Once again, only 4 spots left here at 174 lbs. Like the other six weights we've already discussed, there are far more than 4 wrestlers who are eligible to take one of those four At-Large/Wildcard bids. I've done my best to narrow it down, already eliminating a few choices for various reasons.
Those Already Eliminated
Enrique Munguia of Rider - One of the most unpredictable wrestlers in NCAA DI wrestling, you learned in a hurry that Munguia wasn't an easy guy to bet on, nor was he ever an easy guy to bet against. A MAC champion last year, he still had a pretty good MAC tournament this year finishing in 3rd place. Unfortunately one spot shot of NCAA DI qualification. Although the Bronco does have an 11-6 victory over Nick Fine, I think what eliminates him here is the fact that everyone else that will be mentioned is ranked, whereas he is not.
#31 Nick Hamilton of Virginia - The two-time NCAA DI qualifier was actually one match shy of being an All-American last season, but unfortunately this season has not translated into the successful one that many thought that it would be. 7-8 on the year, with no big wins, it's pretty much a shoo-in that the Caviler is left home for 2026. Has one more year of eligibility.
#22 Aidan Wallace of Duke - The Blue Devil is proving that even with practically no resources or support from the athletic department that success can still be found through determination & hardwork. Unfortunately though, I don't think it translates into NCAA DI qualification this season though. Aidan Wallace did put up 25 wins on the year, but unfortunately none against any qualifiers.
#21 Jasiah Queen of Drexel - Although he has a higher ranking than some of the others I will mention later, plus a 4-3 win over Myles Takats, I believe what really hurts Jasiah Queen here is the loss he took at the EIWA championships to Andrew Christie. I could be wrong, but in comparison to the rest of the field, I think that will unfortunately be the strike that outs the Dragon.
I think it will come down to these 7....
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| #32 Avery Bassett Lock Haven |
An NCAA DI qualifier last season, unfortunately injuries have plagued Avery Bassett all season, including having to medical forfeit out of the MAC championships this past weekend. Nonetheless, the Bald Eagle has a 14-9 win over Myles Takats & a 9-6 s.v. over Lucas Condon.
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| #28 Eddie Enright Northwestern |
The Wildcat freshman came up short of placing at BIG 10 tournament that took the top 9. With 10th & 11th still looking for qualification themselves, that puts Eddie Enright in quite the pickle. Nonetheless 21 wins on the season, a 14-3 major over Lenny Pinto & an 11-4 decision over Lucas Condon.
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| #23 Ethan Riddle Minnesota |
The Golden Gopher was 11th at the BIG 10's, which puts him one spot higher than Enright there, but what really gives him credence are some of the wins he's racked up on the year.
2-1 tiebreaker, 16-10 & 15-4 over Sergio DeSiante
11-8 s.v. over Colin Kelly
8-3 over Lucas Condon
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| #27 Derek Gilcher Indiana |
The Hoosier finished 10th at the BIG 10's, which I would think gives him precedence over both Enright & Riddle, but then again, maybe not. An NCAA DI qualifier in 2023, he has an 8-3 win over Lucas Condon & a 9-2 decision over Brody Baumann.
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| #16 Brody Conley West Virginia |
The 2024 NCAA DI qualifier was one match shy of placing at this year's BIG 12's. Nonetheless, a good ranking & wins over both Brody Baumann (8-0) & Cael Valencia (2-0) should help the Mountaineer as he pleads his case.
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| #14 Luca Augustine Pittsburgh |
A Three-time NCAA DI qualifier, Luca Augustine finished 4th in an ACC bracket that took the top 3. An R12'er in 2025, I'm pretty sure that when it's all said & done, we'll be looking at a four-time NCAA DI qualifier. A 2-1 tiebreaker over Sergio DeSiante & a 7-2 decision over Nash Singleton on the season.
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| #13 Jared Simma Northern Iowa |
At the beginning of the season, I really thought that by this time Jared Simma would have established himself as All-American potential. Like, serious All-American potential. I still believe that with the right draw & wrestling at his absolute best, the Panther can find the award stand. He of course has to be selected for NCAA DI qualification first. I'm 99.99% positive that he will be. Despite not placing at the BIG 12's, he has plenty of wins (more than anyone else listed here) over those who have already qualified.
6-3 s.v. over Colin Kelly
9-1 over Cael Valencia
5-2 over Moses Espinoza-Owens
3-0 over Lucas Condon
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