Indiana Vs Lock Haven Preview: Saturday Nov 7th

 

Lehigh will be hosting a series of duals this weekend and one that intrigues me most will be the Hoosiers of Indiana taking on the Bald Eagles of Indiana. Neither team is currently ranked in the top 30, but both teams are looking to make leaps and bounds throughout the season.  Coach Escobedo & staff have taken to the Transfer Portal as they compete within the warzone that is NCAA DI's toughest conference, the BIG 10.  They're a mixture of veterans and newcomers looking to climb that rankings ladder.  Coach Moore has a group of guys that have been with him for quite some time now. Guys that have shown potential that are looking to step it up.  Lot to prove here for both programs in this dual. 

5 of the 10 matches stick out to me in particularly. 

149
#20 Tom Crook Vs #16 Lucas Kapusta

The Tampa, Florida native did some big things at Virginia Tech during his time as a Hokie, and Coach Escobedo is expecting some big things out of him now that he is a Hoosier.  Currently ranked #20 in the nation, a win over the #16th ranked Lucas Kapusta would be a great way to start of '26-'27.  Kapusta won 25 matches last year & a Mid-American Conference (MAC) title.  Should be a good match. 

165
#21 Tyler Lillard Vs #28 Nick Stampoulos

I know Tyler Lillard is much better than his #21 ranking, and I know that he has the tools, and capabilities to finish off his collegiate career as an All-American. It's also not lost on me that Nick Stampoulos is one of those wrestlers that you never count out & that you never look past.  He qualified for the NCAA DI championships all the way back in 2024, and he hasn't been back since.  This will be his final opportunity to make the dance, and I can see that as a result having him wrestle with extra intensity.  He upset Gavin Drexler last year, so I put nothing past him.  We have two guys here, both looking to prove themselves in '26-'27.  Should result in a great match. 

184
#27 Sam Goin Vs #30 Sammy Gautreau

I'm anxious to see if these two are as close to one another on the mat as they are in the rankings, and as they are in first names.  Sam Goin, along with many of his Hoosier teammates is looking to improve upon his ranking.  Sammy Gautreau was one match shy of being an NCAA DI qualifier last season, and you know that's been itching at him for the past 7 months.  Either way, both of these guys would walk off the mat with a nice W. 

197
#18 Gabe Sollars Vs U.R. Tucker Hogan 
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Neither one of the Hogan brothers is currently ranked, but I don't think that will be the case for very long.  Both are talented wrestlers that should break into the top 30, I would imagine before the first of the year.  Tucker doing so against Gabe Sollars? Pretty tough pop quiz to start off the season.  Sollars is in the same boat as teammate Lillard.  He has the tools and the capabilities to be an All-American this season. Matter of fact, two years ago, he came within a match of doing exactly that.  The last time these two met, it was a textbook, controlled 5-1 victory for the Hoosier.  I predict one of two things will happen in this match.  Either Sollars will widen the gap & win by a larger margin, or Hogan will close the gap & make it a much closer match. 

HWT
#17 Connor Barkett Vs U.R. Talan Hogan 

I know how sad Duke was to lose him & I know how happy Indiana was to get him.  Coach Escobedo has himself a very tough HWT, that I'm anxious to see how he performs wearing Hoosier colors this season.  As I said, I think both of the Hogans will be in the rankings before the 1st of the year, but Talan getting the upset over Barkett? Tough order.  I do think that Hogan will be a great first match to see where Barkett is though.  He had great coaches at Duke, but what he didn't have there was a strong room full of workout partners.  He has that at Indiana & I'm anxious to see how much of a difference that makes in his wrestling.  

#2 Life Vs #6 Southeastern Sun Nov 7th @ Takedown At Yorktown

 

One of the most exciting things in college wrestling this season, is that this is the first year ever of Southern States Athletic Conference wrestling!  We have two of the best teams in NAIA wrestling, Life & Southeastern, both of which want to be the first ever SSAC team champions by the end of 2027!  These two wrestling giants will be meeting early on this season, as they do battle this Sunday at the Takedown At Yorktown! 

Should be a very exciting dual & these are the matches JT1Wrestle looks forward to most. 

