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| Jesse Mendez Ohio State |
Defending a national title is one of the toughest things a wrestler can do in collegiate wrestling. If Jesse Mendez of Ohio State is able to repeat in 2025, my hat is off to him because he's going to have to go through one heck of a field. 141 lbs is exceptionally tough, and the young Buckeye is going to have a target on his back from day one. 29-2 on the year, he also won titles at the Clarion Open, CKLV and the BIG 10.
Let me also through in a word for Brandon Cannon. While beating out Mendez for the starting spot is about as likely as me wanting to move to northern North Dakota for the weather, Cannon has proven himself to be quite a grappler in his own right. Took 7th at the Midlands last season.
Let me also through in a word for Brandon Cannon. While beating out Mendez for the starting spot is about as likely as me wanting to move to northern North Dakota for the weather, Cannon has proven himself to be quite a grappler in his own right. Took 7th at the Midlands last season.
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| Beau Bartlett Penn State |
Hot on the tails of Mendez will be Beau Bartlett, who if we're making a category out of everything, has to be one of the best Penn State Nittany Lions yet to win an NCAA title. Or for that matter, a BIG 10 title. Thus far in 3rd both categories he's been 3rd and 2nd. He did hand Mendez one of his two losses last year, in a 4-1 sudden victory. It should also be noted that the only losses Bartlett took last year, were to Mendez.
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| Andrew Alirez Northern Colorado |
As we discuss the return of the 2024 NCAA champion, we also discuss the return of the 2023 NCAA champion. Andrew Alirez wants a second NCAA title every bit as much as does Mendez. Sort of what the late Gorilla Monsoon would describe as the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. For the record, Alirez does own a 6-2 decision over Bartlett from two seasons ago.
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| Brock Hardy Nebraska |
Brock Hardy was an interesting case last year. It seemed throughout the season he was struggling a bit. A CKLV champion two seasons ago, last year he was 6th. A BIG 10 runner up two seasons ago, he was 5th last year. Yet when it came time to hit the floor at the big dance, Hardy wrestled exceptionally well, taking a strong 3rd place showing. The two time All American was also 6th in 2023, a two time Navy Classic champion.
Gonna throw in a line for Blake Cushing, a tough, tough backup for Hardy. 13 wins on the season last year, he was 8th at the Soldier Salute, winning a UNK-Hospitality Open title.
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| Josh Koderhandt Navy |
Josh Koderhandt is one of the best seniors, or should I say "final season of eligibility-ers" headed into the 2024-2025 season, yet to make All American. An EIWA champion (3rd in 2023), he's going to have his hands full defending his conference crown. 3rd and 2nd thus far in the Navy Classic, he was 4th at the Soldier Salute. He'll also look for a third CKLV medal, having missed out on a medal last season, but having placed 5th & 4th in past seasons.
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| Ryan Jack Or Koy Buesgens North Carolina State |
I tell you what, I'd hate to see Ryan Jack not make the varsity in his final season as a member of the Wolfpack, but Koy Buesgens is one heck of a talent. Jack thus far has proven himself with a 7th place All American finish, not to mention he's a three time ACC finalist (2nd-2nd-1st) and a two time CKLV place-winner (3rd-2nd). Nevertheless, the wrestle-off between the two should prove to be one of our best ones at season's beginning. To give you an idea of Buesgen's potential, just take a look at some of the victories he posted last season. 17-6 major over Josh Mason, 8-0 and 12-3 major over Sean Carter and a 15-5 major over Carter Bailey. Not to mention he teched NCAA DIII champ, Josh Wilson of Greensboro.
Here's another great wrestle-off that's going to take place at the beginning of the season. Emilio Ysaguirre Vs Jesse Vasquez for the starting position on the Arizona State Sun Devil team. While Vasquez is a returning PAC-12 champion, many of us are excited to see what all Ysaguirre is capable of. He nearly majored Brock Hardy in dual competition 10-4 last year.
Speaking of super tough wrestlers yet to make the NCAA award stand, I know Coach Doug Schwab is anxious to crown Cael Happel an All American by season's end. Happel came close to a top eight finish last season, finishing in the country's top 12. A BIG 12 runner-up, he's been 2nd and 3rd in the past two CKLV invitationals and he won the Daktronics Open. It should also be of interest that he owns both a 15-13, as well as an 11-8 decision over Brock Hardy.
Truth is at 39 years old, I still feel fairly young. Not sure if I can claim that right anymore or not. As a junior in high school, I watched Vance's father Ben capture his second All American honor. Last year, I watched Vance capture his first. Can son outdo dad and eventually capture three All American medals? Maybe. He has to capture #2 first. 8th in the NCAA, he was 7th at the BIG 10's and 3rd at the Soldier Salute.
