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 

The Talent Staying Home - The best of NCAA D2 2026 to Not Qualify (Part 1 125, 133, & 141)

 *NOTE* - Before we get started, I want to make sure that we are all on the same page.  Like for NCAA Division 3 this will only include those who were eligible for qualification in the first place.  Yes I know, there are a ton of extremely good backups/reserves. I'm well aware, but they are for another conversation at another time.  This is about those that tried to qualify & came up short.   This also isn't going to include those that were injured prior to the SUPER REGIONS. I know how good Jimmy Anderson is, but he did not wrestle in the Super Region, so he will not be included.  Hope all is clear. 


We'll start things off at 125....

#1
Trevon Gray
Pittsburgh-Johnstown
125

This one hurts.  A three-time NCAA D2 qualifier with 7th & 4th place All-American finishes.  Gets caught on his back & then ends up having to default out of the tournament due to injury.  This was not at all the way Trevon Gray's career was supposed to come to an end.  The takeaway here though, is that he won the Midwest Classic earlier this year.  Many, including not only JT1Wrestle, but coaches in D2 feel that MWC is just as, and even sometimes tougher than D2 Nationals itself.  Gray ends his career with 93 victories.  This year alone, 8-6 over Regional 1 champ Logan Sallot, 17-2 tech over Regional 1 3rd place finisher Nic Allison, 16-1 tech over Regional 2 3rd place finisher Cooper Davis, 7-2 over Regional 5 3rd place finisher Shane Corrigan & 6:38 fall over Regional 6 champion Isaiah Gamez. 

#9
Colton Drousias
Glenville State
125

Another senior whose illustrious career comes to an end.  An NCAA D2 qualifier last season & 8th in the D2 nation, Colton Drousias came up a little short this year finishing 5th at Super Region III.  Among the many accomplishments he had during his time as a Pioneer, he was 6th & 8th at the Midwest Classic. Defeated four D2 qualifiers on the year. 

15-8 over Regional 2 champion Cole Hunt
12-3 over Regional 2 runner-up Ricky Springs
11-3 over Regional 3 runner-up Logan Davis
6-2 over Regional 4 runner-up Nathan Smith 

#10
Billy Smith
Findlay
125

28 wins on the year, Billy Smith was both one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Midwest Classic & one match shy of being an NCAA D3 qualifier.  Gave us plenty of reasons to think that he will make it to the dance in his final season of '26-'27.  A 10-0 major decision over Regional 1 3rd place finisher Nic Allison, he defeated Regional 2 runner up Ricky Springs 16-11 & Regional 5 runner-up Ben Aranda 4-2. 

#11
Braydon Mitchell
Emmanuel (GA)
125

The end of the season is NOT when you want to get injured, but that is exactly what happened to sophomore Braydon Mitchell, forcing the Lion to MFF to a 6th place finish at Super Region II.   Nonetheless, as Emmanuel continues looking for their first All-American on the men's side of things, Mitchell remains a hopeful candidate.  Two wins over Cooper Davis (12-6 & 4-2), he also defeated Nathan Smith 6-3 s.v.  & Reginal 6 3rd place finisher Quade Smith 6-5. 

#14
Cayleb Coyle
Nebraska-Kearney
125

The Loper came up a bit short of NCAA D2 qualification finishing 5th at Super Region VI.  On the year had an 8-2 win over Shane Corrigan & an 8-5 tiebreaker over Ben Aranda. 

Luke Acuna
Ashland
125

A two-time NCAA D2 qualifier, Luke Acuna came up short of bid #3 this season.  Nonetheless the Eagle earned 78 career victories during his DII career.  Among his wins, this season a 5:22 fall over Cooper Davis. 

Jake Fitzpatrick
Mankato State
125

The sophomore collected 27 wins this season, including an 11-9 dec over Super Region V champion Sloan Johannson, as well as a 12-2 major decision over Super Region V runner-up Ben Aranda.  He'll enter his junior season with 5th & 4th place showings at Super Region V.  

Elijah Almarinez
Maryville
125

Only a freshman, Elijah Almarinez who 20 matches this season.  One of which was a 4-2 decision over Ben Aranda. Another was a 7-5 win over Regional IV 3rd place finisher Bryce Humphries.  He was 5th at Super Region IV. 

