AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = HWT

 Things are very competitive here at NCAA DI's heaviest weight class.  Only four spots available & I couldn't narrow this one down to anything less than seven.  Going to be four happy wrestlers when the At-Large/Wildcards are announced, and three unhappy. 

#4
Isaac Trumble
North Carolina State

Being a team possibly in contention for a top four team trophy at the NCAA championships, Isaac Trumble is heavily artillery that the Wolfpack cannot do without.  Unfortunately, injury kept him from having the type of  ACC he should have had.  Nonetheless, he proved himself multiple times throughout the season.  A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, he earned a runner-up finish at this year's CKLV. 

#7
Yaraslau Slavikouski
Rutgers

7th in the DI nation a year ago, Yaraslau Slavikouski became a three-time Midlands place-winner earlier this year with finishes of 4th-4th-3rd.  Owns a 14-2 major over Peter Ming, a 3-2 tiebreaker over Jacob Bullock & a 4-1 s.v. over Luke Luffman. 

#15
Lance Runyon
Northern Iowa

If the whole nation is rooting against Ryder Rogotzke for his recent actions at the BIG 10 tournament, then the whole nation ought to be rooting FOR Lance Runyon to get an At Large/Wildcard bid.  From a team perspective, the Panthers are a favorite among the many great stories the '24-'25 season has produced.  The story of a program having so much stacked up against it, yet a Coach & his team rising up against all odds to have the many successes they've had.  On a personal level, how can you not want a kid like Lance Runyone to get a nod?  A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, he bumped up from 174 lbs to compete at the HWT division to help out his team.  I mean who does that?  7th at CKLV, the Panther owns falls over both Cory Day (6:32) & Jordan Greer (2:52).  He also owns a 7-2 decision over Luke Rasmussen & a 13-1 major over Trevor Tinker. 

#22
Juan Mora
Oklahoma

The Sooner owns a 10-3 decision over Luke Rasmussen. 

#23
Harley Andrews
Nebraska

The Husker has a losing record, but as I've mentioned in previous posts, quality over quanity.  8th at CKLV, he owns both a 0:38 fall over Cory Day & a 16-13 s.v. over Trevor Tinker. 

#31
Brett Mower
Oregon State

The Beaver was 5th at CKLV earlier this season & owns a 14-10 dec over Luke Rasmussen. 

#32
Dan Herrera
Iowa State

27 wins on the year, the young Cyclone owns a 7-2 decision over Luke Rasmussen & a 6:36 fall over Jordan Greer. 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 197 lbs

 Four seems to be the magic number this year when it comes to At-Large/Wildcard berths.   As to who will get them at 197?  I've narrowed it down to five.  Who will be the odd man out? 

#11
Joey Novak
Wyoming

23-5 on the season, an NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, Joey Novak seems a very likely candidate to get a nod here at 197 lbs.  8th & 4th in CKLV, owns an 8-0 major over Mickey O'Malley & a 9-6 s.v. over Ian Bush. 

#27
Ben Vanadia
Purdue

18 wins on the season, what makes the case for Ben Vanadia is that he owns many head-to-heads with other four in his position. 

#28
Wolfgang Frable
Army

The Cadet is 21-10 on the year.  4th in the Southern Scuffle, he owns a 4-2 win over three-time SOCON champ Levi Hopkins & he has a 7-2 decision over Payton Thomas. 

#30
Carson Floyd
Appalachian State

The Mountaineer is 28-8 on the season with some good wins. 

#31
Christian Knop
North Carolina State

What's killing the Wolf here is the fact that he has a losing record.  However, this could end up a case of quality over quantity.  He may not have the number of wins that the other four wrestlers mentioned do, but he has some notable wins that really stick out.  A 4:12 fall over Pat Brophy & a 5-2 win over Mikey Dellagatta. 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 184 lbs

 184 lbs actually has quite a few in contention for the five At-Large/Wildcard bids that the NCAA DI will soon be handing out, but I have narrowed it down to six wrestlers I think are in the best position to receive them.  Of course four will & two won't.

#10
Colton Hawks
Missouri 

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, Colton Hawks was one match shy of NCAAA DI qualification last year. 

#18
Ryder Rogotzke
Ohio State

An illegal & dangerous move, that many believe was done purposefully, Ryder Rogotzke is perhaps the mosted disliked wrestler in NCAA Division I wrestling today.  Regardless of how fans may feel about him, he's still one of the top candidates at the moment to receive a wildcard.  An NCAA DI qualifier last year, owns a 56 second fall over D.J. Washington. 