The true freshman showed signs of greatness various times last season, as he ironed out the kinks of a first year of facing NCAA Division I competition. Not only did he take it to multiple time All American Real Woods of Iowa in a match, but he also handed Brock Hardy a 4-2 loss. Lemley was 4th in the BIG 10 championships.
Here's another good wrestle-off I'm looking forward to as we start the season. Josh Edmond Vs Zeke Seltzer to see who will start for the Tigers of Missouri. Edmond is a two time NCAA qualifier, one match shy of All American honors last season. He was 3rd in the BIG 12's and he owns a 4-3 decision over Cael Happel. Seltzer is every bit as talented. 5th in the Soldier Salute, he owns both an 11-10 decision over Zeth Romney and a 5-4 decision over All American Clay Carlson.
I think that being under the leadership of Scott Moore at Lock Haven has done Wyatt Henson a world of good and I think it shows in the fact that he racked up 34 wins against just 4 losses, winning titles at the Cleveland State Open, The Franklin and Marshall Lehman Invite & the MAC championships. Henson was also 3rd at the Princeton Open. A wrestler you're better off NOT picking bottom against.
Sun Devil to Beaver, Cleveland Belton a two time PAC-12 finalist, one match shy of All American honors last year, is going to spend his final season at Oklahoma. His first order of business, and perhaps one of his toughest, will be overcoming Mosha Schwartz for the varsity spot. Despite being injured last season, keep in mind that Schwartz is a three time NCAA qualifier. He also nearly majored R12'er Josh Edmond 11-4, before getting hurt.
An All American in 2022, C.J. Composto came up a little short this past season. 3rd in the EIWA and 2nd at the Midlands, the Quaker will look to win titles at both prestigious tournaments as he also looks to reclaim a spot on the NCAA award stand. 22 wins on the year, he did win the Keystone Classic.
Should also be noted that Composto will have a tough Evan Mougalian pushing him in the room. Mougalian was 2nd at last year's "A Better Way."
Tagen Jamison reminds of me a five speed automobile. He's not always operating in 5th gear, but once that clutch is pushed in and the gears have been shifted, there's no stopping him. He showed us proof of that a handful of times last season, including a 13-5 major decision over Brock Hardy. Winning what was unfortunately the last Lindenwood Open we'll probably ever see, Jamison was 5th at CKLV and 4th in the BIG 12 championships.
14 wins on the season last year, Vince Cornella was an NCAA qualifier for the Big Red last year, also placing 8th at CKLV.
I'm very anxious to see what we're going to see out of Sam Latona this season. It was clear to see something wasn't right with him last year and now that he's up at 141 lbs, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that it was probably the weight cut. How will he fare at 141? That is the question. A healthy Latona has earned All American honors of 6th and 7th.
It should also be noted that NCAA qualifier Tom Crook will be redshirting this season, thus in the room to help Latona in his goals, and not competing with him for the starting spot. That will help, I think.
Powe had himself a very nice season last year, going 25-4, wining a SOCON title and finishing 3rd at the Southern Scuffle.
Here's another good wrestle-off to look forward to. Two time NCAA qualifier Frankie Tal-Shahar up against Joel Vandervere to see who takes the starting spot for the Northwestern Wildcats. Should be a good match. Tal-Shahar owns quality wins, such as a 5-1 win over Midlands champ Jordan Titus. Vandervere defeated Sergio Lemley 11-7.
At various times last season, Jordan Titus looked unstoppable. In particularly, at the Midlands championships, where he secured a title with a technical fall (18-3) over C.J. Composto. Also a Southeast Open champion, Titus was 24-6 overall.
An NCAA qualifier for the Lions, Kai Owen picked up 18 wins on the season. An impressive first period fall over Cael Happel at the 2:34 mark.
Clark was an NCAA qualifier for the Boilermakers last season, taking 17 wins on the year.
141 lbs is full of some great beginning of the season wrestle-offs and here is another. Malyke Hines as an EIWA champion in 2022, but he's since settled for 4th place finishes the past two seasons. Already a four time NCAA qualifier, the Mountain Hawk could become a rare five time qualifier by season's end. A Princeton Open champion last year, he had both a 4-1 as well as a 9-6 decision over C.J. Composto.
Challenging Hines for the starting spot will be Carter Bailey, who has proven himself to be one of the toughest backups in NCAA DI wrestling pretty much his entire career. 5th at the Princeton Open, he took runner-up finishes at both Mat Town & the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Invitational. He had 21 wins in total.
