2022: The Preseason: Nebraska Cornhuskers

 In terms of potential, this could be a really great year for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. I think they're capable of sending their entire squad to the NCAA tournament & I can't see them sending any fewer than 8.  I think they have the potential to crown 6 All Americans and as far as I'm concerned 3 of them, albeit darkhorse have a shot at the national title.  What's even more of note, is that on paper, albeit again darkhorse, 4 of the Huskers could be BIG 10 champions.  With the addition of Tervel Delagnev to the coaching staff it gives testimony that the disappointment that lurked into the upper weight classes last season, will be turned into satisfaction. 

125
Liam Cronin 
Senior 
Record: 64-50
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 20'5th, 21'WC

125 lbs, if you haven't figured it out by now is an absolute zoo. There's so much talent and parity here that it could literally drive a man mad trying to make sense of it. Cronin has the tools to be an All American this season.  He has some very impressive victories.  He beat All American Eric Barnett of Wisconsin twice, 7-4 and sticking him at 2:02 in the first period.  BIG 10 runner up Devin Schroder 3-1.   Other victories include Malik Heinselman of Ohio State, Michael DeAugustino of Northwestern and Rayvon Foley of Michigan State.  

In case anyone is wondering Minnesota transfer Boo Dryden is redshirting. 

133
Alex Thomsen
Sophomore
Record: 26-20
NCAA: 20'NQ
BIG 10: 20'6th 

An NCAA qualifier at 125 lbs two seasons ago, as of right now I see Thomsen on the borderline of qualification at 133 in 2022. Thinking somewhere in that 34-38 range.  He's going to have to pull off some big wins and some big upsets to earn his allocation or even his at large bid. I think he'll do it. 

141
Chad Red Jr 
Senior 
Record: 103-41
NCAA: 18'7th, 19'8th', 20'NQ*, 21'6th 
BIG 10: 18'7th, 19'2nd, 20'3rd, 21'4th
MIDLANDS: 17'4th
CKLV: 18'4th, 20'5th 

Red is 0-2 Vs Jaydin Eierman of Iowa and he's 0-3 Vs Nick Lee of Penn State, but I still say that Red has the potential to be both a BIG 10 and an NCAA champion and I'll tell you why.  Red is dangerous. He has big moves that can score big points or even get a fall.  In a tournament setting like the BIG 10's or the NCAA's he doesn't have to prove that he can beat you multiple times, he only has to beat you once. Case in point Dean Heil. I can almost guarantee if Dean Heil and Chad Red met on the mat 10 times, Heil would win the majority of the matches. Doesn't matter. They only met once, Red surprised him with a cement mixer and stuck him before Heil even knew what happened.  Could he do that to Lee or Eierman? I don't see why not.   The problem is going to be doing it more than once.  So I do call Red a darkhorse champ in both the BIG 10 and NCAA, but realize it's a tall order. 

149
Ridge Lovett OR Brock Hardy
Sophomore OR Freshman
Record: 26-11 OR Record: 5-3
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ OR 
BIG 10: 20'7th, 21'2nd OR 
CKLV: 20'3rd 

I think Lovett has All American potential.  He certainly looked that way at the BIG 10's last year with an 11-6 victory over Iowa's Max Murin and a runner-up finish.  I think it's in the lower half of the award stand, but I can see him standing on it.   

Hardy won't be upending Lovett for the 149 spot, but he'd be an NCAA qualifier in his own right if the position was his.  A 9-2 victory over Michael Blockhus of Minnesota more than suggest that. 

157 
Peyton Robb OR Kevon Davenport
Sophomore or Freshman
Record: 53-16 OR Record: 18-4 
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 20'3rd, 21'4th 
CKLV: 20'7th 

157 is fairly loaded and I don't know if I can see Robb at this point in the top 8 or not. I definitely know he's top 16 material, but I'm gonna have to see some big wins before I move him much further than that. I'll reevaluate midseason and see where he's at then. 

With that said, like Lovett, he has a very solid backup in Kevon Davenport, who in his own right I think would also be an NCAA qualifier.  He pinned three time NCAA qualifier Henry Pohlmeyer of South Dakota State. 

165
Bubba Wilson 
Freshman 
Record: 19-3 

He looked good in matches during his redshirt season of 2019, but in 19 victories he didn't face anyone of note. It's easy to look good when the competition isn't as fierce.  With that said, I still think the Kansas state champion should find himself within the top 33 by year's end. 

174
Mikey Labriola
Junior
Record: 84-23
NCAA: 19'6th, 20'NQ*, 21'3rd
BIG 10: 19'4th, 20'6th, 21'3rd 
MIDLANDS: 18'4th 
CKLV: 19'4th, 20'3rd 

A 3-1 loss to Kemerer & a 3-1 sudden victory loss to Starocci. There's absolutely no reason at all to think that Labriola couldn't turn these losses into wins. If anything else, what impresses me most was an 11-3 major over Michigan's Logan Massa. Labriola is a bit of a head case and that could potentially pose a problem, but get the man focused and on a mission, I can see him winning both the BIG 10's and the NCAA's. 

