JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Navy 2026-2027

 

With Cary Kolat as head coach, I knew it'd only be a short matter of time before Navy became one of those teams that started qualifying nearly their whole team season after season.  Heading into '26-'27, I see no reason at all why the Midshipmen shouldn't have at least 8 qualifiers this season.  Move some guys around a bit, 9 is certainly possible. All 10 is not out of the question. 

They bring back a ton of talent & only lose Peyton Thomas, an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025, who placed 8th at last year's Southern Scuffle.  He'll be continuing his career at Illinois. 

125
Andrew Binni Or Nick Treaster

Very confident that EIWA runner-up Andrew Binni will once again be our starter for the navy blue & gold.  He was also 5th at the Southern Scuffle.  With that said Nick Treaster is a tough wrestler.  Don't know if he has the size or the strength to do so, but Navy could use a good 133 lbs'er. 

141
Caedyn Ricciardi Or Nick Vafiadis

Navy has two tough ones here at 141 lbs.  Caedyn Ricciardi made the EIWA finals last season.  Nick Vafiadis won 13 matches & placed 8th at the Southern Scuffle.  Navy only seems to have two holes in the lineup right now, 133 & 149.  Going down or up an option? 

157
Jonathan Ley

Jonathan Ley earned NCAA DI qualification last year with an At-Large Wildcard selection.  26 wins on the season, he was 4th in the Southern Scuffle. 

165
Dylan Elmore 

21 wins on the year, Dylan Elmore was 5th at the Southern Scuffle. 

Danny Wask
174

Danny Wask has the opportunity this season to make history & become Navy's second three-time All-American since John Reich in 1983.  Thus far 8th & 6th in the DI nation, Wask will be looking to stand on the award stand a third time in 2027.  Not only that, but he'll also be looking to become a four-time Cliff Keen Las Vegas place-winner as well.  He's been 4th-6th-2nd thus far.  7th-2nd-3rd in the EIWA.  If he's not the most successful Midshipmen of all time, he's certainly making a case for it. 

184
Daniel Williams

I'd look for Daniel Williams to open up some eyes this season.  He not only defeated Ty Bienus twice last year by 9-5 & 5-1 decisions, he also handed EIWA champ/All-American Caleb Campos an 11-9 loss as well. 

197
Zyan Hall

18 wins on the year, Zyan Hall was bronze in an EIWA bracket that only took gold & silver.  Should be an NCAA DI qualifier this season. 

HWT
Spencer Lanosga

21 wins on the year, Spencer Lanosga earned a 3rd place finish in the EIWA & 6th at CKLV. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Morgan State 2026-2027

 

It's a dog-eat-dog world. I always want a wrestler to do what he or she feels is best for them.  I will always support and stand behind that. BUT...that doesn't mean that I always have to like all aspects of it.  It has always been a challenge to build a good strong team. It's never been easy, but with N.I.L. $$ & the transfer portal the way it is, it makes it more difficult now than ever. 

The Bears earned their first EIWA champion last year and what a milestone that was seeing Eugene Harney at the top of the podium. What a statement that was for the reinstated program that once ruled the land of NCAA Division II, trying to make their mark in NCAA Division I.  Yet they took a huge blow when Harney decided that he was going to continue his career at Pittsburgh. 

I get it and I accept it. I'll be cheering for Harney to do well for the Panthers & have success in the ACC. Yet it also makes me grit my teeth to realize what these smaller DI schools have going against them. It's a never-ending cycle, that will probably get worse before it gets better.  A team like Morgan State will either recruit an overlooked kid and/or develop someone, and then once the results come, as do the poachers.  It's not a shot at anyone, but a reality being exposed. We know how vulnerable our wrestling programs are.  Athletic Directors like Scott R Wetherbee & Dr. Micah Parker lick their lips & rub their hands together in anticipation to get rid of us.  It's hard to justify getting rid of us when we're succeeding & fans are showing up to watch a successful wrestling program.  Yet how can a team be built if every time a good wrestler comes along, a bigger team comes in to snatch him away? 

We're not football and we're not basketball.  These are things we do need to think about and do need to concern ourselves about.  You wouldn't think a program like Morgan State, that put so much time, energy, money & resources into restoring their program would be in any danger, but you never know.  I thought after all the work that Fresno State put into being reinstated that program was here to stay, and I couldn't have been more wrong about that. 

