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| #1 Real Woods Iowa |
The 2024 NCAA champion hopeful won the Soldier Salute last season & will have a fair share of test as he looks to win title number two. I am really looking forward to a potential matchup between him & Lachlan McNeil, while keeping in the back of my mind potential upsets that could occur, that would prevent this matchup. Thus far the NCAA DI finalist owns a 12-1 major over Caleb Gross.
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| #5 Lachlan McNeil North Carolina |
Earning a #1 ranking is one of the toughest things a collegiate wrestler can accomplish during their career. What's even tougher than that? Keeping it. Real Woods has the #1 ranking at the moment & Lachlan McNeil would love nothing more than to come into Hawkeye territory & take it from him at his own tournament, hosted by his own team. Much easier said than done against the likes of someone as good as Woods, but not out of the realm of possibility, as McNeil is a title contender in his own right. Owns a 6-3 decision over Cael Happel.
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| #10 Cael Happel Northern Iowa |
Looking for that plausible upset? Well here it is. Cael Happel has proven himself to be a tournament wrestler, thus far having 2nd & 4th place finishes at CKLV. He had a good match with McNeil in Vegas & should the two meet again here at the Salute, I would imagine it'll be another good one. Owns a 16-6 major decision over Caleb Gross, a 18-7 major decision over Cole Brooks & he's pinned both Cyclones who I think will be in competition. Zach Redding at 3:54 & Jake Frost at 0:56.
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| #17 Josh Koderhandt Navy |
Navy did bring some of their varsity last season to the Salute, so I would imagine that they'll bring at least some of their varsity this season. Don't know for sure who all it'll be. What I can tell you is that if Josh Koderhandt is among the Midshipmen that show up, he'll be one to keep an eye on. A two time NCAA DI qualifier for Navy, I wouldn't put it past him to pull off a huge upset. He's some very nice wins in his career, including a win over Cole Matthews of Pittsburgh back in November.
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| B.U. Zach Redding Iowa State |
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| U.R. Vance VomBaur Minnesota |
I think the consolation bracket here could end up as interesting as will be the championship side. I think the top four spots, minus a really big upset are spoken for, but 5th-8th is a little more questionable. Among the candidates, Vance VomBaur. Thus far the Golden Gopher has managed to get past Caleb Gross every time he's stepped on the mat with the Jackrabbit. Victories include decisions of 4-1, 5-2 & 3-1 s.v.
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| U.R. Caleb Gross South Dakota State |
No dispute about it, this bracket isn't near as tough as what it would be if Clay Carlson weren't currently out with injury. Call me Boubin in near by Cedar Rapids, because that's just the bear facts folks. I gotta hand it to Caleb Gross, he's really stepped it up and filled in for Carlson. If everyone that can show up, does show up for this tournament, it'll be a tougher road than what it was last year, but Gross did take 3rd here last season.
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| B.U. U.R. Jacob Frost Cole Brooks Iowa State Wyoming |
As I just said, trying to decipher who makes up places 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th can be challenging when you're trying to work out a potential bracket in your head. I think for sure I have two more quality candidates in Jacob Frost & Cole Brooks. As to Frost, I'll say this. The collegiate wrestling world came to know the name Evan Frost in the Iowa Vs Iowa State dual, & he solidified that even more with a runner-up finish at CKLV. Truth is, Jacob Frost is too a damn good wrestler, he just needs his moment of glory within collegiate wrestling, for the fans to know it. No time like the present to make it happen.
Cole Brooks, a true freshman for the Cowboys, would be another I would look to take a top 8 showing here in Coralville.
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