184 
Taylor Venz
Senior 
Record: 115-35
NCAA: 18'4th,19'R12, 20'NQ*, 21'R12
BIG 10: 18'4th, 19'4th, 20'3rd, 21'2nd
CKLV: 18'3rd, 19'2nd, 20'5th 

He made the NCAA award stand as a freshman and he has yet to stand on it again. Dare I say in his last attempt that not only he stand on it, but he stand on the top spot? 8-2 losses, like the one he suffered vs Dakota Geer of Oklahoma State lean that answer towards no, but in spite of three losses suffered to NCAA champion Aaron Brooks of Penn State, Venz does own a 9-5 victory against him. I'll call it a darkhorse, as I do with Red, but both BIG 10 and NCAA wise, we're looking at a guy that CAN win both. 

197 
Eric Schultz
Senior 
Record: 105-34
NCAA: 18'NQ, 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 18'7th, 19'4th, 20'2nd, 21'2nd
CKLV: 19'2nd, 20'5th 

In four attempts he has yet to win a BIG 10 title and he has yet to make All American status.  In 2022 I say he stands a good shot at achieving both goals. Within the BIG 10, I still want to see him against Max Dean of Penn State, but two victories 3-2 & 3-1 over Hawkeye Jacob Warner indicate that he is within the running. As the NCAA's, I can't see him winning a title but a runner-up or 3rd place finish I do believe is within his capabilities. 

HWT
Christian Lance
Senior
Record: 49-27
NCAA: 21'NQ
BIG 10: 21' 5th

With a 4-2 sudden victory over 6th place Trent Hillger of Wisconsin and a 3-2 victory over 8th place Tate Orndorff of Ohio State, there's no reason to think that Christian Lance can't earn an NCAA medal of his own.  Of course, as always, easier said than done but if he does make the award stand, I see it somewhere in the 7th-8th place range. 

===== 

125 - AA
133 - On the Edge of Qualification (A new hit by Stevie Nicks)
141 - Champion 
149 - AA
157 - NQ
165 - NQ
174 - Champion 
184 - Champion 
197 - 2nd-3rd 
HWT - 7th-8th 

Much like Michigan, Nebraska seems to always be a team that CAN, that sometimes DOES and sometimes DOES NOT.  On paper, I think the Huskers could surprise a lot of people. They wrestle like they CAN, that's a Hell of a team at both the BIG 10's and the NCAA's, as well as CKLV.  It's absolutely ridiculous that we would have to worry about a team that should send no less than 8, realistically 9 and as many as all 10 to the NCAA's, potentially being cut.  No other sport with a team this good, would have to worry about such a thing.  No Top 10 or greater football team is going to get cut. No top 10 or greater basketball team is going to get cut.  Wrestling has proven itself to be somewhere between third and fifth in collegiate popularity.  We shouldn't have to worry about Trev Alberts axing one of the top programs in the nation, but unfortunately we do. 

2022: The Preseason: Ohio State Buckeyes

Some weight shifting going on in Columbus, Ohio. Some of the lineup will compete at a different weight class than they did last season. From my vantage point, I see as many as 9 NCAA qualifiers and as many as 5 All Americans with 1 that will challenge for an individual NCAA title. 

125
Malik Heinselman
Junior
Record: 53-31
NCAA: 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 19'WC, 20'7th, 21'4th 
CKLV: 20'8th 

Heinselman's issues have been the same since day one. His greatest strength is that he is an attacker that can score on just about anyone. His greatest weakness, just about anyone can score on him. He has the tools to be an All American, as well as the results.  He owns a first period fall as well as a 14-8 decision of 3rd place Pat Mckee of Minnesota & he owns two victories, 3-2 & 13-5 over 8th place All American Eric Barnett of Wisconsin.  Other notable victories include 5-4 over Rayvon Foley of Michigan State & 6-2 over Michael DeAugustino of Northwestern. It's hard to say where to place Heinselman on the award stand, but I can see him on it. 

141
Dylan D'Emilio 
Freshman 
Record: 16-10
NCAA: 21'NQ
BIG 10: 21'7th 

D'Emilio strikes me as a 2-2, possibly R12 wrestler at the NCAA championships.  He has some notable wins, that say he should remain ranked somewhere between 15th-20th all season long, but nothing that says at the moment much higher. 

149 
Sammy Sasso
Sophomore
Record: 59-6
NCAA: 20'NQ*, 21'2nd
BIG 10: 20'2nd, 21'1st 
MIDLANDS: 19'3rd
CKLV: 20'2nd 

I don't see Sasso even remotely being challenged for a BIG 10 title this season. He's the only sure bet BIG 10 champion I would say Ohio State has.  As the the NCAA's? Sasso contends for this year's NCAA title, although I don't overlook the plausibility of being upset.  Kyle Parco of Fresno State (now of Arizona State) darn near got him last year as Sasso squeaked by 11-10.  I'm almost positive that Sasso is in the finals of next year's NCAA championships, but one match at a time. 

