the DI nation & he also took 4th at CKLV. 

184
Brock Mantanona

Brock Mantanona won 22 matches for the maize and blue last season.  3rd in the BIG 10, he was 5th at in the DI nation.  Heads into 2026-2027 with CKLV finishes of 7th & 2nd. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Michigan State 2026-2027

 

The Spartans return three NCAA DI qualifiers from last season, plus another who I feel is a strong candidate for qualification in 2027.  

Unfortunately, I believe Max Vanadia is out of eligibility.  He might have another year, but I'm pretty sure the 2025 NCAA DI qualifier is done.  14-3 on the year, hated to see it end with injury at the Southern Scuffle.  Defeated both Szuba brothers, David 11-8 s.v. & Ben 11-3. 

133
Caleb Weiand

Caleb Weiand earned NCAA DI qualification last year via a wildcard selection.  13 wins on the season, he was 6th at the Southern Scuffle. 

149
Clayton Jones

When opportunity presents itself, take it.  That's exactly what Clayton Jones did.  Stuck All-American Chance Lamer is a mere 35 seconds to make his first NCAA DI championships.  8th at the BIG 10's. 

157
Darius Marines

18 wins on the season, Darius Marines was one that I thought would earn NCAA DI qualification last year who did not. I'd be very shocked if he doesn't in 2027. 

197
Kael Wisler

Another Spartan to earn NCAA DI qualification last year through an At-Large Wildcard selection, Kael Wisler won 24 matches last year.  A Keystone champion, he was 5th at the Southern Scuffle. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Maryland 2026-2027

 

The Terrapins lose two to the ends of eligibility this season & one to transfer, as they bring back two & get in a tough transfer. 

Gone are...

Braxton Brown who represented the state of Texas very well by becoming a four-time NCAA DI qualifier.  88 career wins, made the Southern Scuffle finals this year. 

Carter Young a transfer from Oklahoma State ended his career a three-time NCAA DI qualifier, and one match shy of being an All-American.  Was 4th in the BIG 10 & 6th at the Southern Scuffle this year. 

Three-time NCAA DI qualifier Kal Miller will end his career with Pittsburgh. 

All-American Jaxon Smith will end his career at Ohio State

125
Nicolar Rivera

Terp fans are excited for two-time NCAA DI qualifier Nicolar Rivera to join the lineup this season.  18 wins on the year, he was a match shy of All-American status in 2025. 

141
Dario Lemus

Dario Lemus won 17 matches last year for the Terrapins, claiming 6th at the BIG 10's. 

197
Branson John

An NWCA Academic All-American last year, Branson John earned NCAA DI All-American honors for the red, white, black & gold taking 8th place in the DI nation.  28 wins on the season, he was 3rd at the Southern Scuffle. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Lock Haven 2026-2027

 

2026-2027 is going to be an interesting year for the Bald Eagles. Lock Haven loses three of their best wrestlers due to being out of eligibility and looking forward the crimson & white in many areas seem right on the cusp. 

Gone are...

Gable Strickland, a three-time NCAA DI qualifier who went 1st-1st-3rd in his last three Mid-American Conference (MAC) appearances. 108 career wins. 

Wyatt Henson, an absolute monster on top who won three MAC titles during his illustrious career, closing it out with an 8th place All-American finish.  105 career wins, 44 of which were technical falls. I'd like to know how many backpoints he tallied up in total. 

Avery Bassett, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier who won over 100 matches during his career. 

149
Lucas Kaputska

An MAC champion for the Bald Eagles last season, Lucas Kaputska went 25-6. 

157
Nick Stampoulos

An NCAA DI qualifier for the crimson & white in 2024, Nick Stampoulos is one of those right on the cusp guys I'm referring to.  27 wins last season, one of which was over Gavin Drexler. 

165
Nick Kunstek

I can see Nick Kunstek being an NCAA DI qualifier for Lock Haven this season.  Won 17 matches last year. 

184
Sammy Gautreau

25 wins on the year, Sammy Gautreau finished 4th in an MAC bracket last year that took the top 3.  Among his wins, an impressive 14-8 victory over Ian Bush. 

