NWCA National Duals - Central Oklahoma Vs Ashland Preview

 

JT1Wrestle covered the best matches we're going to see in NCAA Division I at the NWCA National duals & now it is time to talk a little NCAA Division II!  We have a great dual meet with the #1 Central Oklahoma Bronchos taking on the #8 Ashland Eagles in a confrontation that features a lot of good talent. 

While 133 & 157 heavily favor the Bronchos, the other eight matches on the card should prove to be competitive & exciting. 

#11 Guy Clevenger Vs #10 Luke Acuna
125

I wrote a lot about Guy Clevenger being a tremendous reserve for Studd Morris last season & now he's taken over the starting spot as he continues to climb the rankings.  Next in line for the Broncho is two-time NCAA Division II qualifier Luke Acuna.   The last time these two talents met, it was a wild & crazy high scoring match, favoring the Eagle 22-15. For the sake of the audience who has come to Cedar Falls to watch entertaining wrestling, let's hope that his confrontation is every bit as exhilarating. 

#10 Josh Taylor Vs U.R. Brock Durbin
141

Not 100% positive that the Bronchos will go with Josh Taylor in this dual.  They very well could put in Shaun Muse as well.  Heck, maybe Dylan Lucas makes his epic '25-'26 debut this weekend. Sure would like to know the full scoop on his situation.  With all that noted, Josh Taylor, not stranger to injuries himself, was one match shy of being an NCAA DII qualifier last season.  He's showing us why he made JT1Wrestle's "Best to not qualify in 2025" list by having a pretty standout season. 

Ironically enough, Brock Durbin is so far seeing things from the other side of the coin.  He was an NCAA DII qualifier last year & '25-'26 has not started off the best for the Eagle.  Currently 4-4, he's looking to regain his status & find himself back in the rankings.  Still plenty of season left, as well as opportunity to do so.  This match Vs Taylor being among them. 

#9 Cole Mayfield Vs #6 Hayden Kuhn
149

Looking real forward to this one.  The first thing that Cole Mayfield did this season that really impressed me was getting the best of Bam West in the wrestle-offs.  I was pretty confident that West would be our UCO starter at 149 lbs for '25-'26, but the freshman with a Dad that was a varsity Rodeo rider for Texas A&M proved me wrong.  He's continued to impress me by placing 4th at the prestigious Midwest Classic.   He'll have one Hell of a good challenge first thing at the NWCA National duals. 

Hayden Kuhn an NCAA DII qualifier last year, also had one Hell of a good showing at the Midwest Classic. He made the finals.   The Eagle is 11-2 on the season. 

#17 Bryce Dauphin Vs #10 Nate Barrett
165

An All-American in 2023, Nate Barrett is looking to once again end his season on a high note.  I suppose the Eagles could also start a tough Lance Overmyer here as well, but I don't think they will.  The Bronchos have Bryce Dauphin, another virtuoso who illustrates the vast depth of talent that is often in the UCO room.  He was 7th recently at the Midwest Classic. 

#7 Hunter Jump Vs #2 Sevi Garza
174

 
I asked Al Jardine what he thought of the Central Oklahoma Vs Ashland matchup & he said, "174 looks Fun, Fun, Fun!"  And I have to agree! We have two-time DII qualifier Hunter Jump, who was 3rd in the D2 nation back in 2024.  Some were talking about him being a plausible D2 champ after that performance & he wants his name back in the conversation.   He won't find much of a better opportunity than what he will in Sevi Garza.  An NCAA DII qualifier himself last season, the Eagle is currently 12-1 on the year.  He placed 2nd to Jump's 5th at the Midwest Classic. 

#1 Branson Britten Vs #15 Fletcher Rose
184

From Little Rock to Northern Colorado, Branson Britten is finding the atmosphere of NCAA Division II to be much more to his liking.  Already with a Midwest Classic title on his belt, the Broncho's only loss is ironically enough to a former teammate Brock DelSignore in DI.  The last he met with Fletcher Rose, it was a 8-0 major decision for the Broncho.  I don't think it'll be that decisive this go round.  Rose is currently 13-4 on the season, having come up a match short of Midwest Classic placement.  I think he keeps it to a decision this time. 

