 |
| Mitchel Mesenbrink Penn State |
26-1 on the season, with 17 of those victories coming via bonus points. A redshirt freshman and the only loss he took last year was in the NCAA finals to a two time national champion/four time All American, who only beat him by a point. Wrestling is a funny sport, especially at the NCAA DI level, but we could very well be looking at a wrestler who never faces defeat again. Hard to believe he started out at California Baptist, isn't it? I mean imagine what a wrestler of this caliber would have done for that up and coming program.
Frank Caliendo may be all about joking around, but nephew Mikey isn't. 7th & 4th thus far in the NCAA & 3rd last year at the BIG 10's, Caliendo wants to put to rest the idea of Mesenbrink never seeing defeat again. 28-6 on the season, Caliendo was also champion at the Soldier Salute.
 |
| Mikey Caliendo Iowa |
Frank Caliendo may be all about joking around, but nephew Mikey isn't. 7th & 4th thus far in the NCAA & 3rd last year at the BIG 10's, Caliendo wants to put to rest the idea of Mesenbrink never seeing defeat again. 28-6 on the season, Caliendo was also champion at the Soldier Salute.
 |
| Jacori Teemer Iowa |
Jacori Teemer has spent the majority of his career competing at 157 lbs, where he has had tremendous success. 4th-6th-2nd in the NCAA, he's also won PAC-12 championships. Now he will test himself up at 165 lbs.
UPDATE: I get asked a lot if I'll ever do team by team instead of weight by weight again. The answer is no, I probably won't. The reason why is that wrestlers are much more likely to switch/transfer teams than they are weight classes. With the current rules and situation of things, it is very difficult to keep up with all of the transferring. Just found out (8-23-2023) that Jacori Teemer has left the Sun Devils & will spend his final season of eligibility with the Hawkeyes of Iowa. Which means that he'll either duke it out with Mikey Caliendo here at 165 or he'll possibly go down to 157 to battle for the varsity spot with Cobe Siebrecht. Which after another UPDATE looks like 157 & Siebrecht will no longer be at Iowa.
UPDATE: I get asked a lot if I'll ever do team by team instead of weight by weight again. The answer is no, I probably won't. The reason why is that wrestlers are much more likely to switch/transfer teams than they are weight classes. With the current rules and situation of things, it is very difficult to keep up with all of the transferring. Just found out (8-23-2023) that Jacori Teemer has left the Sun Devils & will spend his final season of eligibility with the Hawkeyes of Iowa. Which means that he'll either duke it out with Mikey Caliendo here at 165 or he'll possibly go down to 157 to battle for the varsity spot with Cobe Siebrecht. Which after another UPDATE looks like 157 & Siebrecht will no longer be at Iowa.
 |
| Julian Ramirez Cornell |
Here's a guy with a chip on his shoulder. Without a doubt, Julian Ramirez is one of the best wrestlers in the entire NCAA DI yet to be an All American. He's been R12 the past three seasons in a row! That has to be frustrating. Talent wise, I believe he's proven himself one that could contend for a spot in the NCAA finals. Maybe even one to upend the seemingly unstoppable Mesenbrink. A two time EIWA champion, Ramirez has finished 3rd-1st-2nd at CKLV.
 |
| Peyton Hall West Virginia |
Peyton Hall earned his second All American honor last season placing 7th in the nation. He was 8th in 2022. 6th & 4th thus far in the BIG 12, he was runner-up at the Midlands & 3rd in the Southeast Open. He had 32 wins on the year.
 |
| Hunter Garvin Stanford |
Talk about a guy who put it all together at the right time last season. Despite having an up and down year, Hunter Garver wrestled his heart out at the NCAA's & walked away with a 6th place All American finish. He was also 6th at both CKLV & the Southern Scuffle. A PAC-12 runner-up. 25 wins on the season, you can eat your heart out Bernard Muir. Whether you like it or not, you have a damn good wrestling team at your school.
 |
| Cam Amine Oklahoma State |
22 years ago, I can remember sitting in the stands with tears in my eyes & a sick feeling in my stomach. LeRoy Vega of Minnesota, who had placed 5th-5th-3rd thus far in his NCAA career, had failed to place in his final season as a Golden Gopher. Years later I had to watch a similar experience as Mike Pucillo of Ohio State, a three time All American failed to place his senior year. I always wished that both Vega and Pucillo would have gotten another shot. An opportunity to redeem themselves and had their careers end on the high note that they should have.