The focus here is not all on Harney's departure.  Yes, that is the negative but there are positives looking into 2026-2027 as well. 

157
Yannis Charles

Talk about a guy coming alive at the right time.  Yannis Charles entered the EIWA championships last year with a 2-8 record & he made the finals!! If that's not motivation, you tell me what is. Anxious to see if he can keep the momentum going as we head into '26-'27. 

165
Anthony Ferrari

Between a brother who will be contending for an NCAA DI title in the toughest weight class in collegiate wrestling & another brother who seems to always be in the spotlight for one reason or another, Anthony often finds himself the forgotten Ferrari brother.  It's been a challenge to find the right fit as he started off a LIU & then transferred to Campbell.  My hope here is that Morgan State is finally the place he can call home, because I see a lot of potential in Anthony Ferrari. I think if he can stay focused and put all of his energy into his studies & the mat, we're looking at a multiple time NCAA DI qualifier for the Bears.  He was 6th at last year's Southern Scuffle. 

And my hope was WRONG!! - These Ferrari's are something else....he's headed to DII Newberry! 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Missouri 2026-2027

 

THE best team in the SEC & one of the best teams in the BIG 12, Missouri looks to have a great year in 2026-2027.  While they do lose a few to the ends of eligibility, they reload strong through backup or transfer.  The Tigers will roar in '26-'27. 

Gone....

Three-time NCAA DI qualifier Josh Edmond, who I feel was snubbed on getting a Wildcard selection to the national tournament this past season.  22-6 on the year he finished 7th in a BIG 12 bracket that eventually ended up taking the top 6.  He had a win over Brock Herman & he took NCAA DI bronze medalist Lachlan McNeil into s.v. 

Travis Teague, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier who also didn't get a nod this season as an At-Large wildcard.  15 wins on the season, he was 6th in a BIG 12 bracket that took the top 5.  A 6-3 win over Laird Root on the year. 

Maxx Mayfield, yet a third Missouri Tiger passed over when the At-Large Wildcards were being handed out.  This one a bit more understandable, as he came up short of placing top 8 in the BIG 12.  14 wins on the year, the three-time NCAA DI qualifier had an 8-6 win over Connor Euton. 

Evan Bates, actually DID receive an At-Large Wildcard bid last year, to end his career a three-time NCAA DI qualifier. 

Back....

125
Mack Mauger

An NCAA DI qualifier for the Tigers last season, the Idaho native won 23 matches, taking 7th at the BIG 12's & winning the Soldier Salute. 

133
Gage Walker Or Kade Moore

Gage Walker earned the spot last season, eventually earning NCAA DI qualification with a 5th place showing at the BIG 12's.  With that said, I know better than to ever count out Kade Moore.  The Texas native is a two-time NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, and while not a magician, he's made magic happen more than once in his career.  

141
Zan Fugitt

Tiger fans are excited to get in Wisconsin transfer Zan Fugitt who was 4th in the DI nation in 2025.  21 wins on the year, he had a 6-5 decision over Drake Ayala last season. 

149
Seth Mendoza

One of the many superstars produced by Mt. Carmel over the years, Seth Mendoza gave us plenty of reasons to be excited about his varsity debut during his redshirt last year..  15-5 on the season, he had many impressive wins.  A 17-2 technical fall over Gabe Willochell, he defeated Jaivon Jones 11-3, Tagen Jamison 5-1, Cam Catrabone 7-1 & Jake Frost 8-2. 

165
J Conway

As a reserve last season, J Conway won 17 matches, one of which was a 9-6 decision over Laird Root. 

174
Cam Steed

7th & 5th thus far in the DI nation, Cam Steed enters '26-'27 looking to become a three-time NCAA DI All-American.  2nd & 1st thus far in the BIG 12, he'll also be looking to become a two-time conference champion. 

184
Aeoden Sinclair

184 lbs NCAA DI is the toughest weight class in all of collegiate wrestling to win & you are looking at one of the reasons why.  Bronze in the DI nation last year, Aeoden Sinclair will be on the hunt for gold in 2026-2027.  36-2, he will be looking to win another BIG 12 title as well. 

197
Luke Geog

The old gold & black picked up a good one in Ohio State transfer Luke Geog.  3rd in the BIG 10 last year, he was one match shy of being an All-American. 