#4 Garrett Wells Vs #6 Peyton Lemon
197

If you read or watch JT1Wrestle often, you know that on many occasions I have said that Peyton Lemon is one of the best wrestlers in D2 wrestling yet to make the national tournament.  I've even said that even though he has yet to make the national tournament, I categorize him as one of the best yet to All-American. 

At the end of the day, words are cheap & action is where it lays.  Garrett Wells is a two-time D2 All-American with back-to-back 6th place finishes.   The two met recently at the Midwest Classic with Lemon giving Wells a respectable match, but ultimately succumbing to a 9-5 defeat.  Wells finished 3rd to Lemon's 5th.   Wells currently 11-1 on the year, Lemon is 13-2.  This could end up being the match of the dual. 

#20 Judson Rowland Vs #12 Wyatt Bailey
HWT

Again, with all the talent that UCO has in their room, we might see Oklahoma transfer Ryan Nichols in action here.  I'm going with Judson Rowland in this preview though, because he has the ranking & he wrestled pretty well at the Midwest Classic, coming up a match short of a top 8 finish.   His opponent will be Wyatt Bailey, who wrestled even better in Indianapolis, taking home a 6th place finish.  Bailey already has 14 wins this season. 

BEST MATCHES OF Pool 2 NWCA National Duals

 

Yesterday we took a look at Pool 1 (A) & all of the best matches that it would feature & today we're going to take a look at Pool 2 (B) & all of the best matches that it will offer.  Pool 2 (B) will feature Cal State Bakersfield, Bloomsburg, Northern Iowa, Drexel, & Ohio.  Let's take a look at what will be our most exciting matches. 

125

Home crowd favorite Trever Anderson will have his hands full in duals Vs both Cal State Bakersfield & Drexel on Saturday.  The Panther currently ranked #27 in the DI nation isn't quite having the season he was hoping thus far after finishing one match shy of being an All-American at the end of '25.  This weekend he'll have two unranked, yet talented wrestlers looking to get themselves into the rankings by knocking him off. 

Richard Castro-Sandoval is currently 2-4 on the season, not looking nearly as good as Coach Luke Smith was hoping he would, after getting the four-time California High School state place-winner through to the NCAA DI tournament last season.  Yet, RCS is known to show up on big occasions & wrestle his best when audiences are big & occasions are important. 

Desmond Pleasant himself is looking to improve his stock this weekend.  He has yet to make it out of the EIWA championships on two attempts but is hoping to this season. He defeated RCS earlier this season by a 4-1 victory & another win over the Road Runner would look good on the resume.  A win over Anderson, even better. 

#26 Julian Farber Northern Iowa Vs U.R. Kyle Waterman Drexel
133

Taking place in his home gym, on his home mats.  Ranked Vs unranked, this match highly favors the Panther over the Dragon, but with both of these guys, you can never be too sure on what to expect.  There are times when watching Julian Farber, I'm convinced there isn't anyone that he couldn't beat if he was wrestling at his absolute best.  Other times, he seems very susceptible to upset.  As to Waterman, wins over Blake Boarman & Dylan Shawver stick out to me in particular, which is why I think he should be a concern for the Panthers when Northern Iowa duals Drexel. 

  

141

#31 Derek Raike is in a similar situation to what Trever Anderson is in at 125.  He has a ranking within the top 33, wants to stay within the rankings & has a target on his back as two talented unranked opponents he'll be facing this weekend, both want to knock him off.  Thus far, the Bobcat has been wrestling excellent this season. 10-3, he really boosted his confidence with a 7th place showing at DI's most prestigious in-season tournament, the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. 

R.J. Weston is still searching for that big moment, that vital match to serve as a trajectory to an NCAA DI qualification season.  A win over Raike, would do just that. 

Then we have Luke Nichter, a Dragon that qualified for the NCAA DI championships all the way back in 2021.  If he wants to make trip number two, it's going to take getting some big wins & getting back into the rankings.  No time like the present to begin that journey. 

165

Again, one of the best things about the Dual Vs the tournament is that it gives individuals who otherwise normally don't have the opportunity, a chance to come through for their team at an important moment.  I don't know if any of these three individuals will be among the top 33 at 165 lbs by '25-'26's end, but I do know that all three have an opportunity to win important matches as their team tries to advance to day two of the duals. 

Jack Lledo has defeated both Braidon Woodward & Cody Walsh this season, but both matches have been very close.  He defeated Woodward by a score of 4-2 & he squeaked past Cody Walsh 1-0.  Duals like these, every match can be important. 