Much like Sam Latona at Virginia Tech, I'm very anxious to see what we see out of Chris Cannon of Michigan this season. Injured last season, Cannon is a two time All American at 133 lbs with back to back 7th place finishes. If healthy this year, can he repeat that kind of success at 141 lbs? Time will let us know. Getting past Lemley for the starting spot in itself will be one Hell of a challenge.
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| Emilio Ysaguirre or Jesse Vasquez Arizona State |
Here's another great wrestle-off that's going to take place at the beginning of the season. Emilio Ysaguirre Vs Jesse Vasquez for the starting position on the Arizona State Sun Devil team. While Vasquez is a returning PAC-12 champion, many of us are excited to see what all Ysaguirre is capable of. He nearly majored Brock Hardy in dual competition 10-4 last year.
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| Cael Happel Northern Iowa |
Speaking of super tough wrestlers yet to make the NCAA award stand, I know Coach Doug Schwab is anxious to crown Cael Happel an All American by season's end. Happel came close to a top eight finish last season, finishing in the country's top 12. A BIG 12 runner-up, he's been 2nd and 3rd in the past two CKLV invitationals and he won the Daktronics Open. It should also be of interest that he owns both a 15-13, as well as an 11-8 decision over Brock Hardy.
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| Vance Vombaur Minnesota |
Truth is at 39 years old, I still feel fairly young. Not sure if I can claim that right anymore or not. As a junior in high school, I watched Vance's father Ben capture his second All American honor. Last year, I watched Vance capture his first. Can son outdo dad and eventually capture three All American medals? Maybe. He has to capture #2 first. 8th in the NCAA, he was 7th at the BIG 10's and 3rd at the Soldier Salute.
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| Sergio Lemley Michigan |
The true freshman showed signs of greatness various times last season, as he ironed out the kinks of a first year of facing NCAA Division I competition. Not only did he take it to multiple time All American Real Woods of Iowa in a match, but he also handed Brock Hardy a 4-2 loss. Lemley was 4th in the BIG 10 championships.
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| Josh Edmond or Zeke Seltzer Missouri |
Here's another good wrestle-off I'm looking forward to as we start the season. Josh Edmond Vs Zeke Seltzer to see who will start for the Tigers of Missouri. Edmond is a two time NCAA qualifier, one match shy of All American honors last season. He was 3rd in the BIG 12's and he owns a 4-3 decision over Cael Happel. Seltzer is every bit as talented. 5th in the Soldier Salute, he owns both an 11-10 decision over Zeth Romney and a 5-4 decision over All American Clay Carlson.
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| Wyatt Henson Lock Haven |
I think that being under the leadership of Scott Moore at Lock Haven has done Wyatt Henson a world of good and I think it shows in the fact that he racked up 34 wins against just 4 losses, winning titles at the Cleveland State Open, The Franklin and Marshall Lehman Invite & the MAC championships. Henson was also 3rd at the Princeton Open. A wrestler you're better off NOT picking bottom against.
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| Cleveland Belton Or Mosha Schwartz Oklahoma |
Sun Devil to Beaver, Cleveland Belton a two time PAC-12 finalist, one match shy of All American honors last year, is going to spend his final season at Oklahoma. His first order of business, and perhaps one of his toughest, will be overcoming Mosha Schwartz for the varsity spot. Despite being injured last season, keep in mind that Schwartz is a three time NCAA qualifier. He also nearly majored R12'er Josh Edmond 11-4, before getting hurt.
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| C.J. Composto Pennsylvania |
An All American in 2022, C.J. Composto came up a little short this past season. 3rd in the EIWA and 2nd at the Midlands, the Quaker will look to win titles at both prestigious tournaments as he also looks to reclaim a spot on the NCAA award stand. 22 wins on the year, he did win the Keystone Classic.
Should also be noted that Composto will have a tough Evan Mougalian pushing him in the room. Mougalian was 2nd at last year's "A Better Way."
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| Tagen Jamison Oklahoma State |
Tagen Jamison reminds of me a five speed automobile. He's not always operating in 5th gear, but once that clutch is pushed in and the gears have been shifted, there's no stopping him. He showed us proof of that a handful of times last season, including a 13-5 major decision over Brock Hardy. Winning what was unfortunately the last Lindenwood Open we'll probably ever see, Jamison was 5th at CKLV and 4th in the BIG 12 championships.
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| Vince Cornella Cornell |
14 wins on the season last year, Vince Cornella was an NCAA qualifier for the Big Red last year, also placing 8th at CKLV.
