JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Indiana 2026-2027

 

A basketball school in a basketball state, Head Coach Angel Escobedo has been diligently hard to show the world that the Hoosiers got something going on the mat too.  Taking advantage of the transfer portal, I can see 2026-2027 being a very successful year for Indiana. 

Gone are...

Jacob Moran, who had a phenomenal end to his career.  87 wins in all, he finished it all off with a 6th place finish in the DI nation. 

Derek Gilcher, two-time NCAA DI qualifier, 4th at Midlands.

Roman Rogotzke, who was not the starter in his final season but did earn a 7th place finish at Midlands. 

133
Jackson Blum

 Ups & down in his redshirt season, what really sticks out is a victory over Zan Fugitt, a 2025 All-American. 

141
Henry Porter Or Tom Crook

Henry Porter has steadily been improving season after season.  Last year had wins over Tyler Wells & Darius Lemus, along with earning 6th place at the Midlands.  2026-2027 looked like it might be the year he broke through & made the NCAA DI national tournament.  Now it looks like even being the starter will be in question.  Tom Crook comes in from Virginia Tech, a three-time NCAA DI qualifier already, and one who could contend for All-American honors. 

149
Joey Butler

Among his wins last year, a 14-6 major decision over Richard Fedalen & a 4-1 s.v. over Joe Zargo. 

157
Bryce Lowery Or Kai Owen

Hoosiers have some depth here at 157.  Bryce Lowery won 13 matches last year, made the Midlands finals & placed 6th in the BIG 10.  Kai Owen, a transfer of Columbia won 21 matches last season & finished one match shy of being an All-American. 

165
Tyler Lillard Or Chris Crawford

A big fan of Tyler Lillard's I think the three-time NCAA DI qualifier can end his career an All-American.  Among the many testimonies I could give, an 8-5 win over NCAA DI bronze medalist Cesar Alvan speaks for itself.  With that said, it does not escape me how good Chris Crawford is.  32-7 on the year in his own right, he'll be one of Lillard's greatest tests this season. 

184
Sam Goin

13 wins on the season for Sam Goin, who was an NCAA DI qualifier last year. 

197
Gabe Sollars

The two-time NCAA DI qualifier was one match shy of DI All-American honors in 2025.  2nd & 3rd thus far at the Midlands, he'll be after gold in Chicago as well. 

HWT
Connor Barket

The Hoosiers picked up a good one in Connor Barkett, a two-time DI qualifier for Duke.