174

If you're looking for the most exciting matches on the NCAA DI side of things at the NWCA National duals, Pool 2 (B), 174 lbs is the place to look.   Fresh off of his return, Garrett Thompson of Ohio, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier, is not currently featured in the rankings. You'll see soon enough, why he should be. 

The Bobcat has already defeated #10 Jared Simma (a two-time NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, R12 last season) on three occasions. Upending the Panther twice by 8-1 scores as well as a 5-3 score.  You wanna hear a place come unglued?  Find me a louder pop this weekend, than if Simma were to pull off a win against Thompson. I double dog dare ya.  

Let's also add in Jasiah Queen, an NCAA DI qualifier last year, currently ranked #18.  Pool 2 (B) NWCA National Duals 174, is gonna be good. 

#18 Sal Perrine Ohio Vs #28 C.J. Walrath Northern Iowa
184

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, Sal Perrine looked very sharp in Vegas, capturing a 6th place finish.  He will be challenged by a hungry C.J. Walrath, who is looking to climb the rankings ladder this weekend by knocking him off. 

#26 Zayne Lehman Ohio Vs Kaleb Runyon Northern Iowa
197

Zayne Lehman currently ranked #26 in the nation, was an NCAA DI qualifier back in 2023.  He is looking to make trip number two to Cleveland, Ohio in March.  Looking to knock him off this weekend, Kaleb Runyon is ready to strike at opportune time. Huge event, huge crowd, your crowd, your mats, your arena, hope the Bobcat is ready because the Panther will have his teeth & his claws ready to go.  

BEST MATCHES OF Pool 1 NCAA DI NWCA National Duals

 

The NWCA National Duals are upon us!! Taking place in Cedar Falls, Iowa, hosted by the University of Northern Iowa, they will be taking place this weekend January 9th & 10th!  The NCAA DI Duals have been categorized into two pools. Today we'll be taking a look at pool 1 which features, Harvard, Northern Illinois, South Dakota State, Campbell, & Central Michigan.  JT1Wrestle has taken a look at all of the duals that will happen in this pool & has put together what I feel will be the best matches.  

Let's take a look! 

#25 Blake West Northern Illinois Vs #22 Brady Roark South Dakota State
125

The first half of '25-'26 may not have started off the way that Blake West would have liked, but it sure ended the way he wanted it to.  The two-time NCAA DI qualifier is currently on a high, having won the Midlands championship & should be coming into Cedar Falls boosting in confidence.  With that noted, Brady Roark is having himself one heck of a solid sophomore season.  Currently 11-2, he owns wins over Jore Volk, as well as recent Soldier Salute champion Mack Mauger. 

#28 Markel Baker Northern Illinois Vs #23 Derrick Cardinal South Dakota State
133

This is a match that really intrigues me.  We have Markel Baker a junior who has yet to make the NCAA DI national tournament, who is looking like he's definitely making the trip to Cleveland in March.  Thus far the Husky is 11-4 on the season, a Michigan State Open title & 8th at the Midlands.  His opponent here is Derrick Cardinal, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier, who recently become a three-time CKLV place-winner, going 6th-7th-7th overall.  

If Baker can keep this one on the feet, he stands a fighting man's chance.  It's not a shoe-in, but the neutral position is a war that Baker can win.  If this one goes to the mat, it's over.  Cardinal like a lot of Jackrabbits past & current is a monster in the top position.  Cardinal's strategy will be to get on top & Baker's strategy should be to avoid bottom. 

157 

I hope Coach Weiss has Jimmy Harrington well rested & mentally prepared for this weekend, cause come Saturday, the Crimson NCAA DI qualifier will be tested.  Currently ranked #23, it's been a good season for the senior, taking runner-up honors at the Keystone Classic & placing 8th at the prestigious CKLV.  

His toughest challenge here will be #19 Cael Swensen, who ironically enough is also 10-3 on the year.  A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, he didn't place at CKLV compared to Harrington's 8th place showing, but against similar opponents, has a much better track record than Harrington. 

#22 Mason Shrader won't be much easier, if easier at all. An NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, Shrader is currently 13-4 on the year & he placed 3rd to Harrington's 2nd at Keystone.  An opportunity to perhaps show who really was runner-up, had there been wrestle-backs.  