#21
T.J. Stewart
Virginia Tech

7th in the nation a year ago, '24-'25 hasn't been anywhere near as good of a season for the Hokie as many were hoping it'd be.  Nonetheless, he has still wrestled well enough to where he's a strong candidate for NCAA DI qualification through the At Large/Wildcard system.  Was 5th at the Southern Scuffle. 

#25
Dennis Robin
West Virginia

An NCAA DI qualifier in 2022, a 7th place finish at CKLV is great testimony for Dennis Robin, as is an 11-5 decision over D.J. Parker. 

#26
Jaden Bullock
Michigan

The Wolverine was an NCAA DI qualifier last year & became a two-time CKLV place-winner this year.  Owns 6th & 8th place finishes out in Vegas. 

#28
Colin Fegley
Lock Haven

The Bald Eagle carries a 21-10 record, with a 4-2 victory over Shane Cartegena-Walsh. 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 174 lbs

Here at 174 lbs, we only have four available spots & we have six wrestlers who will be fighting to get them.  

#5
Lorenzo Norman
Stanford

There are no guarantees in this sport, but you can be 99.99% positive that one of our wildcard bids is going to Lorenzo Norman.  Another member of the strong amount of youth in Palo Alto, the Cardinal made the CKLV finals & then a few weeks later won at Midlands title.  Who hasn't he defeated this season? 10-1 major over Aiden Riggins, a 12-7 decision over Danny Wask & a 10-6 decision over Garrett Thompson.  Also owns a 3-1 decision over Alex Cramer, an 8-6 decision over Luca Augustine & a 10-1 major over Jack McGill. 

#15
Myles Takats
Bucknell

22-7 on the season, Myles Takats was an NCAA DI qualifier last year.  Placing 3rd at the Midlands earlier this season, has many notable wins in '24-'25.  16-2 major over Alex Cramer, a 9-6 decision over M.J. Gaitan & a 4-1 s.v. over Luca Augustine.  4-1 s.v. over Dalton Harkins, owns an 11-1 major decision over Jack McGill & an 11-3 major over Simon Ruiz. 

#16
Nick Incontrera
Pennsylvania

Sorta ticked off that Nick Incontrera is even in this position to begin with.  Really shouldn't be, but nevertheless he is.  A three-time NCAA DI qualifier, the Quaker is 22-6 on the year.  Proved as far as I'm concerned to be one of the best of modern times to not win a Midlands title in his career going 2nd-3rd-2nd.  Owns a 6-0 decision over Garrett Thompson, an 11-2 major over Matty Singleton & an 8-5 decision over Danny Braunagel. 

#24
Jackson Turley
Rutgers

Jackson Turley is a three-time NCAA DI qualifier who earned 8th place All American honors in 2021. He was 5th at the Midlands earlier this year & owns a 4-1 decision over Danny Braunagel. 

#27
Brody Conley
West Virginia 

An NCAA DI qualifier last year, Brody Conley owns both a 14-2 major over M.J. Gaitan & an 8-5 decision over Jared Simma. 

#28
Lucas Uliano
Appalachian State

23-8 on the season, Lucas Uliano owns a technical fall, 19-3 over Lennox Wolak. 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 165 lbs

 Another competitive weight class, here at 165 lbs we have four spaces left & five talented wrestlers going for them.  Not sure who the odd man out will be, but unfortunately one of the five I mention below will be staying home. Perhaps more if the selection committee has others included that I have not.  

#7 
Will Miller
Appalachian State

When it comes to At-Large/Wildcard selections you can probably count on one hand how many the Southern Conference has received over the years.  If they have a shoe-in this year, it is two-time NCAA DI qualifier Will Miller of Appalachian State. The Mountaineer lost in the SOCON finals, but I believe being 21-2 on the season with some notable wins, should get him invited to the dance.  4-3 over Andrew Sparks, 7-3 over Derek Fields & 2-1 tiebreaker over Mac Church. 

#12
Drake Rhodes
South Dakota State

Injuries are unfortunately a part of the wrestling world & that's the case with Drake Rhodes.  Fortunately though, we live in a day in age, where getting injured at the conference tournament doesn't automatically disqualify you from competing in the NCAA DI tournament.  21-5 on the year, many of the Jackrabbit's victories have been over formidable opponents.  12-7 over Jack Thomson, he defeated Nicco Ruiz 5-4.  8-4 over Hunter Garvin, 5-0 over Jared Keslar & a 17-2 technical fall over Enrique Munguia.  He was also 5th at CKLV. 