197 
Tucker Hogan

I'd put Tucker Hogan in the same boat as Stampoulos.  An NCAA DI qualifier in 2025, he won 19 matches last year & should reclaim qualification in 2027. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Mercyhurst 2026-2027

 

Mercyhurst is still in the transitional phase where they won't be eligible for the post season & anyone that follows college wrestling knows that is the toughest place to be in for any team.  It makes it nearly impossible to recruit, because no-one wants to commit during a time when the opportunities for conference & national prominence do not exist.  I do know that Mercyhurst will be successful in the future.  They were at the NCAA DII level & they will be at the NCAA DI level.  Simply need to wait it out. Not fun, not easy, but patience is key here. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Long Island University 2026-2027

 

157
Brayden Roberts

I believe that if LIU is going to have an NCAA DI qualifier this year, it'll be veteran Brayden Roberts.  He's pulled off some very nice wins thus far in his career. A total of 19 victories last season. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Little Rock 2026-2027

 

Seeing what Little Rock has done & what they continue to do has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me as a wrestling fan.  You youngsters may not get it, but those who have been around a while certainly do.  There was a time when there was no wrestling at all in Arkansas.  Not a single high school had a varsity program. Heck, it was difficult to even find club teams in the natural state.  From 1953 to 2009, a period of 56 years, half a century, wrestling pretty much didn't exist.  

Look where we're at now.  Crowning individual conference champs, All-Americans, I honestly think that 2026-2027 could see 7 NCAA DI qualifiers.  7 NCAA DI qualifiers from a school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sounds euphoric when you say it out loud. 

141
Gavyn Whitehead

If you follow me on Twitter & follow my Youtube channel, then you know how I feel about Cole Spree & the Indian Hills Community College wrestling program. I'm very excited to see what the two-time NJCAA Champion can do at the NCAA DI level. 

149
Brock Herman

14-5 on the season Brock Herman won a PAC-12 title & finished 2nd at the Southern Scuffle. 

157
Jaivon Jones

Jaivon Jones won a PAC-12 title last season & finished 7th at the Southern Scuffle. 

165
Kyrel Leavell

Competing for The Citadel last season, Kyrel Leavell had a win over Laird Root last season & placed 6th at the Southern Scuffle. 

174
Melton Powe

The potential is there for Melton Powe to have a good season in 2026-2027. 

197
Stephen Little

7th-6th-3rd, here's where I get really excited.  A guy from Kentucky, wrestling for a college in Arkansas has the opportunity this year to become a four-time NCAA DI All-American.  To say that's huge for wrestling in the southeast is an understatement.  Not only that but 1st-2nd-1st, he has the opportunity to become a three-time PAC-12 champion.  82 career wins, reaching 100 is certainly feasible.  Was also 2nd at the Southern Scuffle. 

HWT
Mo Endene

Wisconsin, to Iowa, to Little Rock. We're FINALLY going to get to see what this three-time NCAA DIII champion from Texas can do at the DI level.  We had a glimpse last year of course, but that was at 197.  Things are a little different nearly 90 lbs up.  Very anxious to see what he looks like against some of the best 285 lbs wrestlers in the nation. 

UPDATE:  Well shoot, looks like this isn't happening, but still plenty of reasons to be pumped about Little Rock Wrestling this year!

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Lehigh 2026-2027

 

Head Coach Brad Dillon inherits a team where some talent is lost, while other talent is maintained or gained. I think in the long run Dillon can do some good things for the Mountain Hawks & it'll be interesting to see how he does in year one. 

Gone are....

Sheldon Seymour.  6th in the DI nation in 2025, he came up a match short of his second All-American honor last year.  He did, however, win an EIWA title. 

2024 All-American Ryan Crookham has decided to continue his career at Iowa

Three-time NCAA DI qualifier Max Brignola ended his career an EIWA champion & one match shy of being an All-American. 

If you want my opinion, and clearly you do because you're reading this, I don't know if Carter Bailey was ever at the right weight class the last couple of years.  With the depth of some of these team, you sometimes have to go where you're needed, instead of where would suit you most.  He won some important matches for the white & brown. 

J.T. Davis just missed NCAA DI qualification this year with a 4th place finish in the EIWA. 

Back...

125
Keanu Dillard

The four-time Pennsylvania state champ looks to be a great addition to the Mountain Hawk lineup in 2026-2027! 

133
Matt Lopes

One of the many gems mined from Blair Academy, Matty Lopes returns to the varsity lineup having posted a 9-2 record last year. Wins over Ethan Berginc, Gable Strickland, & Evan Mougalian suggest a good season again for the Mountain Hawk. 