157
Ryan Thomas
Sophomore
Record: 20-16

I was recently informed that Ryan Thomas who spent a couple of seasons at Minnesota, is now at Ohio State.  In that case, I think the Buckeyes have another NCAA qualifier.  Thomas owns victories over Jarrett Jacques of Missouri, Jake Tucker of Michigan State and Elijah Cleary of Pittsburgh.

165
Carson Kharchla 
Freshman 
Record: 16-0 

Kharchla went undefeated in his redshirt season and those 16 victories weren't just anybodies either. We're talking a 3-2 victory over 7th place All American Cam Amine of Michigan and sticking 4th place All American Bernie Truax of Cal Poly in the first period. He also tech'd NCAA qualifier Troy Keller of Buffalo and I'd call a 6-0 shutout of Emil Soehnlen of Purdue a worthy win too.  I may be premature on this, but I think Kharchla can All American this season in his first varsity role. 

174
Ethan Smith
Junior 
Record: 74-37
NCAA: 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'5th
BIG 10: 19'6th, 20'4th, 21'2nd
CKLV: 20'4th 

To be quite honest, I was rather shocked when I saw that Smith was going up to 174.  I thought that Kharchla would go 174 and Smith would stay at 165. After all it seems to me that Smith has adjusted to 165 rather well. A Big 10 runner-up finish & a 5th place All American finish.  Now he'll have to readjust to 174 all over again. I still think Smith is All American caliber but I have no quarrel in saying that I think it'll be a tougher road than what 165 was. 

184
Kaleb Romero OR Rocky Jordan
Junior OR Sophomore 
Record: 53-20 OR Record: 37-19
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'R12 OR 20'NQ, 21'R12
BIG 10: 20'4th, 21'5th OR 20'5th, 21'WC 

This is going to be an interesting wrestle-off and I'm not sure who to go with. At this point they seem pretty even. Regardless of who wins this one, I'm thinking about the same results.  NQ, R12 or so. 

197 
Chase Singletary OR Gavin Hoffman
Junior OR Sophomore 
Record: 49-13 OR 58-21
NCAA: 19'NQ OR 
BIG 10: 19'WC OR 
CKLV: 19'6th OR 
MIDLANDS: OR 19'5th 

Another interesting wrestle-off and on this one I give the nod to Singletary.  Neither of these guys have seen much action at 197.  Hoffman looked good at 184 a couple of years ago, placing 5th at the Midlands, but he went 5-7 at 197 last season, his best win a 3-2 victory over Rutger's Billy Janzer.  Singletary has had success at HWT & I would think that would mean success at 197, unless the cut proves to be too much.  Hard to say until the season starts rolling.  Either should be an NCAA qualifier though. 

HWT 
Tate Orndorff
Senior 
Record: 70-30
NCAA: 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'8th 
BIG 12: 19'3rd, 20'5th
BIG 10: 21'6th 
RENO: 18'4th 
CKLV: 19'2nd, 20'3rd 

Orndorff was an All American with an 8th place finish last season and I  see him about the same this year.  Two victories, 7-3 & 3-2 over Gannon Gremmel of Iowa State suggest that he could move up the award stand, but for now I see another 7th-8th place finish. 

=== 

125 - All American
133 - DNQ
141 - NQ, maybe R12
149 - Champion 
157 - NQ
165 - All American
174 - All American 
184 - NQ, maybe R12 
197 - NQ
HWT - 7th-8th 

Pretty respectable year for Ohio State from where I'm sitting.  

2022: The Preseason: Arizona State Sun Devils

 Looks to be another great year for the Arizona State Sun Devils.  Last year produced a 4th place finish with 5 All Americans.  I think this year could be even better. They won't even remotely be challenged in the PAC-12.  It's so rewarding to see a team in the south doing so well.  And before you correct me, I realize that Arizona isn't "the south" as in how people think of "the south." What I'm saying here is that what states are below Arizona? South of Arizona?  MEXICO!  Arizona, a state where it doesn't get negative 90 below zero like it does in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota.  My main point is, kids don't have a lot of nice winter climates to choose from when it comes to DI wrestling.  ASU provides one. 

I also want to comment on how Arizona State has become a home for wrestlers rejected by their old schools. If Old Dominion doesn't want a tremendous talent like Michael McGee, Arizona State does. If Fresno State gives Kyle Parco a shove out the door, Arizona State's door is wide open.  