Amir Wray-Hill
Frostburg State
125

The sophomore actually had a losing record this year but showed a lot of promise at various times throughout the season.  He actually defeated Nic Allison 11-4 at Regional 1, but while Allison qualified, Wray-Hill finished in 5th place. 

Gavin Boland
Millersville
125

Another tough sophomore, Gavin Boland finished one match shy of NCAA D3 qualification.  On the year had an 8-6 decision over Regional 4 3rd place finisher 8-6. 

Diego Camarillo
New Mexico Highlands
125

16 wins on the year, Diego Camarillo had a 4-3 decision over Super Region V champ Sloan Johannson.  Finished 6th at Super Region VI. 

Kaden Kuenzi
Lander
125

An NCAA DII qualifier last season, Kaden Kuenzi came up a bit short this season finishing 5th at Super Region V.  Had a 4-2 win over Ben Aranda. 

Jake Goodin
Colorado School of Mines
125

The freshman actually pinned Quade Smith at the 5:48 mark at Regional 6, but with qualification on the line later in the tournament, Smith returned the favor. The Oklahoma high school state champ has three more seasons left to go. 


Now for 133.....

#8
Jevin Foust
Newman
133

With back-to-back Regional V finishes of 5th, the career of Jevin Foust comes to an end.  Had a 20-12 major decision over Regional 1 3rd place finisher Brady Baker.  The highlight of his season, making the Midwest Classic Finals. 

#10
Aidan Sprague
Indianapolis
133

In his first & only full time position as the Greyhounds starter, Aidan Sprague put together a pretty impressive senior season of wrestling.  4th at the Midwest Classic, he stuck Brady Baker in just 33 seconds & he also nearly majored Super Region III 3rd place finisher Jak Keller 8-1. 

#14
Zach Klarcyk
Vanguard
133

While the Lions of Vanguard have had some success at the NAIA level in recent years, they have yet to crown a NCAA Division II All-American in the recent era.  Freshman Zach Klarcyk could soon change that.  20-4 on the season, he narrowly missed D2 qualification by one match.  

Javien DeLeon
Kutztown
133

5th-6th-4th at Super Region I, Javien DeLeon will be heading into '26-'27 one of the best 133 lbs'ers yet to make the D2 national tournament.  Defeatd Brady Baker twice this season, once 5-0 & a 5:44 fall. 

Caiden Pelc
Newberry
133

A 2:08 fall over Regional 2 3rd place finisher Logan Robinson, Caiden Pelc was 5th at Regional II.  Has one more season of college left. 

Nate Knowlton
Findlay
133

22 wins on the season, Nate Knowlton finished 6th at Super Region III.  On the season a 20-5 technical fall over Super Region III champion Zach Parker & a 4-2 decision over Jak Keller.  Knowlton has one more season to go. 

Trace Ragland
Fairmont State
133

Another wrestler with one more season to go, Trace Ragland was 5th at Super Region 1. Owned an 11-3 major over Super Region III champ Zach Parker. 

Matt Chi
UW-Parkside
133

Matt Chi. I mean what do you say about Matt Chi? Here's a guy that had one heck of a career, full of ups and downs.  He lost his spot, earned it back, lost it & earned it back again.  Every season it seemed he had significant wins & he'd finish close to being an NCAA DII qualifier.  4th-6th-4th at Super Region V.  81 career wins. 

This year alone....

4-1 s.v. over JJ Armstrong the Super Region II runner-up
3-1 over Drew Stanfield the Super Region IV runner-up
11-2 over Chase Beckett the Super Region V runner-up

J.P. Homfeld
Maryville
133

Another tough senior who came close but never did make the NCAA D2 national tournament.  Had a 3-0 win over J.J. Armstrong on the year, finishing out with 6th & 4th place finishes the Super Region. 

Rylen Campbell
Ashland
133

The sophomore actually defeated Jak Keller 4-1 at Super Region III, but then lost the rematch to see who got to go & who didn't, ending up in 4th place. 

Alex Fernandez
King
133

Alex Fernandez joins Javien DeLeon as one who can call himself one of the best in '26-'27 yet to make the NCAA DII championships.  Thus far the tornado has 5th & 4th place showings at Super Region II. 

Tony Sagaris
Lake Erie
133

An NCAA D2 qualifier last year & one match shy of All-American status, Tony Sagaris finished in 5th place at Super Region III this season. 


===

Now for 141 lbs!! 