141
Luke Stanich

Is Coach Dillon going to crown an NCAA DI champion in his first year as Head of the Lehigh program? It's a very real possibility.  5th & 3rd thus far in the DI nation, the U20 Gold Medalist went 18-1 on teh season last year, winning EIWA gold. 

141
Jayden Scott

Jayden Scott joins the white & brown, a transfer from North Carolina where he was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025. 

149
Kelvin Griffin

A 2024 NCAA DI qualifier Kelvin Griffin returns to the lineup after being injured last season. 

157
Logan Rozynski

Logan Rozynski heads into his senior season now a two-time EIWA champion. 

184
Rylan Rogers

3rd in the EIWA this past season, Rylan Rogers finished off 2026 one match shy of being an NCAA DI All-American. 

197
Caden Rogers

Caden Rogers was unfortunately injured last season, but was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025. 

HWT
Nathan Taylor

It's scary to think about how much this guy has accomplished when he's been injured and less than 100%.  Imagine what it's going to be like if he's healthy & 100%.  The three-time NCAA DI qualifier has won the EIWA championship twice thus far in his career. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Kent State 2026-2027

 

Been a rough go of it for a while for Kent State, but pardon the pun there were some "Golden Flashes" of light last year to show that the wrestling program is starting to get back on track. 

Blake Schaffer made the most out of his final season of eligibility, earning NCAA DI qualification by making the Mid-American Conference (MAC) finals. 

165
Chris Earnest

A NWCA Scholar All-American for the Golden Flashes last year, Chris Earnest won a MAC title going 20-8 on the season. 

157
J.T. Chance

I can see J.T. Chance doing some big things for the navy blue & gold.  Owns a 14-6 major decision over Grigor Cholokyan. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Iowa State 2026-2027

 

I tell you what. I'm thankful for a lot of things in my life.  A good job, a great girlfriend, good friends, pets that I love, and the fact that I live in Iowa. While I'm not always crazy about our weather, and I wish the ocean wasn't a full day's drive away, I live in about the best spot a college wrestling fan can live. I know some east coasters, especially those in Pennsylvania would disagree with me, but when it comes to college wrestling, Iowa is hard to beat. 

Iowa State is one of those reasons. 

Seems like I catch Hell for a lot of my opinions anymore, so maybe I ought to embrace it rather than fear it.  Am I allowed to say, without getting my head torn off, how much Iowa & Iowa State reflect one another anymore?  I mean it ought to not surprise anyone too much. Cardinal or Black, both are gold. With Brent Metcalf now at the helm, Derek St. John & Drake Ayala his right-hand men, the show is being produced and directed by three former Hawkeye legends.  Kevin Dresser, still a part of operations, himself a national champ for the B&G.

The C&G may not get talked about as much as the B&G, but they're just a faithful and committed to their team as are the people in Iowa City.  You got to a dual in Ames, Hilton gets just as loud & just as enthusiastic as does Carver. Cyclone fans are itching to be a team that brings home trophies season in and season out.  Gold was last in 1987, silver in 2007, bronze in 2010 & 4th in 2024.  Could we see another team trophy in 2027? 

Iowa State loses some strong ammunition, but they also bring back and bring in some heavy artillery. 

Gone....

Stevo Poulin ended his career a four-time NCAA DI qualifier.  One match shy of placing in both his freshman & sophomore seasons, he placed 8th as a junior.  91 career wins, he took 4th at CKLV this year, also making the BIG 12 finals. 

Both Christian Castillo & Ethan Perryman, reserves for Poulin last season have decided to take their careers elsewhere.  Castillo will be representing Arizona State this year as Perryman will be at Illinois. 

Anthony Echemendia's departure surprises me at the same time that it doesn't.  The two-time DI All-American (5th & 6th) marches to the beat of his own drum and is much more of a studio musician than he would ever be in a band.  1st & 2nd thus far in the BIG 12, last year's CKLV champ is heading back to the BIG 10, this time to represent Nebraska. 

Vinny Zerban, another Northern Colorado transfer ended his career a multiple time NCAA DI qualifier.  6th in 2025, he did make the Cliff Keen Las Vegas finals this year. 

Isaac Dean, a transfer from Rider ended his career a two-time NCAA DI qualifier.  6th in the BIG 12, he earned back-to-back CKLV finishes of 5th. 