I thought a lot of Vega and Pucillo when Cam Amine, 7th-4th-4th in the NCAA came up short of earning another medal last year. I know many who are against the "extra year" but the way I see it, it's here, it's a thing, so look for the positive.
One of those positives is that Cam Amine is getting another shot. It's going to be so weird seeing him compete in the orange and black, after he's been maize and blue for such a long time. Going to be weird seeing him compete in the BIG 12, considering he has BIG 10 finishes of 3rd-2nd-4th-4th. Oklahoma State usually doesn't compete in CKLV, but for the record he's 5th and 4th there too.
Make a note that three time NCAA qualifier Caleb Fish, who transferred from Michigan State, will be redshirting this season.
Terrell Barraclough is now at Utah Valley. You know what? Good for him. I mean that in all sincerity. What's the use of spending your entire career as a backup for a huge program, when you can be a star at a smaller program working its ass off to build? Penn State doesn't need Barraclough, but Utah Valley does. As talented as he is, why not compete for a BIG 12 title and All American honors? It's not like Mesenbrink was mopping the floor with Barraclough either. They met in official competition, and Mesenbrink had to work for an 8-5 decision. Also keep in mind that Barraclough has a 7:20 fall over Caleb Fish & a 4-3 decision over 2021 All American Jackson Turley.
The departure of Cam Amine left a hole in the Michigan lineup, but that hole was filled as soon as it was emptied. Redshirt freshman Beau Mantanona has given the Wolverine fans plenty to be excited about as he enters his first season of varsity competition. 15 wins on the year, he placed an impressive 3rd at the Midlands.
We'll have a good wrestle-off for the starting spot at 165 lbs for the Hoosiers of Indiana. Derek Gilcher was an NCAA qualifier in 2023 & he won the Keystone Classic last year before getting injured. Tyler Lillard took over the starting spot & put together 22 wins on the season. 4th at the Southern Scuffle, he had a very impressive 21-5 technical fall over All American Hunter Garvin. Officially Gilcher owns a 4-1 victory over Lillard.
You can put Garrett Thompson up there with Julian Ramirez as one of the best wrestlers in the nation yet to make All American. Champion at the Southeast Open, he was runner-up in the MAC & 3rd at the Navy Classic. He also placed 5th at CKLV. Among his wins a 5:50 fall over All American Hunter Garvin & an 8-5 decision over All American Peyton Hall.
5th-4th-3rd in the EIWA thus far, it'd only make sense for Brevin Cassella to make the conference finals this season right? With Cornell now in the new Ivy League, matter of fact Cassella will be the favorite to win an EIWA title. 8th at CKLV, Cassella was also 6th at the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Invitational.
Little Rock made history by crowning their first All American last season. They plan on making a lot more history. Perhaps even crowning multiple All Americans this season. Among those with potential to be top 8 in the NCAA, Joey Bianchi. 3rd at the Southern Scuffle last season, he was also a PAC-12 champion. Had both a 9-1 as well as a 2-1 win over All American Hunter Garvin.
24 wins on the season, two time NCAA DI qualifier Will Miller won the SOCON title & finished 2nd at the Appalachian State Mountaineer Open.
Without much rhyme or reason, Matt Olguin disappeared in mid February of last year. Regardless of why, he's back for his final season as a Beaver & he has the potential to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. Thus far Olguin, a PAC-12 champion in 2023, has been 3rd and 7th in the CKLV. A Cal State Bakersfield Road Runner Open champion, he took two time All American Mikey Caliendo to a 9-8 match.
Looking to challenge Will Miller for the SOCON title this season, will be SOCON runner-up Dom Baker of Campbell. Among his W's, a 13-7 decision over All American Hunter Garvin.
Despite batting .500, Maxx Mayfield often hits the ball for a base hit at pivotal moments. 4th at both the Michigan State Open & the Midlands, Mayfield was selected for an at large wildcard bid after the BIG 10's (he was 5th in 2023). An 8-2 decision over Beau Mantanona on the season.
One of the biggest surprises of the MAC championships last season, Evan Maag won a conference titel, putting together 26 wins on the year. Only a sophomore, he could very well be in route to one of the best careers in Patriot history.
