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| Richard Figueroa Arizona State |
A backup in 2023, Richard Figueroa proved that you don't have to start every season in order to be a star in this sport, winning the NCAA DI title in 2024. He'll go into this season the #1 ranked wrestler at 125 lbs, but it'll be anything but easy to stay at the top. 125 lbs is the very definition of parity, and he's not without loss. A junior eligibility wise, he was 17-5 on the season last year as a sophomore.
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| Drake Ayala Iowa |
Stepping in and stepping it up, is a large piece of the puzzle that makes up the "Iowa style" and few fit that description better than Drake Ayala. The replacement for three time NCAA DI champion, Spencer Lee, Ayala proved himself worthy of the spot taking 3rd at the BIG 10 championships and runner-up honors at the NCAA's. Among those that will be gunning for an NCAA title this season, the Hawkeye is among them. 27-5 on the season, he was also a Soldier Salute champion.
UPDATE: Looks like Ayala is making a move up to 133 lbs or 141 lbs. Heard & seen both by various accounts so far. Be interesting to see him at either weight. Hard to evaluate until the move is actually made. Some Hawks in the past have had a lot of success going up a weight class. Cliff Moore, classic example. Two 6th place finishes at 133 lbs & then totally dominates to win the 141 lbs weight class. Perhaps Ayala will have this kinda success moving up.
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| Anthony Noto Lock Haven |
Power school this, power school that, the three time MAC champ, with All American finishes of 4th and 3rd is showing the wrestling world the small schools can still produce big talent. 21-3 last year, the Bald Eagle has significantly improved season to season. '24-'25 will be no different.
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| Matt Ramos Purdue |
The guy who kept a three time NCAA champion from becoming a four time NCAA champion, and he didn't even place last year. If that isn't all the testimony you need for how insanely tough NCAA DI wrestling is, then call up Guinness, because you have set a record for being unpleasable. We talk about parity a lot in this sport, especially at this level. An NCAA runner-up in 2023, Ramos is the kind of guy that could easily end his season as the national champion. He's also the kinda guy that could once again, narrowly miss out on the top 8. 7th-3rd-4th thus far in the BIG 10, he'll also be looking to make his first conference final.
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| Luke Stanich Lehigh |
The true-freshman was quite a pleasant surprise for the Mountain Hawks last season, first capturing our attention with an outstanding showing at the Midlands. He then won his first EIWA title and finished 5th at the NCAA championships. If he was that good coming straight out of high school, it can only be imagined how good he'll be with a year of college under his belt.
Stanich will be backed up by a tough Sheldon Seymour, who had 13 wins on the season in his own right last year. Defeating Tyler Klinsky twice, he also had a victory over Ethan Berginc.
UPDATE: Stanich will be redshirting this season & is projected to be going 133 lbs in the '25-'26 season. Thus giving Seymour the opportunity to be the starter.
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| Braeden Davis Penn State |
22-4 last year as a redshirt freshman. Things didn't quite end the way Braeden Davis was hoping they would when he finished one match shy of All American honors. He did however win a BIG 10 title and he had an assortment of notable victories. Two wins over Michael DeAugustino, he also defeated Eric Barnett and Pat McKee. If anything lets you know just how tough Davis is bound to be this season, look no further than who he has to defeat in the room, just to make the varsity spot. Robert Howard, Gary Steen, and Kurt McHenry. That's three NCAA qualifier caliber wrestlers he has to face day in and day out.
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| Caleb Smith Nebraska |
With a great run at the NCAA championships that resulted in a 6th place All American finish, Caleb Smith ended his first season as a Husker on a high note. 24 wins on the season, he was also a Navy Classic champion, taking 3rd at Cliff Keen Las Vegas.
Backing Smith up in the lineup will be a very tough true freshman Kael Lauridsen who will be redshirting this season. For what it's worth he bested NCAA DII All American Zach Ourada 11-2 in the finals of the UNK-Hospitality Open last year.
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| Jore Volk Wyoming |
Preseason predictions have Jore Volk, 7th in the nation last year, looking for another All American honor. I have a feeling within a couple of months, we may very well consider him within the hunt for a national title. Titles won at the BIG 12 and in Reno (where he defeated NCAA champion Figueroa), he was 5th in Vegas and a runner-up at the Soldier Salute. Hope he has plenty of room left in the trophy case, he'll need it.
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| Dean Peterson Rutgers |
A bit of a back and forth season for current junior Dean Peterson last year. Definitely gave us some glimpses of what he's capable of in '24-'25, including a very impressive 7-1 decision over Matt Ramos at the BIG 10 championships. Thus far Peterson has been 7th & 5th in BIG 10 competition.
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| Jakob Camacho North Carolina State |
A medical hardship sees the return of three time ACC champion Jakob Camacho of North Carolina State. Injuries hampering the veteran member of the Wolfpack have had a lot to do with why we haven't seen him yet on the NCAA award stand. Perhaps this will finally be his year to nab All American honors. Victories such as his 8-5 decision over Matt Ramos last year, show that he more than has the tools, if he can stay healthy.
