All things considered, when you really take the time to study NCAA DI wrestling 125 lbs, you realize just how crazy, chaotic & unpredictable it really is. One of the very best wrestlers of '23-'24 was a backup last season, a backup!! It just goes to show you how insane this sport can be....and as far as I'm concerned how that in itself is a selling point that we as the wrestling community need to take advantage of. We spend so much time focusing on one story, when we could expand upon it to other stories. Everyone knows that Matt Ramos pinned Spencer Lee, keeping the Hawkeye from winning his fourth title. That's a selling point. A reason to watch Purdue wrestling & keep an eye on Ramos. Yet did you know that Ramos was MAJORED at the BIG 10's two weeks prior? That's another selling point. Another reason to watch another wrestler. To get excited about the possibilities.
 |
| Matt Ramos Purdue |
Owings over Gable. Gardner over Karelin. I don't know exactly where it ranks on the all time greatest upsets, but Ramos over Lee is somewhere on that list. The Boilermaker goes into the '23-'24 season as the man to beat having posted a 35-5 record last season, which lead him to an NCAA DI runner-up finish. A Southern Scuffle champ last year, he was 3rd in the BIG 10's (7th in '22) & 2nd at the CKLV (8th in '22).
 |
| Anthony Noto Lock Haven |
The two time MAC champion earned his first All American honor last season with a 4th place finish at the NCAA DI tournament. 34-4 on the year he won the Lehman Open & placed 3rd at the Navy Classic.
 |
| Eddie Ventresca Virginia Tech |
Eddie Ventresca had one hell of a freshman campaign last season going 22-9 on the year. 7th at the NCAA DI championships, he won titles at both the Southeast Open & the Keystone Classic. 2nd at the ACC, he was one match shy of a medal at CKLV, which by all means helps to illustrate the toughness of that in-season tournament. With Cooper Flynn taking a redshirt, Ventresca won't have fighting for his varsity spot as one of his concerns, leaving him free to concentrate on other matters.
 |
| Eric Barnett Wisconsin |
8th in 2021 & 7th in 2022, I really thought that Eric Barnett would once again sneak his way onto the NCAA DI award stand last season, but he fell one match short. 29-9 on the season, the highlight of '22-'23 was winning a Midlands title. A 4-3 victory over Michael DeAugustino to note, the Badger will look for that third All American honor that eluded him last year.
 |
| Dean Peterson Dylan Shawver Rutgers |
You went into this knowing that there would be some good wrestle-offs in DI wrestling this season and here is one of them. Dylan Shawver was 12-5 when he suffered a season ending injury in late December of last year. Dean Peterson filled in beautifully, going 25-11 overall. 7th in the BIG 10's, he was 4th at the Midlands & one match shy of All American honors. Peterson or Shawver, the Scarlet Knights are in good hands via 125 lbs.
 |
| Stevo Poulin Northern Colorado |
The once internet sensation as a youth wrestler proved himself quite well in his first season as a Bear last year. Going 31-7 he won titles at both the BIG 12 & the Cougar Clash. 6th at the Southern Scuffle, he was one match shy of earning his first All American honor.
 |
| Brett Ungar Cornell |
Brett Ungar had a great freshman campaign last season, which saw 20 victories on the year. An EIWA runner-up, he was 7th at CKLV & one match shy of NCAA DI All American honors.
 |
| Michael DeAugustino Northwestern |
Injuries are such a big part of this sport that play such a pivotal role in the final outcomes of each season. Had Michael DeAugustino been 100% for 100% of the season last year, both the BIG 10 & the NCAA tournaments may have turned out much differently. Take into account that at the BIG 10's, before reinjuring himself, he handled Matt Ramos in a 9-1 major decision. 4th in the NCAA DI championships in 2022, DeAugustino will also be looking to become a five time NCAA DI qualifier for the Wildcats this season.
 |
| Patrick McKee Minnesota |
He's a McKee and he's a Golden Gopher. A combination that suggest to anyone in the know that coming up short of a third All American honor last season after having placed 3rd in '21 & 5th in '22, probably has a fire lit under his ass so hot that it could probably melt tungsten. A Southern Scuffle champion in '22, he will also be going for this fifth NCAA DI qualification.
 |
| Caleb Smith Nebraska |
After three seasons with the Mountaineers of Appalachian State, Caleb Smith has decided to join Mark Manning and the Huskers at Nebraska this season. A two time Southern Conference champ, he'll test the waters of the BIG 10. 26-7 on the year, I'm not sure if he'll ever participate in the Southern Scuffle again or not. Nevertheless he's been 5th-5th-5th at the tournament. R12 at CKLV, there he will take another crack at making the top 8.