Luck has yet to be on the side of Bryce Hepner during his time as an Ohio State Buckeye, but there's till plenty of career left for the two time state champ to make his mark in the collegiate ranks. One match from qualification last season, he had a 12-10 victory over Beau Mantanona. With both Rocco Welsh & Carson Kharchla duking it out at 174 lbs, he should take the starting spot without much issue.
Sophomore Nick Hamilton won his first ACC title last year as a freshman, but could very well face a hefty challenge to reclaim the varsity position in '24-'25 by Stanford transfer Charlie Darracott. While Darracott has yet to see the NCAA championships, he has notable victories on his belt & he has placed at the Southern Scuffle in seasons passed.
Another talented freshman from last season, Noah Mulvaney won a Southern Scuffle title for the Bison last season. Also a Clarion Open champion, he was 4th at the Navy Classic & an NCAA qualifier.
An NCAA qualifier last season, Blaine Brenner was 4th at the Soldier Salute & 8th at the BIG 10's.
The Hokie has never batted much above .500 during his career, yet he's managed to make it to the NCAA championships four times & looks to become a rare five time qualifier this season. The ACC runner-up the past two seasons, he'll also look to make a third final & end his career as a conference champion. 4th at the Keystone Classic, he nearly majored All American Hunter Garvin 10-3.
I've been saying that '24-'25 might be the best season Doug Schwab has had thus far as head coach of Northern Iowa & I've been saying it for good reason. He has a tough squad of wrestlers this year, and two of them will be fighting for the varsity spot here at 165 lbs. R.J. Weston has some notable wins last season & he was 6th at the Soldier Salute. Jack Thomsen, an NCAA qualifier for the Panthers last season was 6th at the BIG 12's.
Chris Moore may have ended last season with a losing record, but he still put it together at various times during the year to illustrate his talent. 6th at the Midlands, he was also 6th at the BIG 10's, earning his first NCAA qualification.
UPDATE: Chris Moore will be redshirting this season.
Here's a Black Knight I can see being very good in the years to come. This year included. 25 wins in '23-'24, Gunner Filipowicz was a Southern Scuffle runner-up & 5th in the EIWA.
I thought a lot of Vega and Pucillo when Cam Amine, 7th-4th-4th in the NCAA came up short of earning another medal last year. I know many who are against the "extra year" but the way I see it, it's here, it's a thing, so look for the positive.
One of those positives is that Cam Amine is getting another shot. It's going to be so weird seeing him compete in the orange and black, after he's been maize and blue for such a long time. Going to be weird seeing him compete in the BIG 12, considering he has BIG 10 finishes of 3rd-2nd-4th-4th. Oklahoma State usually doesn't compete in CKLV, but for the record he's 5th and 4th there too.
Make a note that three time NCAA qualifier Caleb Fish, who transferred from Michigan State, will be redshirting this season.
 |
| Terrell Barraclough Utah Valley |
Terrell Barraclough is now at Utah Valley. You know what? Good for him. I mean that in all sincerity. What's the use of spending your entire career as a backup for a huge program, when you can be a star at a smaller program working its ass off to build? Penn State doesn't need Barraclough, but Utah Valley does. As talented as he is, why not compete for a BIG 12 title and All American honors? It's not like Mesenbrink was mopping the floor with Barraclough either. They met in official competition, and Mesenbrink had to work for an 8-5 decision. Also keep in mind that Barraclough has a 7:20 fall over Caleb Fish & a 4-3 decision over 2021 All American Jackson Turley.
 |
| Beau Mantanona Michigan |
The departure of Cam Amine left a hole in the Michigan lineup, but that hole was filled as soon as it was emptied. Redshirt freshman Beau Mantanona has given the Wolverine fans plenty to be excited about as he enters his first season of varsity competition. 15 wins on the year, he placed an impressive 3rd at the Midlands.
 |
| Derek Gilcher Or Tyler Lillard Indiana |
We'll have a good wrestle-off for the starting spot at 165 lbs for the Hoosiers of Indiana. Derek Gilcher was an NCAA qualifier in 2023 & he won the Keystone Classic last year before getting injured. Tyler Lillard took over the starting spot & put together 22 wins on the season. 4th at the Southern Scuffle, he had a very impressive 21-5 technical fall over All American Hunter Garvin. Officially Gilcher owns a 4-1 victory over Lillard.