125
Brandon Courtney 
Junior 
Record: 69-19
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'2nd 
PAC 12: 20'1st, 21'1st 
RENO: 19'6th
CKLV: 20'6th 

Last year's NCAA runner-up, 2021-2022 for Courtney will be a year of "Defending the Silver" because he'll have his work cut out for him if he wants to make an NCAA finals appearance against Spencer Lee of Iowa again. Very capable of doing so, but he has a HUGE target on his back and he'll need to be aware of that every step of the way.  PAC-12 wise, should easily win his third title. 

133
Michael McGee
Junior 
Record: 84-20
NCAA: 18'NQ, 19'R12, 21'6th
MAC: 18'1st, 19'1st
PAC 12: 21'3rd
RENO: 19'3rd
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 20'6th 

Winning a PAC-12 title this season is certainly within doing for McGee, but he'll need to watch out for the upset.  Chance Rich of CSU-Bakersfield upset him last season and McGee also has to contend with 2021 PAC-21 champion Devan Turner of Oregon State.  McGee was 6th at the NCAA's last season and with the assortment of talent at 133 this year, I think somewhere in the 6th-8th place range is about where he'll finish again.  

149
Kyle Parco
Freshman 
Record: 35-6
NCAA: 21'6th
BIG 12: 21'3rd
RENO: 20'2nd 

With all of the hype, press and attention focused on Shane Griffith at Stanford, it is really a shame that Kyle Parco's story over at Fresno State got buried underneath it.  When Terry Tumey cold heartedly axed the wrestling program, Parco turned around and shoved it straight back in Tumey's face by having an All American performance of 6th at the NCAA's.  He'll be challenged by Stanford's Jaden Abas, but I do think winning a PAC-12 title is within Parco's grasp.  As to the NCAA's, I think Parco is as good as 3rd & maybe I ought to give him a bit more credit than that.  He gave Sammy Sasso of Ohio State all he could handle in an 11-10 loss. Is it asinine to think that he might be able to turn that into a win?  Either way, I am a big fan of this kid and hope with four years left to his resume, one of those includes a national title. 

157
Jacori Teemer
Sophomore
Record: 40-10
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'4th
PAC 12: 20'1st, 21'1st 
MIDLANDS: 19'5th
CKLV: 20'8th 

This guy is quick, holy cow does he have speed. He'll cake walk his way through the PAC-12's. I'd like to think maybe Hunter Willits of Oregon State might give him a match, but he looked very comfortable in a 9-4 victory over him last season.  As to the NCAA's?  I think Teemer is capable of winning a national title. It's really a matter of being able to generate his offense.  Ryan Deakin of Northwestern beat him twice last season, 8-5 and 1-0. I didn't see the 8-5 match, but here is my take away from the 1-0 match.  Deakin did an outstanding job of overcrowding Teemer. He stayed right on top of him, making it impossible for Teemer to be able to get to his offense.  Honestly, same thing in his 4-1 loss to David Carr of Iowa State.  I think if Teemer can create distance, keep himself from getting tied up, that gives him space to get to his techniques.  If he can get to them, it's difficult to keep him from executing them.  

165
Anthony Valencia
Senior
Record: 100-26
NCAA: 17'R12, 18'NQ, 20'NQ*, 21'8th
PAC 12: 17'1st, 18'1st, 20'1st, 21'1st 
CKLV: 17'5th, 18'7th, 20'5th
MIDLANDS: 17'3rd, 18'4th, 19'R12

I think Anthony Valencia can win the NCAA title this season. I already know your rebuttal and I have a counter rebuttal of my own.  Yes, Keegan O'Toole tech'd Valencia 16-1 last season. Not taking anything away from him on that. Great win, under any circumstances. However, Valencia was hurt and let's look at a few other facts real quick. 

NCAA champion Shane Griffith of Stanford has but one loss in his varsity career (he lost twice as a redshirt) and that one loss is to Anthony Valencia.  Alex Marinelli of Iowa has only been pinned twice in his collegiate career, and I'll give you a guess as to who one of those two people are. (The other is David McFadden of Virginia Tech).  He majored Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh, NCAA runner-up, 15-3.  He owns two falls and a major over All American Demetrius Romero of Utah Valley.  

Yes, I believe Valencia can win the NCAA title. 

With that said, winning a fifth PAC-12 title is going to be a challenge. Probably more of a challenge than it ever has been.  He could have to go through both Evan Wick of Cal Poly and Shane Griffith in route.  

174
Cael Valencia
Freshman 

Again, I rarely say much about freshmen who have yet to step onto a collegiate mat, but he is a Valencia. Chances are, he's gonna be good.  Calling a NCAA qualifier for now, maybe more by midseason. 

197 
Kordell Norfleet
Junior
Record: 45-20
NCAA: 18'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'R12
PAC 12: 18'1st, 20'1st, 21'1st 

He'll completely dominate the PAC-12, I have no doubt about that.  As to the NCAA's? He's All American material, I'm just not sure where. Some great wins, such as 9-8 over Greg Bulsak and 4-3 tiebreaker over Jake Woodley. Yet some ugly losses, like 9-1 vs Rocky Elam.  At this point I'm thinking somewhere in the 6th-8th place range. 