 |
| Jarrett Trombley Jakob Camacho North Carolina State |
I hate, hate, hate knowing that one of these two talents will sit out the post season this year, but that's just the cold, hard truth of it. Both of these guys are ACC champ material & both of them are also All American candidates. Camacho a three time NCAA DI qualifier, has thus far been 1st-2nd-1st in the ACC, a match away from All American in 2021. Trombley also a three time NCAA DI qualifier, won the ACC title last season. For the record, he defeated All American Eddie Ventresca twice by scores of 3-1. Makes one wish that DI wrestling had the NAIA rule of being able to qualify more than one wrestler at the same weight per team.
 |
| Reece Witcraft Trevor Mastrogiovanni Troy Spratley Oklahoma State |
Speaking of the NAIA rule & wishing you could compete more than one wrestler at a weight during the post-season....The Oklahoma State Cowboys aren't hurting at 125 lbs, I'll tell you that. Two time qualifier Reece Witcraft really turned it on & showed the best of his potential at the BIG 12's last season with a 3rd place finish. Trevor Mastrogiovanni a two time NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, won the Reno tournament of champions & finished 4th at the Southern Scuffle last season. Then we also add in Minnesota transfer Troy Spratley who placed 8th at the Scuffle himself. You know how tough DI wrestling is when it's this frickin' hard just to crack the lineup.
 |
| Brandon Kaylor Oregon State |
The Beaver won the PAC-12 title last season with a 3-2 tiebreaker over three time All American Brandon Courtney, but he came up short of his second All American honor after having placed 8th in '22. A 6-4 s.v. over Eddie Ventresca, & 4th at last year's CKLV, Kaylor will also be going for his fourth NCAA DI qualification.
 |
| Jore Volk Wyoming |
The freshman jitters were a part of the first season of DI collegiate wrestling for Jore Volk. Yet now that he has that initiation out of the way, I'm really anxious to see him compete this year as a sophomore. While opinions vary, I feel it was Volk who first showed the kink in the armor of Spencer Lee, when he was able to score on the Hawkeye in the closing moments of their match at the Soldier Salute. 25-11 on the year he was 3rd at the Salute, also taking 3rd at Reno & 5th at the BIG 12.
 |
| Tucker Owens Air Force |
Another tough freshman in the BIG 12 that experienced those frosh highs & lows was Tucker Owens. 27-14 on the year, he showed a lot of potential of what he's capable of. 6th in the BIG 12.
 |
| Ryan Miller Pennsylvania |
Seasoned veteran Ryan Miller was 20-12 on the season last year, earning bronze medals at both the EIWA championships & the Keystone Classic. He will contend for both the EIWA title as well as All American honors this season.
 |
| Noah Surtin Luqman Masud Missouri |
Noah Surtin goes into his junior season having collected silver medals at both the Southern Scuffle & the BIG 12 tournament last year on a 17-7 record. One of my favorites in NJCAA wrestling last year, I am anxious to see how Luqman Masud adjust to the world of DI wrestling.
 |
| Braxton Brown Maryland |
Year in & year out there are so many tough underclassmen at 125 lbs, & yet here is another one. 25-8 on the season, Braxton Brown qualified for the NCAA championships & finished 7th at the Southern Scuffle.
 |
| Tanner Jordan South Dakota State |
You never know quite what to expect out of Tanner Jordan, other than he can be down right tough when he wants to be. 19 wins on the season, including a 4-2 victory over Joey Prata & a 6:10 fall over Tucker Owens. He was 6th in the CKLV.
 |
| Ethan Berginc Army |
Berginc was another tough freshman from last season. A hardnosed, grinder that will continue to hone in on his skills while fixing his mistakes. 27-8 on the season, he was 4th in the EIWA.
 |
| Antonio Lorenzo Cal Poly |
Lorenzo is one of those wrestlers that gets tough when the time comes to get tough. The two time NCAA DII qualifier was one of the few that ended his season with a losing record at 8-10. One of those wrestlers who could fool you into looking past him, and later make you realize that was a grave mistake. He was 3rd in the PAC-12.
 |
| Nick Babin Joe Manchio Columbia |
If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm big on Columbia wrestling. Lion wrestling is constantly improving & the fact that they have two quality wrestlers duking it out for varsity at 125 is testimony to that fact. Both of these guys seniors, it is heartbreaking to know that one will be watching the other from the sidelines come post season, but like I said for NC State, that's wrestling my friends. It's not always the friendliest of environments. Babin 23 wins on the season last year was an NCAA DI qualifier with a 5th place EIWA finish. He was also 4th at the Southeast Open. Manchio a two time NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, was a finalist in 2020.
