Rob Koll and staff are working hard to make North Carolina as much of a wrestling school as it has been a basketball school. This year I would expect at least 7 NCAA DI qualifiers if not more. A 12th place finish in 2023, a top 20 or even a top 15 finish in 2027 would not surprise me. The Tar Heels bring back some good talent.
Gone....
Iowa State transfer Kysen Terukina proved that while our 50th state probably won't ever have any collegiate wrestling of its own, it still produces some good talent. The Hawaiian ended his career a four-time NCAA DI qualifier.
Ethan Oakley unfortunately didn't make the NCAA DI tournament this year but did end his career with three qualifications.
Jayden Scott an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025 had decided to continue his career at Lehigh
Charlie Darracott was not the starter last year, but had a lot of good moments & good wins in his career, nonetheless.
Jake Dailey, an ACC runner-up last season, will continue his career at North Carolina State.
Back...
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| 125 Brendan McCrone |
I wasn't sure how the situation at 125 was going to end up for Ohio State, but I was very happy to see Brendan McCrone end up at North Carolina. I believe the two-time NCAA DI qualifier can contend for All-American honors this season.
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| 133 Matt Botello |
16-5 on the year, Matt Botello pinned Luke Willochell at the 1:13 mark.
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| 141 Luke Simcox Or Nick O'Neil |
Luke Simcox ended 2026-2027 with 17 wins & a runner-up finish at the ACC. Nick O'Neil went 16-5 on the year, sticking Tom Crook at the 4:26 mark.
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| 157 Laird Root Or Joey Showalter |
Going to be some good wrestle-offs in Chapel Hill to start off the season. Laird Root earned NCAA DI qualification with a 4th place finish at last year's ACC championships. Joey Showalter went 20-5 on the year, wins over Kyrell Leavell, Jared Hill & Tanner Peake.
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| 165 Bryce Hepner |
A career full of injuries & disappointments, it was very rewarding to see things finally go right for Bryce Hepner last season as he won both an ACC title & finished 7th in the DI nation. He was also champion at the Soldier Salute. Hope to see another good year for him, and for McCrone's fate to be similar.
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| 174 Collin Carrigan Or Josh Ogunsanya |
Collin Carrigan did a great job of filling in for Josh Ogunsanya last season, while the three-time NCAA DI qualifier was hurt. Carrigan earned NCAA DI qualification himself, avenging two losses to take 3rd at the ACC championships.
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| 197 Robert Platt |
Among the 15 matches Robert Platt won last year, a 2-1 decision over Harvey Ludington & a 14-5 major over Patrick Brophy.
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