#19
Tyler Lillard
Indiana 

An NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, ranked #19, with 19 wins on the season, we're looking at our Midlands champion from earlier this season.  Owns a 7-3 decision over Maxx Mayfield & a 6-3 sudden victory over ACC champ Hunter Garvin. 

#22
Tony White
Rutgers 

An NCAA DI qualifier back in 2023, key wins for Tony White this year include 6-1 over Enrique Munguia, 4-3 over Cesar Alvan & 4-2 over Jordan Keslar. 

#30
Tate Picklo
Oklahoma

A very ugly BIG 12 for the Sooner, but I'll tell you what Tate Picklo does have going for himself.  A 2023 NCAA DI qualifier, looked sharp at the Southern Scuffle picking up a 3rd place finish.  Owns a 15-6 major decision over SOCON champ Thomas Snipes. 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 157 lbs

Very competitive here at 157 lbs.   We have six At large/Wildcard spots available & we have 8 individuals who are looking for them.  Who will be those six?

#9
Trevor Chumbley
Northwestern

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, a very high ranking isn't the only thing that will help Trevor Chumbley get into the NCAA's this year.  A high number of quality wins over qualifiers will.  4-1 over Matty Bianchi, 8-4 over Caleb Fish, & 5-0 over Chase Saldate.  Also owns a 7-0 decision over Connor Harer who defeated him 2-1 tiebreaker at the BIG 10's. 

#21
Dylan Evans
Pittsburgh

21-7 on the year, Dylan Evans was 5th at the Midlands championships & also owns both a 4-1 decision over Sonny Santiago & a 4-1 s.v. over Rafael Hipolito. 

#28
Grigor Cholakyan
Stanford

A tough freshman for the Cardinal, Grigor Cholakyan was 7th at the Midlands earlier this season.  He actually defeated Sonny Santiago 4-2 at the ACC's.  However, while Santiago wrestled his way back to qualification, Cholakyan finished a match short. 

#29
Conner Harer
Rutgers

As previously mentioned, the Scarlet Knight owns a 2-1 tiebreaker over Trevor Chumbley. 

#30
Jason Kraisser
Illinois

An NCAA DI qualifier in 2023, Jason Kraisser owns a 16-9 victory over Paddy Gallagher on the year. 

#31
Luke Nichter
Drexel

The Dragon scored a very impressive 1:57 fall over Luke Nichter earlier this season. 

#32
Blake Saito
Brown

The Bears of Brown could really use an NCAA DI qualifier.  They haven't sent anyone since 2019 & they're do.  I'd love to see Blake Saito, who won the Midlands title earlier this season get a nod.  Extremely competitive weight though. 

#33
Legend Lamer
Cal Poly

A three-time NCAA DI qualifier, I'd really hate to see Legend Lamer not make it four in his final attempt.  However, the 7-3 loss to C.J. Hamblin at the PAC-12 championships could very well be the nail in the coffin that keeps him out.  What the Mustang has going for him is a 4-3 victory over D.J. McGee, the MAC champ.  


===

Honestly I don't know how this one is going to shake out.  Rankings are one thing, results are another. I'd lay money down on Trevor Chumbley, that's for sure, but the other five?  I think it gets rather tricky, and I have a feeling some revoting might need to take place among the committee before a final decision is made. 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 149 lbs

 Four spots available here at 149 lbs & as far as I'm concerned, six worthy candidates.   Let's take a look at who they are. 

#15
Jaden Abas
Stanford

The son of a three-time NCAA DI finalist & the nephew of a three-time NCAA DI champion, Jaden Abas is looking to become a five-time NCAA DI qualifier.  7th in the DI nation back in 2021, Abas has had a career of ups & downs, this season in particular resembling that remark.  One of the downs of course, coming up short of automatic qualification at the ACC championships.  Many ups on the year though.  3rd at CKLV, Abas won a Midlands title.  A 4-2 victory over Sammy Alvarez & a 7-2 decision over Colin Realbuto, he majored Jack Gioffre 14-2.  Also owns a 5-1 decision over Koy Buesgens.  Might not count towards anything, but a 1:42 fall over All American Anthony Echemendia (he's been out with injury) is pretty impressive too if you ask me. 

#22
Finn Solomon
Pittsburgh

Right behind Abas in an ACC bracket that took the top 4, Finn Solomon looks for NCAA DI qualification via an At Large/Wildcard bid.  A 4-3 win over Kal Miller on the year, the Panther took 6th at the Midlands. 

