JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Defiance 2026-2027

 

No NAIA qualifiers for the Yellow Jackets last season, but the team is young & there is a lot of potential as we head into 2026-2027.  The following wrestlers I'll be keeping an eye on this year are all sophomores. 

174
Daniel Thatcher

11 wins on the year for Daniel Thatcher who placed 6th at the always tough Pepsi Patriot Open. 

184
Kale Waxler

10 wins on the season last year, Kale Waxler was 4th in the Battle In the Bluegrass. 

197
Connor Sintobin

And here's the prize.  12 wins on the season last year, Connor Sintobin came the closest to NAIA qualification with a 4th place showing at the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Doane 2026-2027

 

There have been so many great Tiger legends over the years.  We lost a handful from last season, as we get to watch others continue their legacies in 2026-2027.  

Tyson Beauperthuy 2nd-2nd-2nd in the NAIA nation is without a doubt one of the best of all time to never win an NAIA national title. Where exactly I'd rank him on that list, I don't know. I'd have to give it a lot of thought.  Top 10 for sure, if not higher.  Also a three-time Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) champion. 

With that said, I definitely think Ben Miller was one of the best in 2026 not to earn NAIA All-American honors during his career. I really thought he'd stand on that award stand at least once, considering everything else he did achieve & the # of All-Americans he beat during his career.  1st-1st-2nd in the GPAC he was one match shy in his final shot. 

Matt Terrence on the other hand did earn the All-American honor in his last go-round. 7th, also a two-time GPAC champion. 

NAIA qualifiers Kolton Kemmeyer & Chase Stieb 

125
Ray Ray Harris

I was a bit surprised that Ray-Ray Harris took any losses at all last year.  Didn't take many & I wouldn't be surprised if in the next two seasons of eligibility he has left, if he were to go undefeated.  It was silver at the Mile High Open, but other than that, call this dude a Leprechaun because it was gold, gold, gold, gold!  Friends Falcon Open, GPAC & the NAIA! 

125
Isaac Gibbs

I speak a lot about the pipeline that Coach Cole Spree of Indian Hills has created in finding his guys homes post their NJCAA experience.   Isaac Gibbs is yet another example.  The Texas native was another NAIA qualifier for the Tigers last season. 

174
Jake Prudek 

Speaking of a great transfer out of the NJCAA, how about a great transfer out of the CCCAA? The former Fresno City standout took runner-up honors at the GPAC & finished 3rd at the Mile High Open. 

197
Jaren Jackson

Standout freshman campaign for Jaren Jackson last year.  6th in the NAIA nation, he won titles at GPAC, Friends Falcon & the Oppenheim Open. 

HWT
Eli Criblez

On the episode of JT1Wrestle at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, Eli Criblez was my NAIA Darkhorse pick at HWT.  Well, 2026-2027 isn't much different.  A two-time Missouri Valley Invitational place-winner, I think this dude is capable of doing some great things in his final season of competition. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Dickinson State 2026-2027

 

Things seem to be meeting the Blue Hawks half way as we head into the 2026-2027 season.  While Dickinson State loses three talented and tough wrestlers, they also return three talented & tough wrestlers. 

Gone are....

Seth Suvak, a Heart of America (HOA) champion in 2025 & 3rd this past season. 

Donivan Giangregorio, an NAIA qualifier who took 4th & 6th place finishes at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

NAIA qualifier Jackson King 

125
Jose Gonzalez

I believe Jose Gonzalez is coming off of a redshirt.  In the world of NAIA wrestling one can often find themselves "out of sight, out of mind" and that may very well work in favor of the Blue Hawk.  2nd & 3rd in the HOA, he'll have his work cut out for him, but making another final is certainly within the realm.  5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational, I'd expect him to see another top 8 finish there, as well as contend for one come the national tournament. 

125
Wyatt Engwicht

Wyatt Engwicht qualified for the NAIA championships last season with a 4th place finish at the HOA. 