 |
| Nico Provo Stanford |
It was 20 wins on the season for Nico Provo last year as a freshman. An NCAA DI qualifier he was 4th at hte PAC-12's & 3rd at the Southern Scuffle.
 |
| Diego Sotelo Harvard |
I spoke in both '21-'22 & '22-'23 that Harvard simply needed a few breaks to go their way & we'd start to see the resurgence of Crimson wrestling. I think we saw a few of those breaks last season. One of them was Diego Sotelo's run through the Midlands tournament where he was able to capture 3rd place. Such a high finish at a prestigious tournament like the Midlands is huge for the confidence of a freshman. All in all Sotelo won 16 matches last year & earned his first trip to nationals with a 6th place finish at the EIWA.
Here's the man to watch. 14-0 last season behind three time All American Brandon Courtney, Richard Figueroa won the CKLV title with a 3-2 victory over eventual NCAA runner-up Matt Ramos. It wasn't the only notable win for the native Californian either. He defeated Ryan Miller 6-2, Tanner Jordan 6-3 & Noah Surtin 6-4.
Despite winning the 3rd place bout at the ACC championships, Colton Camacho stayed home last season, while 4th place finisher Jack Wagner got to go to the NCAA tournament. 18 wins on the season, the Panther will look to earn the qualification that eluded him last year.
Seems I'm always writing about Carter Bailey and how he has to duke it out with a tough teammate to see which one of them will be varsity. The California native finished just outside of NCAA DI qualification with a 7th place finish at the EIWA championships. Off a redshirt, Sheldon Seymour went 25-5 last year, capturing a 7th place finish at the Midlands.
Another California native, Tristan Lujan won 18 matches last season finishing right outside of NCAA DI qualification himself. A 5-4 victory over qualifier Jore Volk, he took runner-up honors at RENO & he won the Navy Classic.
I would most certainly conclude Blake West to be one of the best to not qualify for the NCAA DI championships last season. Honestly I was rather surprised that he wasn't selected as one of the at large/wild card selections. 24-9 on the season he had a very impressive 7-2 decision over Michael DeAugustino. Runner-up at the Cougar Clash, he was 3rd at both the MSU Open & the MAC.
Injured last season, if 100% this year, I would expect Justin Cardani to be a force within both the BIG 10 & the NCAA. A two time NCAA DI qualifier already, he can go toe to toe. A 4-3 win over Ryan Miller for example.
Since the reinstatement of Blue Hose wrestling, we fans have been anxiously awaiting to see who would break out as their first star. The answer may very well lie in two time Texas high school state champion Dom Chavez. Runner-up at the SOCON last season, he looks to be in good shape to become Presbyterian's first champ with an 8-2 win over Drew West & both a 4-3 & 10-3 win over Anthony Molton.
Speaking of first, the Lancers have had success at the NAIA, NCWA & NCAA DII levels, but they have yet to have a star emerge at the DI level. The time could be this season & the man to take that spot could be Eli Griffin. He can be down right tough when he wants to be. Examples? 10-1 major over Jore Volk, a 3:39 fall over Kase Mauger & a 4-2 victory over Kysen Terukina.
Off of a Redshirt, Drake Ayala returns to the varsity lineup after going 13-1 last season. His only loss on the year was to teammate three time NCAA DI champ Spencer Lee in the finals of the Soldier Salute. Some were unhappy that the match took place in the first place, with the mentality that Ayala should not have been so eager to challenge Lee. I say the fearlessness & the eagerness to do battle with anyone is the exact demeanor that the Hawkeyes need. An NCAA DI qualifier in '22, Ayala won the UNI open last year, a 5-2 win over Caleb Smith & a 6-5 decision over Michael DeAugustino.
No offense to Gary Steen, but with Robert Howard & Kurt McHenry both in the Penn State lineup, I highly doubt he ever sees the varsity position again. Robert Howard was an NCAA DI qualifier in '21, who has proven with previous wins he can contend in both the BIG 10 & the NCAA. Michigan transfer Kurt McHenry, 8th at CKLV last season has a 4-3 win over Anthony Molton, a 15-7 major over Nick Babin & a 7-1 win over Jake Ferri.
Redshirt freshman Bendan McCone steps into the role of starter for the Buckeyes this season after posting a 15-4 record this past year. Among is wins, a 12-7 decision over Sheldon Seymour.
4th in the MAC this past season, Markel Baker had a 4-2 win over Dylan Shawver & an 8-5 win over Nick Babin.