HWT
Cohlton Schultz
Freshman
Record: 25-3
NCAA: 21'4th
PAC 12: 21'1st 

Another shoe-in PAC-12 titlist for the Sun Devils, I think Schultz finishes in the same spot he did last year come NCAA's.  He's 0-2 vs Anthony Cassioppi of Iowa, having lost 4-1 and 5-0 to the Hawkeye.  Schultz relies on a lot of upperbody techniques and may have to try different strategies if he looks to turn such losses into wins.  Nevertheless, will have another standout season. 

===  

125 - As good as Runner-up
133- 6th-7th-8th
141 - DNQ
149 - 3rd (What the hell, maybe even Runner-up) 
157 - Champion 
165 - Champion 
174 - NQ
184 - DNQ
197 - 6th-7th-8th
HWT - 4th 

That's the best I can see it happening for Arizona State and at that, what a great year.  The most All American Arizona State has ever produced in one season was 8 in 1990.  The second most was 7 in 1988 (also the year they won the NCAA team title).  They have a very good chance to tie that record again in 2022. 

2022: The Preseason: Minnesota Golden Gophers

 The Minnesota Golden Gopher lineup from where I sit is a rollercoaster.  Extremely high in some areas and rather low in others. They don't have the numbers to compete for anything team wise, but have some outstanding individuals who should have outstanding individual performances. 

125
Pat McKee
Sophomore
Record: 48-20
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'3rd
BIG 10: 20'WC, 21'8th 

When you take 8th at the BIG 10's and turn that around into a 3rd place performance at the NCAA championships that in itself is a testimony to the brutal warzone that the BIG 10 is, as well as the phenomenal coaching staff at Minnesota. McKee is in the game for a spot against Iowa's Spencer Lee in both the BIG 10 and NCAA finals. 

149
Michael Blockhus
Sophomore 
Record: 51-22
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 21'4th
BIG 12: 20'5th 
MIDLANDS: 19'4th, 20'R12
CKLV: 20'6th 

As far as I'm concerned Michael Blockhus is All American material.  He owns a 6-4 victory over both Tariq Wilson of North Carolina State & a 3-2 victory Yahya Thomas of Northwestern who both finished in 3rd place at last year's NCAA championships. A 15-3 major decision of Mike Van Brill of Rutgers as well as taking Oklahoma's Dom Demas into the tiebreakers also sticks out.  Blockhus is also susceptible to loss, but has capabilities. 

157
Brayton Lee
Sophomore 
Record: 65-19
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'6th
BIG 10: 20'4th, 21'3rd
CKLV: 20'1st 

Does Brayton Lee contend for the NCAA title this season? Oh, I so badly wanna say yes, and I do for many reasons, but there's one reason that's keeping me on the edge of no.  As to why he does?  His match Vs David Carr of Iowa State that ended in sudden victory could have gone either way.  If he would have won that match, it would not have surprised me at all.  As to why he doesn't?  Ryan Deakin.  It may tick Minnesota fans off to read me say that, and I'm sure I'll get an ear full of it, but at this point Deakin has his number.  He hasn't been able to generate a single point in a 12-0 loss and in an 8-0 loss.  If Lee is going to contend for the NCAA title this season, he's gonna have to figure Deakin out.  

I'd also like to put in a word for Ryan Thomas as a suitable backup but he's no longer on the Minnesota roster. I'm thinking he may have transferred somewhere and I obviously missed it.  Nevertheless with victories such as Jarrett Jacques, Jake Tucker and Elijah Cleary, his name deserves to be said. 

165
Andrew Sparks 
Record: 9-5
NCAA: 21'NQ
BIG 10: 21'WC 

I was kind of hoping to find out that Andrew Sparks and Shane Sparks were somehow related, and that Andrew had the same personality as Shane.  Can you imagine that post match interview? 

"I saw you do 10,000 moves during the 3rd period to put up 25,000 points against your opponent!!!!" 

"Yes, I did. Coach Eggum said, BUT YOU HAVE TO SCORE NOW!" 

It'd be like Matthew Lesko interviewing Billy Mays. 

Warning: If you follow Johnnythompsonnum1 you'll have to have a since of humor.  I'm a fun, knowledgeable wrestling fan, but I'm also weird. 

I digress, back to business. 

 I'm anxious to see the California state champ get a full season.  I think he's capable of doing some great things during his career. Wins such as 7-6 over Peyton Robb of Nebraska and 9-7 over Jake Tucker of Michigan State stick out in particularly.  As of right now, calling NQ, but come midseason could be calling higher. 