Despite not currently being ranked, I wouldn't overlook Landen Johnson either.  The Husky recently placed 7th at Midlands & will be coming into these duals looking to knock off some names in an attempt to further make a name for himself. 

Johnson will also wrestle Shrader, & the thing to look at here is how similar they are in wins & losses to the same opponents. 

Johnson Vs Swensen will also happen, as well Swensen Vs Shrader. 

165

Things will prove to be exciting at 165 lbs, as they are at 157 lbs.  Some may upon a first glance wonder why in the world I'm including Joe Cangro in this write-up.  He's unranked, he hasn't really done anything worth noting this season & he currently stands 5-9. 

I'll tell you why I include Joe Cangro in this write-up.  Cody Walsh.   Cangro owns a 9-4 decision over Walsh, whereas Walsh owns a 4-3 victory over #28 Marcus Espinoza-Owens.  Bad days, bad match-ups, the unreal amount of parity we have in this sport. I don't need a lecture on it. I've taught the courses.  Still it raises an eyebrow for me, when looking at the Crimson taking on the recent 6th place finish of CKLV. 

I'm also still excited about what the "other" Ferrari brother can do.  We got a small glimpse of his talent this past weekend, as the Camel took a 6th place finish at the Scuffle.  Not convinced we've seen him at full capacity yet though.   Cangro is a match neither MEO or Ferrari should take lightly, & Ferrari Vs MEO I can see being very good. 

U.R. Matt Walsh Harvard Vs U.R. Adrian Cramer Central Michigan
184

Here's why this match intrigues me.  These pool matches on Saturday are important in determining who gets to advance for matches on Sunday.  Every match counts & in a dual of Harvard Vs Central Michigan, upsets are vital.  Now is there really going to be an upset here at 184?  Well, not officially.  Neither Matt Walsh or Adrian Cramer are ranked.  HOWEVER....

The first time these two met, Cramer wiped the mat with Walsh in a 16-6 major decision. The two have met twice more since that time & Cramer has squeaked by both times with a 4-3 victory.  You have to know that Walsh wants this match. He wants to turn those two one-point losses into a win.  Cramer goes into this one knowing he's the wolf on top of the mountain, who needs to keep the wolf climbing the mountain from reaching his destination. 

U.R. Brock Fettig
South Dakota State
184

And while we're talking 184 lbs, why not add in Brock Fettig.  What makes Fettig interesting?  Well this...

In comparison to Adrian Cramer, he has a 5-4 loss to Guiseppe Hoose, whereas Cramer has a 4-1 s.v. over Hoose.  He also has a 4-1 s.v. over Isaac Dean, whereas Cramer has a 4-1 s.v. loss to Dean.  That suggest to me that Fettig Vs Cramer, should be a good match. 

U.R. Brant Cracraft
Campbell
184

You thought I was done at 184! Well, I'm NOT!  Brant Cracraft is currently 3-10 at the moment & this is why I love dual meets. To be frank, Cracraft probably isn't going to be top 33 by season's end.  Probably won't have a winning record by season's end either.  What he can do though, is be a hero in the dual meet Vs South Dakota State.  He already owns an 8-5 s.v. over Fettig & this would be a bigger stage, at a bigger moment to do so again. 

HWT

We'll have some really good wrestling in Pool 1 at HWT.  We have #21 Devon Dawson, #32 Bryan Caves & #20 Luke Rasmussen all looking to do battle on day one of the NWCA National Duals. 

Hard to believe with as well as he's been wrestling this season that the former Pratt NJCAA standout Devon Dawson has yet to make the NCAA DI championships.  Currently 15-5 on the season he was 8th at CKLV, as he made the finals of the Midlands. 

Bryan Caves, currently 12-5 on the season was 5th at the Midlands. 

Luke Rasmussen, an NCAA DI qualifier last year, was recently 7th at CKLV, with a 7-2 sudden victory over Dawson. 

What really sticks out to be here is that Caves nearly tech'd Rasmussen the last they met 14-1. Yet I don't see that, as dominatingly one sided as it was, the guarantee for this match the way you think I would. Rasmussen is weird that way.  He's turned some very ugly losses into respectable losses. Hell, he's turned some very ugly losses into wins! It'll be interesting to see what happens on Saturday.