#7
Chad Ozias
Pittsburgh-Johnstown
141

Unfortunately, even with a stellar season, it can all fall apart at the end in NCAA Division II wrestling. A match shy of being an NCAA D2 All-American last season, Chad Ozias came up short of placing at this year's Super Region I. Nevertheless, the Mountain cat did place 6th at the Midwest Classic. 

#13
Eddie Bowman
CSU-Pueblo
141

An NCAA DII qualifier last year as a freshman, Eddie Bowman unfortunately had a bad Super Region VI tournament & did not place.  17 wins on the year, he did have a 3-2 tiebreaker over Regional VI runner-up Kieran Thompson. A win over Super Region IV runner-up John Tyler, 7-6.  He was also one match shy of being a Midwest Classic place-winner. 

#14
Caleb Chaves
Chadron State
141

Also an NCAA D2 qualifier in 2025, Caleb Chaves came up one match shy of ending his career as a two-time NCAA D2 qualifier.  One the year, placed 7th at the Midwest Classic, with a 12-2 major decision over Super Region VI champ Kieran Thompson.  

#15
Luke Koenen
Augustana (SD)
141

25 wins on the season for the sophomore who finished 5th at Super Region V. 7-4 over Super Region IV runner-up John Taylor, he also defeated Super Region V champion Sean Solis 11-9. 

#13 (133)
Nick Cottone
Millersville
141

Ranked at 133, Nick Cottone, an NCAA DII qualifier in 2025, finished 5th at Super Region I this season. 75 career wins in total. In '25-'26, a 4-0 shutout over Super Region I 3rd place finisher Joey Ortega. 

Troy Dolphin
UW-Parkside
141

A testimony to the depth of the Ranger wrestling program, Troy Dolphin ended his NCAA DII wrestling career one match short of the National tournament.  On the year he stuck Elijah Lusk,  Super Region II runner-up at the 2:41 mark & he also stuck Super Region IV champ James right at the 1:43 mark. 

Kaden Brown
Montevallo
141

The sophomore had 20 wins on the season, one of which included an 8-5 s.v. over Brayden Gibson who was 3rd at Super Region II. 

Ashton Anderson
Findlay
141

4th-5th-4th at Super Region III.  Ashton Anderson came very close multiple times during his career as a Roughneck, but never did quite make NCAA D2 qualification.  On the year tech'd Brayden Gibson 21-3. 

Ben Hernandez
Mount Olive
141

The sophomore is now 5th & 6th at Super Region II, as he also finished one match shy of being a Midwest Classic place-winner.  Had a 5-1 win over Super Region III champion Khyvon Grace. 

Cole Thomas
Thomas More
141

4th at Super Region IV this year, Cole Thomas came up a bit short of NCAA DII qualification.  As the Saints search for their first star in the D2 era, Thomas still has an opportunity to fill the position. 17-3 on the year, 5-3 & 1-0 wins over Super Region III 3rd place finisher Carsen Richards, Thomas has one year of eligibility remaining. 

Cole McCullough
Newberry
141

Cole McCullough is another who demonstrates just how tough it can be to place at a Super Region, let alone qualify for the NCAA DII tournament.  The junior with one more season left to go, had a 7-1 decision over Super Region V runner-up Pedro Velasquez. 

Krayle Stormer
Northern State
141

Only a freshman, the Oregon State transfer obviously has a very successful career ahead of himself here in NCAA Division II.  23 wins on the season, he was 8th at the Midwest Classic & 6th at Super Region V.  Had a 2-0 win over Super Region V 3rd place finisher Colton Hush. 

Jordan Oeheme
Sioux Falls
141

If you haven't figured it out by now, Super Region V was T-O-U-G-H.  The former Southeast Community College standout came up a bit short of a top 6 showing this year, but I still believe he belongs on this list.  Nearly majored Colton Hush 10-3. 

Jace Luna
St Cloud State
141

Like many Huskies before him, Jace Luna will have his day. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be in 2026.  Finishing 5th at Super Region V, he manhandled Colton Hush twice this season. A 12-0 major decision & a 17-2 technical fall. 

Apollo Cruz
Colorado Mesa
141

Apollo Cruz actually had a losing record of 11-13 this year, finishing in 5th place at Super Region VI.  What cannot be ignored however is the fact that he defeated Joe Airola 3rd at Region VI on two occasions.  A 12-3 decision & a 7-5 decision.