On the short list of wrestlers to win four Hawaiian high school state titles, Kysen Terukina would be on an even shorter list of Hawaiians to earn NCAA DI All American status, if he were to achieve that honor. A two time NCAA qualifier, his season was unfortunately cut short last year with injury. As to what he's capable of? A 9-7 s.v. over Eric Barnett is a good suggestion.
An MAC finalist in '22, Joey Fisher slipped to 5th place this past season. He did however, defeat MAC runner-up Jake Ferri 3-1 during the regular season. He will duke it out with Blake West & Markel Baker to see who faces Anthony Noto in this year's finals.
I drive past Drew West's high school multiple times per week & I'm excited to see him make one last run at going for NCAA DI qualification. He had his best season yet going 25-12 last year, with a 3rd place finish in the SOCON.
14 wins on the season, Kase Mauger proved himself to be dangerous as he pinned BIG 12 champ Stevo Poulin in 4:34.
23 wins on the season, Jacob Moran was 8th at the Midlands.
It's been a rough road for Anthony Molton. Old Dominion drops their program & he transfers to Fresno State only to have that program taken out from underneath him. Now in a home that finally appreciates him, I can see Molton having a good run in his final two seasons. Last year alone he defeated Matt Ramos 6-4 s.v. & Joey Prata 9-8.
With Max Leete redshirting this season, Jack Maida will moved down from 133 lbs. 5th in the EIWA last season, he won 22 matches.
Coming off of a redshirt, Spencer Moore returns to the Tar heel varsity lineup this season. 3rd in the Lehman Open, he had a 5-4 tiebreaker win over DI qualifier Tucker Owens.
Patrick McCormick is one of the biggest question marks in NCAA DI wrestling, because you cannot predict what will happen when he steps out on the mat. The guy can get teched by a wrestler & then come out & defeat that wrestler on the same day. He wasn't able to make his magic happen last season at the ACC's, but an NCAA DI qualifier in '21 & '22, I wouldn't count him out of '24.
Making the JT#1's "Best to Not Qualify" list three seasons in a row, Dylan Ryder took a redshirt in '22 but for reasons unknown to me, he did not compete last season. Will he be back this season? Don't know.
Jett Strickenberger ruled the NJCAA last season & now we get to see him test the waters of NCAA DI.
 |
| Richard Figueroa Arizona State |
Here's the man to watch. 14-0 last season behind three time All American Brandon Courtney, Richard Figueroa won the CKLV title with a 3-2 victory over eventual NCAA runner-up Matt Ramos. It wasn't the only notable win for the native Californian either. He defeated Ryan Miller 6-2, Tanner Jordan 6-3 & Noah Surtin 6-4.
 |
| Colton Camacho Pittsburgh |
Despite winning the 3rd place bout at the ACC championships, Colton Camacho stayed home last season, while 4th place finisher Jack Wagner got to go to the NCAA tournament. 18 wins on the season, the Panther will look to earn the qualification that eluded him last year.
 |
| Carter Bailey Sheldon Seymour Lehigh |
Seems I'm always writing about Carter Bailey and how he has to duke it out with a tough teammate to see which one of them will be varsity. The California native finished just outside of NCAA DI qualification with a 7th place finish at the EIWA championships. Off a redshirt, Sheldon Seymour went 25-5 last year, capturing a 7th place finish at the Midlands.
 |
| Tristan Lujan Michigan State |
Another California native, Tristan Lujan won 18 matches last season finishing right outside of NCAA DI qualification himself. A 5-4 victory over qualifier Jore Volk, he took runner-up honors at RENO & he won the Navy Classic.
 |
| Blake West Northern Illinois |
I would most certainly conclude Blake West to be one of the best to not qualify for the NCAA DI championships last season. Honestly I was rather surprised that he wasn't selected as one of the at large/wild card selections. 24-9 on the season he had a very impressive 7-2 decision over Michael DeAugustino. Runner-up at the Cougar Clash, he was 3rd at both the MSU Open & the MAC.
 |
| Justin Cardani Illinois |
Injured last season, if 100% this year, I would expect Justin Cardani to be a force within both the BIG 10 & the NCAA. A two time NCAA DI qualifier already, he can go toe to toe. A 4-3 win over Ryan Miller for example.
 |
| Dom Chavez Presbyterian |
Since the reinstatement of Blue Hose wrestling, we fans have been anxiously awaiting to see who would break out as their first star. The answer may very well lie in two time Texas high school state champion Dom Chavez. Runner-up at the SOCON last season, he looks to be in good shape to become Presbyterian's first champ with an 8-2 win over Drew West & both a 4-3 & 10-3 win over Anthony Molton.