#25
Sam Cartella
Northwestern

A few spots behind Finn Solomon in the rankings, Cartella finished one spot ahead of him at the Midlands where he took 5th place. 

#26
Gabe Willochell
Wyoming

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, Gabe Willochell will be in the fight for one of the At large/Wildcard bids.  

#27
Malyke Hines
Lehigh

A four-time NCAA DI qualifier, I honestly think it'd be absolute horse manure if they leave Malyke Hines home this year.  In a bracket that only took the champion, he's now split 1-1 with Trae McDaniel, whom he beat earlier this year 12-10.  Also owns a 5-4 decision over Ethan Fernandez. 

#30
Drew Roberts
Minnesota

Roberts is another candidate for selection.   An NCAA DI qualifier last year, owns an 8-6 decision over Gavin Drexel. 

 

AT LARGE: Wild Card Candidates for 2025 NCAA DI's = 133 lbs

 
It makes me sick to my stomach.  Only four spots left here at 133 lbs.  As far as I'm concerned, there are seven worthy candidates.  That means that three of the talents I list here will not be going to the NCAA DI championships.   

#3
Evan Frost
Iowa State

Might as well put a stamp on it & put it in the outgoing mail, cause this one is as good as delivered.  6th in the DI nation last season, earned his second runner-up finish at CKLV, and he's ranked #3.  18-4 on the year, a 5-0 win over Ethan Oakley, a 6-3 decision over Kurt Phipps & an 11-3 major over Derrick Cardinal.  What happened to Evan Frost is that he fell victim to the "once a year huge win" that Kade Moore pulls off every season.  That's all.  The Cyclone will be going to the DI championships.  Take it to the bank. 

#8
Tyler Knox
Stanford

Might as well consider this one a guarantee too.  24-6 on the year, Knox unfortunately finished 4th in an ACC bracket that took the top 3.  5th in CKLV & a Midlands Champion, the redshirt freshman has plenty of victories to make his case.  15-10 over BIG 10 runner-up Drake Ayala, 5-3 over Zeth Romney, 5-0 over Jacob Van Dee, 9-6 over Ivy League champ Ryan Miller, 10-3 over Dylan Shawver & 9-1 over Kai Orine.  

#18
Tyler Wells
Minnesota

Tyler Wells is certainly a worthy candidate for NCAA DI qualification.  The Golden Gopher was one match shy of being an All American last year.  Owns an 8-2 decision over EIWA champ Kurt Phipps, a 3-2 decision over Braxton Brown & a 6-3 decision over Kade Moore. 

#20
Reece Witcraft
Oklahoma State

A true team player, Reece Witcraft is the kinda guy you like to see succeed.  He's been through the thick and think with the Cowboys, and while many others would have transferred out, he stuck it through with his team.  And speaking of his team, Oklahoma State sure could use him as they duke it out with Iowa in a battle for the silver trophy.  A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, his performance at CKLV is his greatest asset.  4th, he defeated Jacob Van Dee 8-1 & Derrick Cardinal 10-3.  He also owns a 6-3 decision over Kade Moore. 

#21
Cleveland Belton
Oklahoma

Can we call it Bedlam?  I say this because I'm very confident that 3/4's of our Wildcards here are going to be Evan Frost, Tyler Knox & Tyler Wells.  It's that #4 slot that I'm pondering about, and as luck would have it, it's between a Cowboy & a Sooner.  

Witcraft is one spot ahead of Belton in the rankings, but I seriously doubt that's going to hold much water.  Witcraft owning the head to head with a 5:43 fall however is likely to spell out the difference.  Nonetheless Belton was one match shy of NCAA DI All American honors last year, and he owns a 4-1 win over Sean Spidle & an 11-5 decision over Kade Moore. 

#23
Ethan Berginc
Army

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, Ethan Berginc has been 4th-3rd-3rd within the EIWA.  Unfortunately, I believe a 5-1 loss to Kyle Waterman is going to keep him out of the dance this year.  Most certainly one of the best at 125 to DNQ if that is the case.  Owns both a 9-6 decision & a 2:25 fall over SOCON champ T.K. Davis & owns a 4-1 s.v. over Anthony Noto who just won his fourth MAC title.   25-6 on the year. 

#33
Markel Baker
Northern Illinois

A worthy candidate, I have a feeling Markel Baker is unfortunately going to make JT#1's "Best of 2025 not to qualify" list.  Only four spots available & again we have seven wrestlers fighting over those spots.  The Husky owns a 7-6 decision over Zeth Romney.