184
Jack Simons

The persuasiveness to get kids to leave the warm, beautiful weather of California, to endure the 10,000 degrees below zero, with 15,0000 mile an hour winds of a North Dakota winter, has to be the most impressive part of Justin Schlecht's recruiting skills. I don't know how he does it, but that's selling ice to an Eskimo level salesmanship.  One of the many California talents he's had over the season, Jack Simons was 8th at the Missouri Valley Invitational last season. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Cumberlands 2026-2027

 

Among the many positives the Patriots had last season, qualifying 12 to the NAIA championships was definitely one of them. Like some of the other top tier programs in the NAIA, Cumberlands was led by a strong core of dedicated seniors.  7 of those 12 qualifiers are now out of eligibility. 

Mateo Vargo, a two-time Mid-South Conference (MSC) champion, who finished off his career twice in the NAIA R12. 

Weston Melvon 3rd-3rd-1st in the MSC & also an NAIA R12'er. 

Qualifiers Eli Peyton, Ty Lehman, Marc Le Gaspe, Derrick Bannister & TreyShawn White. 

133
Riley Bettich 

The pipeline Indian Hills has from NJCAA to the four-year institutions is strong, as in lies the proof in Riley Bettich.  3rd in the MSC last season, he was one of many Patriots who finished out 2026 one match shy of being an All-American.  A runner-up at the Lucha Open, he won the Battle in the Bluegrass. 

157
Brice Coleman

Yet another former Indian Hills standout, Brice Coleman made the finals of the MSC & finished 3rd at the Battle in the Bluegrass. 

165
Malachia Harris

Only a junior & already looking to make his third MSC finals appearance in a row.  This time in search of a gold medal, after collecting two silvers.  Also a runner-up at the Lucha Open, he was a Battle in the Bluegrass champion. 

184
Lane Kiser

6th in the MSC, Lane Kiser won a title at the Battle in the Bluegrass. 

Austin Silva
HWT

Yet another NAIA R12'er for the Patriots in 2026, Austin Silva has thus far been 1st & 2nd in the MSC.  He was also a runner-up at both the Lucha Open & the Oppenheim Open. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Dakota Wesleyan 2026-2027

 

Three NAIA qualifiers, an All-American and everyone is back! 2026-2027 looks to be an exciting year of Tiger wrestling! 

133
Kipp Cordes

I haven't had the chance to watch Kipp Cordes compete yet, but I can't help but think since he was also a standout in Rodeo, that he's pretty tough in the top position.  I mean if you can keep a Bull down, surely you can keep a 133 lbs opponent down.  3rd in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) last season. 

174
Jagger Tyler

Tyler had an outstanding season for the Tigers last year.  A GPAC title, a 3rd place showing at the Missouri Valley Invitational & 8th place NAIA All-American honors! 

174
Teagan Foreman

4th in the Missouri Valley Invitational last season, Teagan Foreman was a Wildcard entry to the NAIA championships last season. 

165
Jackson Remmers

Surprised that Jackson Remmers hasn't been an NAIA qualifier yet.  He's definitely shown that he can be & that he should be in 2027.  5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Cumberland 2026-2027

 

The Phoenix has been tough ever since I started following NAIA wrestling & no doubt about it, 2026-2027 will be no different.  With that said, the Phoenix had a ton of extremely good seniors last season & talent like Victor Guzman & Jared Dinh isn't easily replaced. 

Speaking of Victor Guzman, I think he belongs on the list of BOTH the best to never win a NAIA title & to never win a Mid-South Conference (MSC) title.  Bronze & Silver in the NAIA nation, he was Bronze, Silver, Silver in the MSC. 

Dinh was a rare four time MSC place-winner, going 5th-3rd-1st-3rd

Wish things would've ended better for Rocco Horvath, but as I've said a million times throughout the last 24 seasons of covering college wrestling, wrestling is a journey, not a destination.  1st-1st-4th in the MSC. 