 |
| Eli Griffin California Baptist |
Speaking of first, the Lancers have had success at the NAIA, NCWA & NCAA DII levels, but they have yet to have a star emerge at the DI level. The time could be this season & the man to take that spot could be Eli Griffin. He can be down right tough when he wants to be. Examples? 10-1 major over Jore Volk, a 3:39 fall over Kase Mauger & a 4-2 victory over Kysen Terukina.
 |
| Drake Ayala Iowa |
Off of a Redshirt, Drake Ayala returns to the varsity lineup after going 13-1 last season. His only loss on the year was to teammate three time NCAA DI champ Spencer Lee in the finals of the Soldier Salute. Some were unhappy that the match took place in the first place, with the mentality that Ayala should not have been so eager to challenge Lee. I say the fearlessness & the eagerness to do battle with anyone is the exact demeanor that the Hawkeyes need. An NCAA DI qualifier in '22, Ayala won the UNI open last year, a 5-2 win over Caleb Smith & a 6-5 decision over Michael DeAugustino.
 |
| Robert Howard Kurt McHenry Penn State |
No offense to Gary Steen, but with Robert Howard & Kurt McHenry both in the Penn State lineup, I highly doubt he ever sees the varsity position again. Robert Howard was an NCAA DI qualifier in '21, who has proven with previous wins he can contend in both the BIG 10 & the NCAA. Michigan transfer Kurt McHenry, 8th at CKLV last season has a 4-3 win over Anthony Molton, a 15-7 major over Nick Babin & a 7-1 win over Jake Ferri.
 |
| Brendan McCone Ohio State |
Redshirt freshman Bendan McCone steps into the role of starter for the Buckeyes this season after posting a 15-4 record this past year. Among is wins, a 12-7 decision over Sheldon Seymour.
 |
| Markel Baker George Mason |
4th in the MAC this past season, Markel Baker had a 4-2 win over Dylan Shawver & an 8-5 win over Nick Babin.
 |
| Kysen Terukina Iowa State |
On the short list of wrestlers to win four Hawaiian high school state titles, Kysen Terukina would be on an even shorter list of Hawaiians to earn NCAA DI All American status, if he were to achieve that honor. A two time NCAA qualifier, his season was unfortunately cut short last year with injury. As to what he's capable of? A 9-7 s.v. over Eric Barnett is a good suggestion.
 |
| Joey Fischer Clarion |
An MAC finalist in '22, Joey Fisher slipped to 5th place this past season. He did however, defeat MAC runner-up Jake Ferri 3-1 during the regular season. He will duke it out with Blake West & Markel Baker to see who faces Anthony Noto in this year's finals.
 |
| Drew West Gardner Webb |
I drive past Drew West's high school multiple times per week & I'm excited to see him make one last run at going for NCAA DI qualification. He had his best season yet going 25-12 last year, with a 3rd place finish in the SOCON.
 |
| Kase Mauger Utah Valley |
14 wins on the season, Kase Mauger proved himself to be dangerous as he pinned BIG 12 champ Stevo Poulin in 4:34.
 |
| Jacob Moran Indiana |
23 wins on the season, Jacob Moran was 8th at the Midlands.
 |
| Anthony Molton Campbell |
It's been a rough road for Anthony Molton. Old Dominion drops their program & he transfers to Fresno State only to have that program taken out from underneath him. Now in a home that finally appreciates him, I can see Molton having a good run in his final two seasons. Last year alone he defeated Matt Ramos 6-4 s.v. & Joey Prata 9-8.
 |
| Jack Maida American |
With Max Leete redshirting this season, Jack Maida will moved down from 133 lbs. 5th in the EIWA last season, he won 22 matches.
 |
| Spencer Moore North Carolina |
Coming off of a redshirt, Spencer Moore returns to the Tar heel varsity lineup this season. 3rd in the Lehman Open, he had a 5-4 tiebreaker win over DI qualifier Tucker Owens.
 |
| Patrick McCormick Virginia |
Patrick McCormick is one of the biggest question marks in NCAA DI wrestling, because you cannot predict what will happen when he steps out on the mat. The guy can get teched by a wrestler & then come out & defeat that wrestler on the same day. He wasn't able to make his magic happen last season at the ACC's, but an NCAA DI qualifier in '21 & '22, I wouldn't count him out of '24.
 |
| Dylan Ryder Hofstra |
Making the JT#1's "Best to Not Qualify" list three seasons in a row, Dylan Ryder took a redshirt in '22 but for reasons unknown to me, he did not compete last season. Will he be back this season? Don't know.
 |
| Jett Strickenberger West Virginia |
Jett Strickenberger ruled the NJCAA last season & now we get to see him test the waters of NCAA DI.
No comments:
Post a Comment