Rocky Elam. Heart goes out to this guy.  5th-4th-3rd-6th in the DI nation, he was supposed to go out in a blaze of glory, ending his career as a five-time All-American. Injuries suck. In fact, they really suck. Nonetheless, won both a BIG 12 title & a CKLV title in his final season. 

Yonger Bastida, what an inspiration this future Olympic medalist for Cuba was during his collegiate career! Talk about overcoming adversity.  Hollywood took the time to learn this guy's story, they'd have a blockbuster on their hands if someone were to develop it into a screenplay.  5th in the DI nation as a freshman, he battled through all sorts of injuries so that he could end his career a BIG 12 champion, a CKLV champion & an NCAA DI runner-up.  96 career wins, I feel the loudest Cleveland, Ohio got this past national tournament was when he lit up A.J. Ferrari 15-7 major decision. 

Back...

125
Ayden Smith Or Dru Ayala

We have two talented transfers that are going to be duking it out for the starting spot at 125 lbs.  Ayden Smith an NCAA DI qualifier who was 8th in the BIG 10's last year for Rutgers & Dru Ayala who won 12 matches for the Hawkeyes last season   You know that Drake is going to dedicate a lot of his focus on his younger brother's success.  Should be a good wrestle-off. 

133
Garrett Grice Or Carter Pearson

I was very impressed with how Garrett Grice was thrown in to the mix last second last season & how well he performed under pressure.  Not many could be thrown into the deep waters that is the BIG 12 and swim their way to NCAA DI qualification. Wins over Julian Farber, Luke Willochell, Tyler Ferrara & Sean Spidle, the future looks bright for double G.  With that said, it doesn't escape me how good Southeast Polk grad Carter Pearson is.  He actually defeated Grice last season in a tight 2-1 decision. 

141
Evan Frost

6th in the DI nation as a freshman, I'll say this.  I wish Evan Frost could perform everywhere, like he performs in Vegas.  Come Cliff Keen, the Louisiana native is always ready to wrestle.  2nd-2nd-1st thus far in Sin City.  Had an 11-5 win over Drake Ayala last year.  

149
Jacob Frost Or Paniro Johnson

A BIG 12 champion & some of the very impressive wins that he has had during his career, it doesn't sit well with me that Paniro Johnson could end up being a reserve in his final season of collegiate wrestling. Yet, that possibility is very real.  Jacob Frost a DI R12'er last year, 4th-4th in the BIG 12, as well as 4th at CKLV wants the spot too.  Only one of them is going to get it.  Although one might end up at 157. 

And from the looks of it, Johnson is going 157. 

165
Connor Euton Or Aidan Riggins

Then of course one of them might end up down at 157.  In the many wrestle-offs that will take place here in a couple of months, I think one of the most underrated will be between Connor Euton & Aidan Riggins.  Both showed a lot of promise last year.  Euton won 19 matches last year, finishing 3rd at the BIG 12's. A 4-2 win over All-American Paddy Gallagher.  Riggins also won 19 matches.  A 2025 NCAA DI qualifier, he finished 4th at CKLV. 

174
M.J. Gaitan

The three-time NCAA DI qualifier had some trials & tribulations last season, but when it came time to put it altogether, the Temecula, California native showed up and wrestled.  8th in the DI nation, he's been 4th-3rd-3rd in the BIG 12.  He'll look to earn a second All-American honor as he also looks to make the BIG 12 finals. 8th-R12-R12 at CKLV, he'll look to earn another medal there as well. 

197
Brayden Thompson Or Carson Floyd

Have a former Oklahoma State Cowboy taking on a former Appalachian State Mountaineer for the starting spot here at 197.  Thompson was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2024 & Floyd an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025.  Like to think one might be able to go 184. 

HWT
Coby Merrill

Very excited about Coby Merrill.  Last year when I was starting to think about what Iowa State was going to do without Bastida in the lineup, I had a lot of faith in Daniel Herrera (who I still think can do a lot of great things at Rutgers) to step up for the Cyclones.  Then Merrill majored Herrera 10-1, and I knew that the cardinal & gold had something even better.  15-2 on the year, I think Merrill is going to be an immediate threat on the HWT scene.  Strength, technique, guy develops some quickness & speed, he'll be pushing unbeatable.