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| Tanner Jordan South Dakota State |
Immensely improved, Tanner Jordan is a walking advertisement for the term, "tournament wrestler." He came out of nowhere last year to take 8th at the NCAA's, with four straight consolation victories, which included an 11-4 decision over Pat McKee, a 3-0 win over Brett Ungar and a 9-3 decision over Troy Spratley. Thus far the Jackrabbit has 6th & 8th place finishes at CKLV, and he was 5th at last year's BIG 12 championships.
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| Stevo Poulin Northern Colorado |
One of the best wrestlers in the nation yet to make All American, 2023 BIG 12 champion, Stevo Poulin slipped to a 7th place finish last season. A reminder of how unforgivable this sport can be. Twice the R12 at the NCAA's, Poulin is a two time Southern Scuffle place-winner, having placed 6th in 2023, winning the tournament last year.
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| Troy Spratley Oklahoma State |
23-8 on the season, Troy Spratley finished his redshirt freshman campaign one match shy of placing at both CKLV and the NCAA's. The highlight of the year was making the BIG 12 finals. Many of his losses came in sudden victory, giving premise to the idea that many of those losses can be turned around. While some will remain the same, and some might not take to the new leadership of Oklahoma State, Sprately strikes me as one who will thrive underneath it.
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| Greg Diakomihalis Cornell |
With Brett Ungar moving up to 133 lbs, it looks like the 125 lbs varsity spot on the Big Red roster is going to belong to Greg Diakomihalis. Brother of a four time NCAA DI champion, Greg has big shoes to fill, and a lot to live up to, for wrestling fans who never settle for anything less than absolute expectation. He's shown plenty of glimpses of what he's capable of, including nearly teching Diego Sotelo in a 14-3 major decision.
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| Nico Provo Stanford |
Bernard Muir may not like it or recognize it, but the wrestling community does. Stanford has a solid wrestling team, that could easily produce as many as 8 NCAA qualifiers, with some All American hopefuls. One of those All American hopefuls is Nico Provo. 20 wins on the season, he won CKLV, taking runner-up honors at both the Southern Scuffle and the PAC-12 championships.
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| Cooper Flynn Minnesota |
4th at the Midlands and an ACC runner-up last season, Cooper Flynn has decided to spend the rest of his career in the BIG 10 as a member of Minnesota. An excellent replacement for the now graduated Pat McKee, Flynn will fit in nicely as a member of the Maroon and Gold.
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| Diego Sotelo Harvard |
I've been saying for years that the shot of rejuvenation that Harvard needs to begin their redemption is to put a wrestler on the award stand at the NCAA championships. If any Crimson is to do so in 2025, it is Diego Sotelo. Thus far 3rd and 5th in the Midlands championships, he is by far the star of the team. Making a top 8 finish at the NCAA's is most certainly doable. Wins such as an 11-8 decision over Anthony Noto & a 5-3 decision over Jore Volk are all the evidence you need.
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| Brendan McCrone Ohio State |
Twenty wins on the season for the Buckeye in his first varsity season representing the scarlet and gray. One match shy of a top eight showing in Vegas, he received a wildcard entry into the NCAA's via the BIG 10. Stuck Jakob Camacho in 37 seconds.
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| Jett Strickenberger West Virginia |
20 victories on the season last year, Jett Strickenberger was more than happy to show the world of NCAA DI wrestling what a NJCAA transfer could do. Many quality victories over top 20 opponents, Strickenberger won the Southeast Open & finished 3rd at the BIG 12 championships.
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| Eli Griffin California Baptist |
22 wins on the year for Eli Griffin who became the Lancers' first NCAA DI qualifier with an 8th place finish at the BIG 12 championships. Also a Midlands runner-up, Griffin scored an impressive 7-4 decision over Stevo Poulin.
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| Anthony Molton Campbell |
Luck hasn't favored Anthony Molton thus far in his career. Forced to find new homes due to the discontinuation of both Old Dominion & Fresno State wrestling, Molton was one of the best wrestlers left home in the '23-'24 season. He finished 3rd in the Southern Conference last year, with 21 victories on the season. '25 could very well be his year to finally shine. He'll be the favorite to win a conference title.
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| Noah Surtin Missouri |
A four time NCAA qualifier, Noah Surtin heads into his final year of competition looking to secure a fifth qualification and his first All American honor. Injuries saw him finish 6th in the BIG 12 championships, but he has been a conference finalist in the past. Notable wins include a 7-4 s.v. over Jore Volk and a 14-6 major decision over Tanner Jordan.
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| Max Gallagher Pennsylvania |
A true freshman last season, Max Gallagher won twenty matches for the Quakers last year. Winning a Keystone title, he qualified for his first NCAA DI championships with a 5th place finish at the EIWA.
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| Ethan Berginc and Charlie Farmer Army |
Thus far 4th & 3rd in the EIWA championships, Ethan Berginc qualified for his second NCAA DI tournament last year sporting 24 wins on the season. He was also 3rd at the Southern Scuffle. He will be pushed for the starting spot by Charlie Farmer, who in 20 wins of his own, had some pretty impressive victories himself. One of which included a 4-2 decision over Max Gallagher.