174
Bailee O'Reilly OR Jared Krattiger 
Junior OR Sophomore 
Record: 71-27 OR Record: 22-23
NCAA: 20'NQ OR 
BIG 10: 20'WC OR 
CKLV: 20'8th OR 

2020 NCAA qualifier Bailee O'Reilly failed to qualify for the NCAA championships last season, but I think he makes a return this season.  Capable of more? Maybe.  A 13-2 major decision over All American Bernie Truax of Cal Poly sticks out.  Yet the starter could also be Wisconsin transfer Jared Krattiger.  Krattiger thus far hasn't be able to make it out of two BIG 10 tournaments, but he does have victories over Emil Soehnlen of Purdue and ironically enough Jake Allar of Minnesota.  

O'Reilly or Krattiger I think the Gophers have an NCAA qualifier here. 

HWT
Gable Steveson 
Junior 
Record: 72-2
NCAA: 19'3rd, 20'NQ*, 21'1st
BIG 10: 19'2nd, 20'1st, 21'1st
CKLV: 19'1st 

Minnesota recently updated their roster to reflect the 2021-2022 season and Gable Steveson is on it.  Therefore I'm going to go with that information and treat Steveson like he will be a part of the 2021-2022 wrestling season. If you go to Anthony Cassar's Wikipedia page it mentions that he defeated Steveson, but at this point I think it ought to be its own freaking section. The man is unstoppable. No one is going to give this guy a match.  He has but one challenge and one challenge only in NCAA wrestling this season.  That is Spencer Lee of Iowa in route to the Danny Hodge trophy and that is it.   

=== 

125 - 2nd 
133 - DNQ
141 - DNQ
149 - Can see low end AA 
157 - Champion (but gonna have to figure out Ryan Deakin) 
165 - NQ
174 - NQ
184 - DNQ
197 - DNQ
HWT - Champion 

I know I'll catch some hot wind from the Maroon and Gold faithful for seeing 4 empty spaces, but this is how I see it as of the preseason. I can be rest assured through, "but in high school" till the cows come home, but if you want to make a believer out of me I need results, specifically COLLEGIATE results.  Maybe by midseason I'll see more. 

As of now, I see 6 qualifiers, and 4 of them All Americans. One for sure champion, another that must first figure out a big problem but still in the discussion as champion. A potential runner-up and another who with a good draw and a good performance could find himself on the award stand.  









 

2022: The Preseason: Little Rock Trojans

 Still in its infancy, the Little Rock wrestling program began a tradition of sending at least one wrestler to the NCAA championships last season, when senior Paul Bianchi became the first wrestler in program history to earn qualification.  Only in their third year of varsity competition, the Little Rock program continues to grow. 

149
Tyler Brennan 
Sophomore
Record: 10-16 

This year that Trojan's best bet for an NCAA qualifier in my estimation is sophomore Tyler Brennan.  The Texas native, wrestling for a Southern school helps to illustrate the talent that the south produces by owning a 4-2 victory over Arizona State's Josh Maruca and a first period fall over SOCON champion Jonathan Millner.  While 149 in the PAC-12 proves to be one of the tougher weight classes with Fresno State's Kyle Parco, Stanford's Jaden Abas and Cal Poly's Legend Lamer, Brennan looks to have a solid season, where a 4th place finish at the conference championships should prove to be an allocation or at least a consideration for an at large bid.   

=== 

149 - NQ 

2022: The Preseason: American Eagles

 I have no doubt in my mind that within due time Jason Borrelli is going to take the American wrestling program and turn them into an EIWA powerhouse, that consistently produces conference champions and All Americans. He is starting from scratch though and it will take some time.  Nevertheless, I think the Eagles have the potential to send one to the NCAA's this season. 

165
Tim Fitzpatrick
Sophomore
Record: 41-38
NCAA: 21'NQ
EIWA: 21'3rd 

Moving back down to 165, with the return of the Ivy League schools, it will be more a challenge than it was last season, but I still think Fitzpatrick should contend for NCAA qualification. 

=== 

165- NQ

2022: The Preseason: Brown Bears

 A rebuilding season for the Bears, I still believe they have a good shot at getting at least one wrestler to the NCAA championships this season. 

149 
Ricky Cabanillas
Sophomore
Record: 25-14
EIWA: 20'7th 

Finished a match away from qualification two seasons ago, Cabanillas owns victories over Lucas Revano of Pennsylvania as well as EIWA runner-up Nick Palumbo of Sacred Heart. 

=== 

149 - NQ 

2022: The Preseason: Bloomsburg Huskies

 It's been a rough stretch for Bloomsburg the last 7 seasons.  From the 2014-2015 through the 2017-2018 seasons, they were unable to send any wrestlers to the NCAA championships.  Then in 2019 they sent one, sending two in 2020 & one again in 2021. 

It wasn't always like this.  Go back 15-20 years and Bloomsburg was consistently qualifying 3 to 6 wrestlers to the NCAA's every season.   