 |
| Garrett Thompson Ohio |
You can put Garrett Thompson up there with Julian Ramirez as one of the best wrestlers in the nation yet to make All American. Champion at the Southeast Open, he was runner-up in the MAC & 3rd at the Navy Classic. He also placed 5th at CKLV. Among his wins a 5:50 fall over All American Hunter Garvin & an 8-5 decision over All American Peyton Hall.
 |
| Brevin Cassella Binghamton |
5th-4th-3rd in the EIWA thus far, it'd only make sense for Brevin Cassella to make the conference finals this season right? With Cornell now in the new Ivy League, matter of fact Cassella will be the favorite to win an EIWA title. 8th at CKLV, Cassella was also 6th at the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Invitational.
 |
| Joey Bianchi Little Rock |
Little Rock made history by crowning their first All American last season. They plan on making a lot more history. Perhaps even crowning multiple All Americans this season. Among those with potential to be top 8 in the NCAA, Joey Bianchi. 3rd at the Southern Scuffle last season, he was also a PAC-12 champion. Had both a 9-1 as well as a 2-1 win over All American Hunter Garvin.
 |
| Will Miller Appalachian State |
24 wins on the season, two time NCAA DI qualifier Will Miller won the SOCON title & finished 2nd at the Appalachian State Mountaineer Open.
 |
| Matt Olguin Oregon State |
Without much rhyme or reason, Matt Olguin disappeared in mid February of last year. Regardless of why, he's back for his final season as a Beaver & he has the potential to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. Thus far Olguin, a PAC-12 champion in 2023, has been 3rd and 7th in the CKLV. A Cal State Bakersfield Road Runner Open champion, he took two time All American Mikey Caliendo to a 9-8 match.
 |
| Dom Baker Campbell |
Looking to challenge Will Miller for the SOCON title this season, will be SOCON runner-up Dom Baker of Campbell. Among his W's, a 13-7 decision over All American Hunter Garvin.
 |
| Maxx Mayfield Northwestern |
Despite batting .500, Maxx Mayfield often hits the ball for a base hit at pivotal moments. 4th at both the Michigan State Open & the Midlands, Mayfield was selected for an at large wildcard bid after the BIG 10's (he was 5th in 2023). An 8-2 decision over Beau Mantanona on the season.
 |
| Evan Maag George Mason |
One of the biggest surprises of the MAC championships last season, Evan Maag won a conference titel, putting together 26 wins on the year. Only a sophomore, he could very well be in route to one of the best careers in Patriot history.
 |
| Bryce Hepner Ohio State |
Luck has yet to be on the side of Bryce Hepner during his time as an Ohio State Buckeye, but there's till plenty of career left for the two time state champ to make his mark in the collegiate ranks. One match from qualification last season, he had a 12-10 victory over Beau Mantanona. With both Rocco Welsh & Carson Kharchla duking it out at 174 lbs, he should take the starting spot without much issue.
 |
| Nick Hamilton Or Charlie Darracott Virginia |
Sophomore Nick Hamilton won his first ACC title last year as a freshman, but could very well face a hefty challenge to reclaim the varsity position in '24-'25 by Stanford transfer Charlie Darracott. While Darracott has yet to see the NCAA championships, he has notable victories on his belt & he has placed at the Southern Scuffle in seasons passed.
 |
| Noah Mulvaney Bucknell |
Another talented freshman from last season, Noah Mulvaney won a Southern Scuffle title for the Bison last season. Also a Clarion Open champion, he was 4th at the Navy Classic & an NCAA qualifier.
 |
| Blaine Brenner Minnesota |
An NCAA qualifier last season, Blaine Brenner was 4th at the Soldier Salute & 8th at the BIG 10's.
 |
| Connor Brady Virginia Tech |
The Hokie has never batted much above .500 during his career, yet he's managed to make it to the NCAA championships four times & looks to become a rare five time qualifier this season. The ACC runner-up the past two seasons, he'll also look to make a third final & end his career as a conference champion. 4th at the Keystone Classic, he nearly majored All American Hunter Garvin 10-3.
 |
| R.J. Weston Or Jack Thomsen Northern Iowa |
I've been saying that '24-'25 might be the best season Doug Schwab has had thus far as head coach of Northern Iowa & I've been saying it for good reason. He has a tough squad of wrestlers this year, and two of them will be fighting for the varsity spot here at 165 lbs. R.J. Weston has some notable wins last season & he was 6th at the Soldier Salute. Jack Thomsen, an NCAA qualifier for the Panthers last season was 6th at the BIG 12's.
 |
| Chris Moore Illinois |
Chris Moore may have ended last season with a losing record, but he still put it together at various times during the year to illustrate his talent. 6th at the Midlands, he was also 6th at the BIG 10's, earning his first NCAA qualification.