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| Sam Latona Virginia Tech |
I'm very anxious to see what we're going to see out of Sam Latona this season. It was clear to see something wasn't right with him last year and now that he's up at 141 lbs, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that it was probably the weight cut. How will he fare at 141? That is the question. A healthy Latona has earned All American honors of 6th and 7th.
It should also be noted that NCAA qualifier Tom Crook will be redshirting this season, thus in the room to help Latona in his goals, and not competing with him for the starting spot. That will help, I think.
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| Isaiah Powe UT-Chattanooga |
Powe had himself a very nice season last year, going 25-4, wining a SOCON title and finishing 3rd at the Southern Scuffle.
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| Frankie Tal-Shahar Or Joel Vandervere Northwestern |
Here's another good wrestle-off to look forward to. Two time NCAA qualifier Frankie Tal-Shahar up against Joel Vandervere to see who takes the starting spot for the Northwestern Wildcats. Should be a good match. Tal-Shahar owns quality wins, such as a 5-1 win over Midlands champ Jordan Titus. Vandervere defeated Sergio Lemley 11-7.
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| Jordan Titus West Virginia |
At various times last season, Jordan Titus looked unstoppable. In particularly, at the Midlands championships, where he secured a title with a technical fall (18-3) over C.J. Composto. Also a Southeast Open champion, Titus was 24-6 overall.
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| Kai Owen Columbia |
An NCAA qualifier for the Lions, Kai Owen picked up 18 wins on the season. An impressive first period fall over Cael Happel at the 2:34 mark.
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| Greyson Clark Purdue |
Clark was an NCAA qualifier for the Boilermakers last season, taking 17 wins on the year.
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| Malyke Hines Or Carter Bailey Lehigh |
141 lbs is full of some great beginning of the season wrestle-offs and here is another. Malyke Hines as an EIWA champion in 2022, but he's since settled for 4th place finishes the past two seasons. Already a four time NCAA qualifier, the Mountain Hawk could become a rare five time qualifier by season's end. A Princeton Open champion last year, he had both a 4-1 as well as a 9-6 decision over C.J. Composto.
Challenging Hines for the starting spot will be Carter Bailey, who has proven himself to be one of the toughest backups in NCAA DI wrestling pretty much his entire career. 5th at the Princeton Open, he took runner-up finishes at both Mat Town & the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Invitational. He had 21 wins in total.
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| Chris Cannon Michigan |
Much like Sam Latona at Virginia Tech, I'm very anxious to see what we see out of Chris Cannon of Michigan this season. Injured last season, Cannon is a two time All American at 133 lbs with back to back 7th place finishes. If healthy this year, can he repeat that kind of success at 141 lbs? Time will let us know. Getting past Lemley for the starting spot in itself will be one Hell of a challenge.
UPDATE: In extremely rare and unique news, Chris Cannon is back at Northwestern. In 32 years of watching wrestling, I can only think of one time where a wrestler actually transferred and then transferred back. Nevertheless, cool! Means he'll also be looking to add another Midlands medal to the resume.
The question now is, does he compete for the spot at 141 or does he go down to 133?
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| Joey Olivieri Rutgers |
Coming off of a redshirt, Joey Olivieri plans to make some noise this year. An NCAA qualifier in 2022, he was second at the Princeton Open last season. He also had an impressive 7-3 decision over Wyatt Henson.
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| Dylan Chappell Bucknell |
Despite the fact that the EIWA has been rather loaded the past two seasons, Dylan Chappell has shocked me by wrestling his way to the finals twice. If he's able to become a three time EIWA finalist this season, I'll be very impressed. Overall Chappell had 22 wins last season.
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| Kal Miller Maryland |
If we were to talk about wrestlers the way we do cars, the first thing that I'd say about Kal Miller is that the guy has exceptional gas mileage. The Terrapin seems to never wear out and in a sport that prides itself on conditioning, simply being in phenomenal shape is an advantage Miller often has. Twice sent to the NCAA championships via an at large wildcard, Miller was 3rd at the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Invitational & he picked up a 2-1 tiebreaker over R12'er Josh Edmond.
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| Danny Pucino Illinois |
14 wins on the season, Dylan Pucino was 4th in the Midlands and 8th at the BIG 10's.
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| Todd Carter Gardner Webb |
The race for a SOCON title will be a tight one, and another among the candidates will be Runnin' Bulldog Todd Carter. An NCAA qualifier last season, Carter was 3rd at the Blake Knight Invitational & 6th at the Southern Scuffle. He garnered 26 wins on the year.