I think we're slowly starting to see a resurgence in Husky wrestling.  This year I think we'll see 3 NCAA qualifiers & if healthy, one that might even win the program's first MAC title.   

You want to know what I think makes the difference?  In season tournaments.  I think what hurt Bloomsburg over the years was not competing in tough in-season tournaments.  You gotta face that competition.  It is an absolute requirement.  I see looking over the 2021-2022 schedule that the Huskies will compete in both a very tough Navy Classic and in the Midlands.  That makes me very happy.   While 3 NCAA qualifiers may not seem like a lot on the surface, Rome wasn't built in a night.  I think the days of Bloomsburg qualifying multiple wrestlers to the NCAA's every season lies ahead. 

125
Willy Girard
Senior
Record: 54-56
NCAA: 19'NQ
EWL: 19'1st 

A career hampered by injuries, if Bloomsburg can get Girard healthy, he will contend for the MAC title this season.  If being 5-0 vs Luke Werner of Lock Haven isn't enough , he also owns victories over Joe Manchio of Columbia and four time NCAA qualifier Elijah Oliver of Indiana.  

133
Cole Rhone
Freshman
Record: 11-11
NCAA: 21'NQ
MAC: 21'4th 

An NCAA qualifier last season, Rhone has victories over Kai Orrine of North Carolina State, Aaron Schulist of SIUE & Bryce West of Northern Illinois. 

157
Alex Carida
Junior
Record: 31-38
NCAA: 20'NQ
MAC: 20'6th, 21'8th 

An NCAA qualifier two seasons ago, I believe Carida has a good shot at returning to the NCAA tournament this year.  Notable wins include a 7-2 victory over EIWA champion Holden Heller of Hofstra, as well as victories over Peter Pappas of Edinboro, Alex Klucker of Lock Haven and Zac Carson of Ohio. 

==== 

125 - NQ
133 - NQ
141 - DNQ
149 - DNQ
157 - NQ
165 - DNQ
174 - DNQ
184 - DNQ
197 - DNQ
HWT - DNQ 

2022: The Preseason: Cal State Bakersfield

 One of the few California schools that has managed to stay on, even though they've twice had administrations that have tried to get rid of them, Cal State Bakersfield continues their tradition of consistently sending wrestlers to the NCAA championships that compete for high honors in both the nation & within the conference of the PAC-12.  This season, look for 3 Road Runners to make the national tournament. 

133
Chance Rich
Sophomore
Record: 26-24
NCAA: 21'R12
PAC 12: 20'4th, 21'2nd 

The "Upset Kid" Chance Rich has consistently improved ever since arriving in Bakersfield back in the 2018-2019 season.  He first showed the wrestling world his capabilities when he stuck Southern Scuffle champion Sammy Alvarez of Rutgers in 6:50.  Then last season he upset All American Michael McGee of Arizona State in route to a PAC-12 runner-up finish.  Among his other notable victories a 5-3 decision over Jarrett Trombley of North Carolina State, a 4-3 decision over Ryan Sullivan (Still trying to figure out where he's at now) & two victories 7-5 & 9-3 over Little Rock's Paul Bianchi.   

One obstacle that Rich needs to figure out if he wants to be a PAC-12 champion this season is Devan Turner.  The two have met four times thus far, and Turner has escaped each time with a 2 point victory.  A R12 wrestler last season, it'll be by nothing less than overcoming wrestlers seeded above him, but that's sorta what Rich is known for.  Darkhorse All American. 

141
Angelo Martinoni
Sophomore
Record: 33-21
NCAA: 21'NQ
PAC 12: 21'3rd
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 20'6th 

He's 0-1 Vs Real Woods of Stanford & 0-2 Vs Grant Willits of Oregon State 0-2. He's also 0-2 Vs Lawrence Saenz of Cal Poly, although he did have him pinned at the PAC-12's last season before it was called off, and ruled out of bounds.  Therefore I think we're looking at a 3rd or 4th place finish out of Martinoni at the PAC-12's this season.  

184
Josh Loomer
Junior
Record: 30-33
NCAA: 20'NQ
PAC 12: 20'1st 

After a season at 197, Loomer is moving back down to 184 where he won a PAC-12 title back in 2020.  While I don't see a repeat of his championship performance, I do see Loomer finishing a strong 3rd at the PAC-12's this season.   I don't see him defeating Bernie Truax of Cal Poly and Tanner Harvey of Oregon State will be difficult to overcome as well. 

==== 

125 - DNQ
133 - Dark Horse All American
141 - NQ
149 - DNQ
157 - DNQ
165 - DNQ
174 - DNQ
184 - NQ
197 - DNQ
HWT - DNQ 


Bakersfield hasn't had an All American since 2014 & if Rich can make the award stand this season that would be a great boost for the program. 

2022: The Preseason: George Mason Patriots

 In terms of uncertainty no team has left me with more question marks than George Mason.  Here's the thing.  I can see George Mason having 0 NCAA qualifiers this season.  I can also see them having as many as 6.  There's a big difference between 0 & 6, but read and I'll make sense of it. 