Phoenix also graduated qualifiers Elijah Griffin, Ethan Gomez, Tyler Rowland (1st & 2nd in the MSC) & Tony Pyron (3rd in the MSC). 

125
Chase Walker

He saw his upperclassmen teammates like Victor Guzman end their careers on high notes with many credentials & accomplishments, and he knows he's capable of doing the same.  Chase Walker, made the MSC finals last year as a freshman. 

141
Sammy Shires

I would think that Sammy Shires will be the leader among the Phoenix this season.  An MSC runner-up he was 7th in the NAIA nation last year. 

157
Antonio Parker

Another youth of the Phoenix, the Rock Island, Illinois native was 4th at last year's Mid-South Conference. 

184
Logan Heckert

Logan Heckert was 5th in the MSC last season. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Cornerstone 2026-2027

 

In their 5th season of collegiate wrestling, the Golden Eagles of Cornerstone sent four to the NAIA championships, crowning their second ever All-American.  3 of those 4 Qaulifiers return, including the All-American. 

133
Aurelio Mendez

17 wins on the season for the sophomore last season as a freshman.  Included a Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) 4th place finish & one match shy of being top 8 at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

149
Cole Karasinski

Opportunity faces this young man straight in the face, as he has the opportunity to become the Golden Eagles first All-American in history. 8th in the NAIA nation last season, Karasinski was 2nd in the WHAC. 

157
Bode Wilson

Bode Wilson was 3rd in the WHAC last season. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Corban 2026-2027

 

No doubt about it, Coach Nolan Harris has some really good recruits coming in and I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn about some under the radar talent he already has in the room that just hasn't been showcased yet. With that said, the Trojans had a lot of upperclassmen on the roster last season whose absence in 2026-2027 will be felt. 

 Blake Runion & Asaiah Kamplain, both NAIA qualifiers. 

J.R. Downing who took back-to-back 3rd place finishes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) 

Antonio Garcia, a two-time All-American who really impressed me with the heart & tenacity he had in his final NAIA showing.  The two-time NAIA All-American won a CCC title as a junior, finishing 7th in the NAIA nation.  This year his CCC showing was 4th, but he took the disappointment & fueled it into a very impressive 3rd place showing at the NAIA championships.  One of my top 10 moments of the 2025-2026 season for sure. 

184
Isaiah Twait

You know the staff has to be excited for what Isaiah Twait is capable of this season.  5th-1st-2nd, he has the potential to become a four-time CCC place-winner & a two-time champion.  6th-6th in the NAIA nation, an opportunity to become a three-time All-American. Let's add in the Boise, Idaho rep won titles at the Mountaineer Open, the Mike Clock Open & the Mat Cat Open last year as well. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Concordia (Nebraska) 2026-2027

 

Aaron "The Swayze" Sweazy's favorite college wrestling team.  I have to say that I feel this is going to be a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs of Concordia (Nebraska), as they had an Army of seniors last year that are going to be sorely missed. 

Paul Ruff, a former NJCAA standout earned silver medals at both the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) as well as the Missouri Valley Invitational.  He was one match shy of being an NAIA All-American. 

Steve Barnes, an Iowa guy, also earned a runner-up finish at the GPAC. 

Hagen Heistand, another Iowa guy, a GPAC champion, one match shy of being an NAIA All-American. 

Cole Price finished off his career with 2nd & 3rd place GPAC showings, as Hunter Weimer took back to back 3rd place showings in the GPAC. 

Torrence Keehn a GPAC runner-up & a Missouri Valley Invitational 8th place-winner. 

Jeremiah Vasquez, one match shy of placing at Missouri Valley. 

When I said they had a heap of really good seniors, I meant it. 

149
Cal Price

Cal Price heads into 2026-2027, having won a GPAC title this past season. 

184
Barret Brandt

A GPAC runner-up & 4th at the Missouri Valley Invitational, Barrett Brandt heads into his final season of competition. 

