I've been saying for quite some time that Navy has improved tremendously under the leadership of Head Coach Cary Kolat & I believe that they will demonstrate that against NC State Thursday night. I don't expect the #21 Midshipmen to defeat the #14 Wolfpack, but I do think they'll win some of the tossups & compete hard in matches where the red, white & black are favored.
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| U.R. Nick Treaster Vs U.R. Dom Deputy 125 |
Not sure where 2026 EIWA runner-up Andrew Binni is currently, but as of right now Nick Treaster has found himself in a bit of a slump. Currently standing 1-5 on the season, he could use a good win. That's going to be awfully tough to do as NC State continues their tradition of tough rookie 125 lbs'ers. A Pennsylvania high school state champ, Dom Deputy is currently standing at a 5-1 record. I'd be very shocked if by the next time rankings come out, if he wasn't in them.
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| #14 Caedyn Ricciardi Vs #25 Zach Redding 141 |
This match intrigues me. EIWA finalist Caedyn Ricciardi is currently standing at a 5-0 record, looking real hot, winning the Navy Classic. He's right outside of that top 12 standing & he's itching to place his name within that All-American conversation. With that said, I wouldn't count Zach Redding out of this match. He's been NCAA DI R12 in his career, and as I said in a podcast about him not too long again, his main issue has been injuries. The three-time NCAA DI qualifier has been held back by health, and if he's finally 100%, I promise you that will make a difference. This match against Ricciardi is a perfect situation for us to see exactly where he is. Looking forward to it.
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| #28 Jonathan Ley Vs #8 Jackson Arrington 157 |
Twice the NCAA DI R12, Jackson Arrington is a man on a mission to reach a destination that won't have him anything less than the 8th best wrestler at his weight class by the end of 2027. He's currently 3-0 and he's been rather dominant within his matches. Jonathan Ley, an NCAA DI qualifier last year, currently made the Navy Classic finals. I don't think an upset is within the cards here. I think what is though, is an opportunity to show that you belong on the mat with one of AA candidates within your weight class.
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| U.R. Dylan Elmore Vs #6 Will Denny 165 |
The Midshipmen are once again outclassed here at 165 lbs. Will Denny ironically enough came up short of NCAA DI qualification last year and was one of the most surprising not to get an At-Large Wildcard entry. Standing at #6 in the nation, it's obvious that the ranking committee feels he'll do much better this year. Dylan Elmore has yet to make the NCAA DI championships. 3rd at the Navy Classic, I do think he'll be top 33 by season's end. A great accomplishment in its own right, but nowhere near top 6. A win here will be not to get majored.
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| #4 Danny Wask Vs #10 Matty Singleton 174 |
Here we go. Here's our advertisement. He's what you throw up on the marquee. Two-time NCAA DI All-American Danny Wask is on a journey to become only the second three-time All-American in Navy's 118 year history on the mat. The Midshipman currently stands at 5-0, having won the Navy Classic, and he's been on a terror. Meanwhile, we haven't seen Singleton in action yet. The 2025 DI All-American, who was one match shy of All-American status last year has yet to wrestle. Both of these guys obviously have big goals & big expectations. Getting a win would be huge for either.
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| #33 Daniel Williams Vs #17 Jake Dailey 184 |
Here's where NC State does not want to become complacent. Daniel Williams has pulled off some pretty impressive upsets in the past & I wouldn't rule it out that he tries to get one over Jake Dailey, the former Tar Heel who is now trying to impress the other members of his new pack. Rankings have this one a clear favorite for Raleigh, but I say that it turns out better on the mat than what it is on paper.
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| 197 U.R. Zyan Hall Vs U.R. Patrick Brophy |
Neither one of these guys are ranked at the moment. That does and that doesn't surprise me at the same time. In other words I can see why they were left off of the top 33 & I respect the ranking committee leaving them off the top 33. On the other hand, both of these guys are pretty good, and both are NCAA DI qualifier material. Zyan Hall finished 3rd in a tough EIWA bracket last year that only took the top 2. Patrick Brophy was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025. In other words while neither guy would pick up a ranked win in this situation, by year's end a win here would prove to be of significance. I would imagine all concerned would be aware of this fact.
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| HWT #10 Spencer Lanosga Vs U.R. Bennett Tabor |
To be quite honest I was expecting a better start to '26-'27 for Bennett Tabor. Here's a guy that has done some good things in his career, and pictured him coming into the season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Showing the collegiate wrestling world they were wrong to forget about and dismiss him. Still plenty of season left. Way too early to give up on that premonition. However, Thursday night is going to be his toughest test yet. Spencer Lanosga 3rd in the EIWA & 6th at Cliff Keen last year, is on a mission to go from right outside of AA contention, to no less than two spaces higher in the rankings to IN AA contention. You give me Bennett Tabor at his best, and I'll give you one of the best matches of the night. You give me anything less, and Lanosga could pick up bonus.
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