125
Josh Jones
Sophomore
Record: 28-18

Josh Jones thus far has had a respectable career with a respectable record.  He usually wins when he's supposed to win, loses when he's supposed to lose.  He has some decent wins. A 10-8 decision over NCAA qualifier Antonio Mininno comes to mind.  Jones needs more such victories to get over the hump & if he does, we're looking at a plausible NCAA qualifier. 

149 
Alex Madrigal
Senior
Record: 78-43
NCAA: 17'NQ, 18'NQ
MAC: 17'4th, 18'4th, 20'6th
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 20'5th 

On the over/under, Madrigal is the best bet the Patriots have for sending someone to the NCAA championships this season.  Already a two time NCAA qualifier, (should be three as far as I'm concerned.  He was arguably the best wrestler in 2020 to not get an at large bid) he's proven what he can do in the past.  BUT....he's moving up from 141 to 149 & he's had a career hampered by injuries.  That leaves us with another question mark. 

157
Daniel Segura 
Freshman
Record: 6-5 

Technically still only a freshman, Segura has plenty of time to improve & I think he will.  An NCAA qualifier this season? I think it's possible.  He owns a 15-9 decision over Peter Pappas of Edinboro. 

165
Laurence Kosoy 
Senior
Record: 52-38
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 19'R12 

If I were to write a "Best yet to qualify for the NCAA's" for the 2021-2022 season, Laurence Kosoy would be at the top of the list.  The transfer from Columbia is a pinner.  Among his notable falls,  Brian LaPrade of Virginia Tech, Cam Coy of Virginia and Ricky Stamm of Hofstra.  

184
Kyle Davis
Junior
Record: 39-37 

First Sacred Heart, then Buffalo and now George Mason. I hope Kyle Davis has finally found the school that is right for him. If he can put his focus and concentration into wrestling, he's going to turn out to be a pretty good wrestler.  He has a chance to be a two time NCAA qualifier.  

197 
Austin Stith
Sophomore
Record: 18-21 

Stith, like the other five Patriots I have mentioned thus far,  has shown potential to be one of the top 33 at his weight class by season's end.  He owns an 11-5 victory over Matt Correnti of Rider and a 6-4 sudden victory over Bryan McLaughlin of Drexel

=== 

125 - Maybe NQ
133 - DNQ
141 - DNQ
149 - Best bet for NQ
157 - Maybe NQ
165 - Maybe NQ
174 - DNQ
184 - Maybe NQ
197 - Maybe NQ
HWT - DNQ 


The fact that Missouri has moved from the MAC back to the BIG 12 bodes well for George Mason.  That opens up a possible spot that most likely would have otherwise gone to a Tiger.  It's going to require each of these guys to wrestle better than they have ever wrestled & to step it up a notch occasionally winning matches that "on paper" has them losing.  

2022: The Preseason: Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs

 I gotta hand it to Gardner-Webb.  For a small school, a little over 3,600 students in the small community of Boling Springs, North Carolina they have been consistent in sending at least one wrestler to the NCAA championships every season.  Matter of fact, ever since going NCAA Division I in the 2002-2003 season, the only year the Bulldogs didn't send someone to the national tournament was in 2011.   This season, I see two heading for nationals, one that will contend for a SOCON title. 

165
R.J. Mosley
Sophomore
Record: 48-28
NCAA: 21'NQ
SOCON: 21'4th 

165 lbs is the most exciting weight class in the SOCON with a ton of parity amongst four individuals fighting to win the conference championship.  Oddly enough, Mosley is 3-1 overall Vs 2021 SOCON champion Drew Nicholson of Chattanooga.  He is 1-2 Vs Dazjon Casto of the Citadel.  Those matches have been rather weird.  Whoever wins, seems to completely shut out the other.  Then he is 1-3 Vs Appalachian State's Will Formato.  With that said, I guess I'd give Mosley a 25% chance at winning the SOCON title this season.  

184
Jha'Quan Anderson
Freshman
Record: 17-14
NCAA: 21'NQ
SOCON: 21'3rd 

With both Caleb Hopkins of Campbell and Matthew Waddell of Chattanooga returning, I think Anderson is looking at another 3rd place finish in the SOCON. 


=== 

165 - NQ
184 - NQ 


Two NCAA qualifiers might not seem like anything to be excited about, but in the over all picture it is.  Since going NCAA Division I in what will be 20 years ago, the program has only had one four time NCAA Division I qualifier.  Dustin Porter.  Mosley does have the benefit of the extra year of eligibility, but he has the opportunity to become the program's second four time NCAA qualifier.  Anderson, still technically only a freshman, could make history by becoming the Bulldog's only 5 time NCAA qualifier.  Those milestones are huge for a small program like Gardner-Webb.