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| Kysen Terukina Iowa State |
Injuries have hampered Kysen Terukina his entire career, but nevertheless, the Cyclone has managed to qualify for the NCAA championships on three occasions. If he can finally have a season without any health hiccups, we could finally see him at 100%. What would a 100% Terukina be capable of? Well, let's just say that he nearly teched three time All American Eric Barnett 14-3. That in itself is plenty of indication. Terukina was 4th at the BIG 12 championships last year.
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| Tristan Lujan Michigan State |
An NCAA qualifier for the Spartans last season, Tristan Lujan was also 8th at the Midlands championships. He had impressive wins over Greg Diakomihalis (5-4) and Brendan McCrone (5-0).
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| Blake West Northern Illinois |
As the Huskies continue to rebuild their program, one of the highlights for '24-'25 could very well be Blake West. 27 wins on the season last year, he qualified for the NCAA championships making the MAC finals. He was also 3rd at the Michigan State Open & 6th at the Midlands.
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| Tyler Klinsky Rider |
The young Bronco earned 20 victories last season & a Wildcard at large birth to the NCAA championships.
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| Tucker Owens Air Force |
An NCAA qualifier in 2023, Tucker Owens missed out on qualification last year. There's good reason to think he'll make it back to the dance in '25. Champion at the Appalachian State Mountaineer Open, he's thus far a two time runner-up at the Navy Classic.
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| Jack Maida American |
Maida is another 2023 NCAA qualifier, who came up short of qualification in 2024. Finishing 8th at the EIWA championships, he won 5 matches.
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| Trever Anderson Northern Iowa |
Despite having a losing record last season, I would still consider Trever Anderson as danger on the mat and a threat to NCAA DI qualification. The guy is a dangerous pinner, who proved in a 5:20 fall over Nick Babin and a 6:15 fall over Eli Griffin, that he knows how to put shoulders to the mat. He also had an impressive 8-5 tiebreaker over Kysen Terukina.
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| Spencer Moore North Carolina |
Fell a bit short of NCAA qualification last season with a 3rd place showing at the ACC championships. 15 wins on the season, he did defeat 2023 All American Brandon Kaylor by a 2-0 score.
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| Nick Babin Columbia |
A 2023 NCAA qualifier, Nick Babin came up a little short of qualification last season. He should more than contend to make it back to the dance this season. 16 wins on the season, he defeated Max Gallagher by a score of 4-0.
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| Colton Camacho Edinboro |
Thus far 4th & 3rd in the ACC representing Pittsburgh, Colton Camacho will spend his final year of eligibility looking to earn his first NCAA qualification for the Fighting Scots of Edinboro. He's had some notable victories in his career, including three impressive wins last year. A 19-4 technical fall over Tyler Klinsky, he scored a 14-9 decision over Brendan McCrone & a 3-1 decision over Brett Ungar.
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| Sean Spidle Central Michigan |
A runner-up at the Michigan State Open, with 16 wins on the season, Sean Spidle will look for NCAA qualification this season.
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| Markel Baker George Mason |
I tell you what. The MAC at 125 lbs this season is going to be very interesting. With Anthony Noto the clear favorite, it's hard telling who will finish where as to the rest of the spots on the podium. A plausible finalist is Markel Baker, who redshirted last season. Despite redshirting he still managed to stick Tyler Klinsky in 6:12 & score a 6-2 decision over Blake West.
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| Joey Fischer Clarion |
As we continue to look at the MAC, another possible contender here is Joey Fischer. Thus far he's been 2nd-5th-6th at the MAC championships. What he has going for him most, is that he owns a 9-6 decision over Anthony Noto. All in all, Fischer had 18 wins last year.
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| Eddie Ventresca Virginia Tech |
Wrestling being the NCAA's most cryptic sport, as to why Eddie Ventresca struggled so much last year, I have no idea. Injury? Weight management? Illness? It's hard to tell. Could be any of the above. None of the above. A combination of the above. What I do know, is that a healthy Ventresca is a very tough wrestler. 7th in the nation in 2023, if we see the Ventresca from two seasons ago, we have ourselves a 2025 All American contender.
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| Max Renteria Oregon State |
Here's a guy that I'm really anxious to see how he does this year. 1-5 record to start off his career, following it up with a 4-14 record in year two. Yet last year, he scores a 9-5 decision over eventual NCAA DI champion Richard Figueroa. Are we talking someone who has made record breaking improvements? Or are we talking the ultimate upset? Time has the answer it will soon enough reveal.
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| Chad Bellis Appalachian State |
20 wins on the season last year, Chad Bellis looks to be an NCAA qualifier for the Mountaineers of Appalachian State this year.
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| Jacob Moran Indiana |
Coming off of a redshirt, Jacob Moran looks to earn NCAA qualification in what will be his junior season of competition.
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| Bridger Ricks Utah Valley |
Honestly, I was surprised when Bridger Ricks went to Utah Valley. I really thought he'd end up at Wyoming. However, I'm very happy to see him at Utah Valley. The Wolverines have been continuously building their program up & often don't get enough recognition for the positive changes that are happening there. The two time NJCAA All American (4th & 2nd) & two time Plains District champion will be an excellent addition to the team.
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