HWT
Gabe Kant

A former standout for Labette in the NJCAA, Gabe Kant took 3rd at last year's GPAC. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Cleary 2026-2027

 

Cougars lost some good talent this past season in both Jordan Rodriguez & Gray Sonntag.  Sonntag was a Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference champion, where as Jordan Rodriguez despite not having the best WHAC, finished his career one match shy of being an All-American. Looking forward to being introduced to some new Cougar stars in 2026-2027. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Central Methodist 2026-2027

 

On the JT1Wrestle podcast I had a coach recently say to me, "We're a team of development" and I have to say I think that mentality & structure fits what's going on at Central Methodist to a T. 

Watching Arojae Hart improve from junior to senior over the past two seasons was a real treat for me.  He went from being a top 25 guy, to being a top 8 guy in the nation over a year of hard work, discipline & shaping his mind as much as he did his technique & skills.  It was plain as day how hard he had worked on developing his counter-offense & making the little adjustments that are often the difference between simply getting in on a shot & finishing a shot.  Making the finals of the Missouri Valley Invitational, taking 3rd in an extremely tough Heart of American (HOA) & finishing off his collegiate career with a 6th place All-American honor. 

Injuries kept Garine Gibson from having the career he otherwise would have in my opinion.  I'm not sure how many national champs I can name from the state of Louisiana, but had it not been for health refusing to be on this kid's side, he probably would've been one of them.  An HOA runner-up, he was also 4th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

Cam Cornman, a transfer, who I think would've benefitted had he spent more time at Central Methodist. Things didn't end for him as they should have, but we still got to see a glimpse of his potential at the Missouri Valley Invitational where he finished 4th. 

Now for the talent returning....and there is a ton of talent returning...

157
Drake Jenkins 

Drake Jenkins finished 3rd at the HOA last season. 

Kevin Olavarria
165

We could be looking at a future international star for Puerto Rico.  A Service Salute champion last season, Kevin Olavarria was 4th at the HOA. 

165
Eric Hodge

Only a sophomore, Eric Hodge had a great season last year for the Eagles. The Florida native placed 5th at the always loaded Grand View Open, 3rd at the Service Salute & 6th at the HOA. 

174
Roman Garcia

Here's the man of the hour.  5th-7th-4th, Roman Garcia not only has the ability & potential to become a four-time NAIA All-American, he has the skills to end it all as an NAIA champion.  I talked earlier about a "team of development" and once again, that is showcased in the Florida native.  I'm not inside this guy's head, but I can tell you what my observation was.  Freshman year it seemed sort of a, "I'm good, I know I'm good, but I'm among a lot of talent & I respect them."  Last year as a junior it was more of, "I don't care who you are, or how good you are, I'm going to beat you."  Coaches talk all the time about not showing too much respect for your opponents or what they have accomplished.  I think Roman Garcia is beyond that point now.  He's also been 5th-2nd-1st thus far in the HOA. 

184
Griffin Ray

Griffin Ray earned HOA runner-up honors last season. 

HWT
Austin Foye

If you haven't noticed by now....

JT1Wrestle has been preaching that Florida produces a lot of talent.  That's true. 

Central Methodist takes advantage of this talent. 

Injuries!  Gawd they suck.  It's why Austin Foye didn't have the 2026 that he otherwise would have.  However, he has one more season left & there is very good reason to look forward to it.  Not sure if Tim Robbins or Morgan Freeman will be available but Shawshank is about to get a sequel, and this time it's gonna be the Foye Redemption. Foye was an NAIA runner-up in 2025 & if 100% healthy, he'll contend for a national title in 2027.  3rd-3rd-6th thus far in the HOA, he'll contend for a title there too. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look at Central Christian 2026-2027

 

Much like Central Baptist, Central Christian didn't have any NAIA qualifiers last season either, although I do think they have a strong candidate for NAIA qualification this season. 

125
Angelo Thompson

4th in the Sooner Athletic Conference last season, Angelo Thompson has aspirations of one day being an Olympian.  I look for him to be the leader of the Tigers this season.