HWT
Jarrett Stoner

22 wins on the year, the Texan took 5th at the BIG 12's earning NCAA DI qualification. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Minnesota 2026-2027

 

The Gophers are looking Golden as we head into 2026-2027.  They do lose a few to the ends of eligibility & another to transfer, but they bring back a lot of talent.  Minnesota has always been a team that does a great job of reloading. They're that cop in an 80's film that never seems to run out of clips for his gun. 

Gone are....

Jager Eisch, who was not varsity this past season, but there's a reason he earned "Teammate of the Year." 

Heart goes out to Chris Cannon.  7th in the DI nation in 2021 & 2022, he was destined for greatness. Suffered some major injuries and was never the same since.  You never wanna see things end like that, but it is the way things go sometimes. 

Drew Roberts came up a little short this year but was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2024. 

Andrew Sparks, appropriately named when you think about it.  Bruce Springsteen says, "You can't start a fire without a spark" or in this case, a Sparks. The 5-time NCAA DI qualifier finally found his fire at the national tournament, saving his best wrestling for last. 94 career wins ended things a 5th place All-American. 

Bennett Tabor has transferred to North Carolina State & honestly, I am glad to see that.  I think the HWT spot at Minnesota is going to be Koy Hopke's for quite some time, and there's no use seeing someone as gifted and talented as Tabor riding the bench for his final season.  An NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, he actually took Hopke into sudden victory last year.  A 3-2 win over Jimmy Mullen & a 6-2 decision over Cade Ziola.  Tabor also led the Gophers in falls in both '24-'25 & '25-'26. 

Clay Whitting an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025, is headed to Wisconsin

Back....

125
Jore Volk 

The two-time NCAA DI All-American heads into '26-'27 with back-to-back 7th place finishes.  26 wins on the season last year, he won the Southeast Open & finished as the BIG 10 runner-up. 

133
Tyler DeKraker

Virginia, Florida, either way I think the South can say it produced him. Already with some impressive wins on his resume, including Max Leete, Tyler DeKraker heads into what will be his first season of collegiate wrestling. 

141
Vance Vombaur

Back-to-back 8th place finishes in the DI nation in both 2024 & 2025, Vance Vombaur came up one match short of his third All-American honor last season.  Looking to reclaim the status & end his career as a three-time AA, he has thus far been 7th-2nd-4th within the BIG 10. 

149
Drayden Moore

It's one thing when you want to transfer, it's a whole other thing when your school tells you that they don't care about you or your accomplishments & they force you to transfer.  Drayden Moore is a tough kid, and I have no doubt that Coach Eggum & Co will develop him into A BIG 10 & NCAA DI competitor.  I also know that so would have Derek Moore & Mark Munoz. Morton would have continued to have achieved much for California Baptist. Happy to see Minnesota get him, but people like Dr. Micah Parker should be scooping horse poop after parades.  Moore was 7th at the BIG 12's last season. 

**????- Is Moore still with Minnesota? Things change, a lot.*** 

157
Charlie Millard

Charlie Millard didn't quite have the opening season I thought he was going to have.  A Southeast Open champion & 8th in the BIG 10, I still think the sophomore has the talent to one day win an NCAA DI title.  He showed promise a few different times last year, including a 9-4 victory over Collin Gaj. 

174
Ethan Riddle

16 wins on the season, Ethan Riddle manhandled Sergio DeSiante 15-4 last year. 

184
Max McEnelly

No question about it, the toughest weight class to win in ALL of collegiate wrestling in 2026-2027, is going to be NCAA DI 184 lbs. Until proven otherwise, Max McEnelly is king.  He heads into Y3, 49-4.  3rd & 1st in the DI nation, it's hard to believe that he has yet to win a BIG 10 title.  2nd-2nd. 

197
Gavin Nelson

Gavin Nelson came up a hair short of NCAA DI qualification last year but should most certainly make the dance in 2027.  A 4-1 s.v. over Seth Shumate, he shut out Sonny Sasso 7-0. 

HWT
Koy Hopke

Shelton Benjamin, Brock Lesnar, Garrett Lowney, Cole Konrad, Anthony Nelson, the Gophers sure have produced a lot of phenomenal HWTs over the years.  I think by the time it's all said and done, Koy Hopke's name will be added to that list.  23 wins on the season last year, he won the Soldier Salute & he finished 7th at the BIG 10's. 

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.