UPDATE: Chris Moore will be redshirting this season.
 |
| Gunner Filipowicz Army |
Here's a Black Knight I can see being very good in the years to come. This year included. 25 wins in '23-'24, Gunner Filipowicz was a Southern Scuffle runner-up & 5th in the EIWA.
 |
| Clayton Ulrey Northern Colorado |
Clayton Ulrey has spent the past four seasons as a very valuable backup to various varsity wrestlers at Virginia Tech. This season he will look to earn an NCAA DI qualification of his own, competing for Northern Colorado. He owns valuable wins such as a 6-1 decision over Brevin Cassella & both a 4-1 & 6-4 win over Sonny Santiago.
 |
| Stoney Buell Purdue |
An NCAA qualifier for the Boilermakers last year, posting 16 wins on the season, Stoney Buell was 7th at the BIG 10's & 3rd at the Clarion Open.
It's never easy losing a caliber of talent like David Carr. That's for sure. Nonetheless, I think Cyclone fans will find themselves satisfied with Connor Euton soon enough. 21 wins on the season last year, he was 3rd at the Soldier Salute.
An NCAA qualifier last season for the Wolfpack, Derek Fields was 3rd at the ACC championships.
A 2023 MAC runner-up in a season that only took the champion, Enrique Munguia who was competing for Kent State, is now competing for Rider. Same goals, different school.
A two time NCAA qualifier for the Huskers, Bubba Wilson came up just a hair short of NCAA qualification this past season. He will look to redeem himself this season & earn another trip to the NCAA's. If Nebraska competes in CKLV this season, Wilson will also look to become a three time place-winner there, as he already has finishes of 8th & 4th. Last season he took an impressive 3rd place showing at the Soldier Salute.
Injuries unfortunately got the best of Avery Bassett last season, but if healthy he should more than contend for NCAA qualification this season. He was 5th at the Navy Classic.
An NCAA qualifier for the Lions in 2023, Cesar Alvan is back after having taken a redshirt this past season. Having competed at 157 lbs, this will be his first season at 165.
An NCAA qualifier back in 2022, Cael Carlson looks to make a return trip to the NCAA's in his final season as a Sooner. Last year he took 7th place finishes at both the Southern Scuffle & the BIG 12's. he was also 3rd at both the Michigan State Open & RENO.
 |
| Connor Euton Iowa State |
It's never easy losing a caliber of talent like David Carr. That's for sure. Nonetheless, I think Cyclone fans will find themselves satisfied with Connor Euton soon enough. 21 wins on the season last year, he was 3rd at the Soldier Salute.
 |
| Derek Fields North Carolina State |
An NCAA qualifier last season for the Wolfpack, Derek Fields was 3rd at the ACC championships.
 |
| Enrique Munguia Rider |
A 2023 MAC runner-up in a season that only took the champion, Enrique Munguia who was competing for Kent State, is now competing for Rider. Same goals, different school.
 |
| Bubba Wilson Nebraska |
A two time NCAA qualifier for the Huskers, Bubba Wilson came up just a hair short of NCAA qualification this past season. He will look to redeem himself this season & earn another trip to the NCAA's. If Nebraska competes in CKLV this season, Wilson will also look to become a three time place-winner there, as he already has finishes of 8th & 4th. Last season he took an impressive 3rd place showing at the Soldier Salute.
 |
| Avery Bassett Lock Haven |
Injuries unfortunately got the best of Avery Bassett last season, but if healthy he should more than contend for NCAA qualification this season. He was 5th at the Navy Classic.
 |
| Cesar Alvan Columbia |
An NCAA qualifier for the Lions in 2023, Cesar Alvan is back after having taken a redshirt this past season. Having competed at 157 lbs, this will be his first season at 165.
 |
| Cael Carlson Oklahoma |
An NCAA qualifier back in 2022, Cael Carlson looks to make a return trip to the NCAA's in his final season as a Sooner. Last year he took 7th place finishes at both the Southern Scuffle & the BIG 12's. he was also 3rd at both the Michigan State Open & RENO.
No comments:
Post a Comment