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| Pat Phillips Franklin & Marshall |
Pat Phillips heads into his final season as a Diplomat one of the best seniors (final year eligibility-ers) yet to qualify for the NCAA championships. The EIWA will be as loaded as it has ever been during his time competing in the conference, but among those looking for a spot on the award stand and a trip to the dance, he's among them. 3rd at the Keystone Classic & 6th at the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Invitational, he's been 2nd & 6th thus far at the Southeast Open.
UPDATE: Pat Phillips will be redshirting this season.
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| Cullan Schriever Iowa |
Behind Austin DeSanto in 2023& behind Brody Teske in 2024, Cullan Schriever moves up to 141 lbs, looking for a starting spot in the Hawkeye lineup. He's had some very nice victories via 133 lbs, and now will test the waters 8 lbs up.
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| Haiden Drury Utah Valley |
An NCAA qualifier back in 2022, Haiden Drury hasn't had quite as much success up at 141 lbs as he did at 133 lbs. Nevertheless, he is still an NCAA qualification contender in '24-'25. A RENO runner-up, he was 7th at the BIG 12's last season. Although he hasn't placed at the past two CKLV intivationals, he was 3rd there three seasons ago.
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| Jason Miranda Stanford |
Jason Miranda is one of those guys that seems to finish around 34th or so by the end of each season. Unfortunately, the NCAA only takes the top 33 in its end of the season national championships. What Miranda needs is to start winning those close matches that he's hand in the past with wrestlers who are ranked higher than him. 4th & 3rd in the past two PAC-12 championships, he did make the finals of the Southern Scuffle last year.
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| Jack Gioffre Virginia |
3rd at the Southeast Open last season, Jack Gioffre racked up 14 victories on the year.
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| Shannon Hanna Campbell |
I said the SOCON at 141 lbs would be rather loaded this year and I meant it. Lord knows when at large/wildcard bids are handed out, the usually start North and become scraps by the time they head south. Therefore it'll be a dogfight to see who gets out of the Southern Conference this season. Hanna is thus far a two time NCAA qualifier.
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| Nate Higley Bellarmine |
Adding to the depth that will be the SOCON this season at 141 lbs, Nate Higley, a transfer of George Mason, looks to not only become Bellarmine's first NCAA qualifier, but also the Knights first SOCON champion. He won "A Better Way" last season.
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| Jake Frost Iowa State |
Brother Evan was an All American for the Cyclones last season, and Jake is capable of just as much magic as is his mirror image. Suggested evidence to support the claim? A 7-3 decision over R12'er Josh Edmond.
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| Sean Carter Appalachian State |
Never would have thought in a million years there would be this much competition to talk about via the SOCON, but here at 141 lbs, we have yet another tough wrestler to discuss. Sean Carter was an NCAA qualifier all the way back in 2021. Back from a redshirt, he looks to pick up another qualification in 2025.
Bell is a two time NCAA qualifier for the Broncos who will look to make a third trip to the national tournament this season.
Ironically enough, the MAC is as unusually packed as is the SOCON this season. Dylan Layton will look for NCAA qualification. 3rd at the Navy Classic last season, he scored a wild 22-18 win over Jake Frost.
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| McKenzie Bell Rider |
Bell is a two time NCAA qualifier for the Broncos who will look to make a third trip to the national tournament this season.
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| Dylan Layton Cleveland State |
Ironically enough, the MAC is as unusually packed as is the SOCON this season. Dylan Layton will look for NCAA qualification. 3rd at the Navy Classic last season, he scored a wild 22-18 win over Jake Frost.
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| Jimmy Nugent Central Michigan |
Another MAC contender this season is Jimmy Nugent of Central Michigan. 20 wins on the season, he was 6th at the Midlands.
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| Richard Treanor Army |
Simply placing in the top 8 at the 2025 EIWA championships will be a chore for those in the bracket of the 141 lbs championships. It's going to be locked and loaded from top to bottom. Richard Treanor 5th at the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Open has some notable wins under his built. Including the fact that he's defeated Pat Phillips every time he's stepped on the mat with him.
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| Tyler Vazquez Princeton |
Vazquez was 5th at the EIWA championships last season.
Gavin Drexler of North Dakota State will contend for NCAA qualification this season. Among his victories last year, a 6-4 decision over All American Vance Vombaur.
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| Gavin Drexler North Dakota State |
Gavin Drexler of North Dakota State will contend for NCAA qualification this season. Among his victories last year, a 6-4 decision over All American Vance Vombaur.
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| Malachi Bordovsky Drexel |
The Dragons of Drexel picked up an excellent transfer in NJCAA champion Malachi Bordovsky who comes into the program from Iowa Western.