Mikey Doerr Vs Jake Bucci
125

Life Vs Southeastern. As already noted, two teams both looking to rule the SSAC by the end of the season.  What fun it is to start things off with two light weights both looking to start off '26-'27 with a bang! Mikey Doerr had some big wins last season & Jake Bucci placed 4th at the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational.  

Isaiah Rubio Vs Aaron Lucio
133 lbs

3rd & 2nd thus far in the NAIA nation, I believe it is fair to say that Aaron Lucio is a contender for both an SSAC title as well as a National title in 2027.  Isaiah Rubio himself last season, a Battle in the Bluegrass champion.  When these two met in the dual, Lucio scored a takedown in the first period, and those were the only real points scored in what ended in a 4-1 decision for the Fire.  Team pride, ranking, seeding at conference, a whole lot on the line in this match of talented light weights. 

Mauro Michel vs Andrew Voiles Or Drew Jones
141 lbs 

In the NAIA it's not uncommon to have more than one talented wrestler at a weight & therefore you never know who will be sent out onto the mat.  What I can tell you is that at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) last season, Andrew Voiles defeated teammate Drew Jones 4-2 in the semi-finals in route to a 2nd place finish.  Mauro Michel then majored Jones 12-3 for a 3rd place finish & Michel also finished 3rd in the NAIA Nation a couple of weeks later.  Michel Vs Voiles is the match I want to see, because I wouldn't be at all surprised if that ends up being out SSAC final. 

149
Elvis Solis Vs Mario De La Torre

Wrestling sure can be a funny sport at times. Often times one of the toughest to predict.  At the AAC last year, Elvis Solis took it to Mario De La Torre in the finals in a 13-3 major decision.  Yet at the NAIA championships, De La Torre finished 4th to Solis finishing 7th.  

174
Reese Jones Or Konlin Weaver Vs Ty Rodriguez Or Husam Mustafa

A lot of talent here at 174 lbs & I can't tell you for sure what we will end up seeing.  I can tell you what I hope we end up seeing though.  I'd love to see a rematch of last year's AAC championships where Reese Jones squeaked past Ty Rodriguez in a 2-1 decision.  Jones vs Husam Mustafa Or Rodriguez vs Weaver could also be a lot of fun as well.  Or We could also possibly see Jones or Weaver move up to 184 lbs to take on a very tough August Batson. 

197
Efren Arizmendez Vs Gentry Smith

Two-time AAC runner-up Gentry Smith who finished R12 at last year's NAIA championships is looking to win a SSAC title this year.  Efren Arizmendez will be a great first test in route to acing that final exam.  Smith is favored, but I look for this to be a good match. 

THUR NOV 5th - UW-Parkside vs UW-Whitewater

 

Cross Division, Cross fire!! We have one of the best NCAA D2 teams in the country taking on one of the toughest NCAA D3 teams in the country as two Wisconsin powerhouses meet up this Thursday!  Four matches stick out in particularly in what should be a great dual! 

125
Brady Phelps Vs Drew Dolphin

The sport of wrestling is all about proving yourself.  Showing the world what you can do on the mat.  The Dolphins have been a part of UW-Parkside for quite some time.  Dad Jim wrestled for the Rangers a few moons ago & brother Troy one match shy of D2 qualification last season, has his sights set on All-American status having stuck both James Wright & Elijah Lusk last year.   Drew won 12 matches last year, including a huge pin against a DI opponent from Iowa.   Should he get a win against a very tough Brady Phelps, that would be one heck of a way to start off the '26-'27 season.  Phelps 5th at Regional 7 last year, looked super tough at Pete Willson capturing 3rd place.  Parkside won most of the see-saw matches in last year's dual. This one will be important. 

157
Easton Worachek Vs Luke Swan

Looking really forward to this one.  When these two met last year, it was a tight, calculated 4-3 win for Worachek.  It will once again be a great match, that will probably be decided by a point or two.  It's amazing to compare these two to one another.  Woracheck was 2nd at Super Region V & Swan was 2nd at Regional 7.  Woracheck was 2nd at the Midwest Classic & Swan was 2nd at Pete Willson.  There are going to be a lot of great matches in this dual.  This is one of them. 

165
Brody Hemauer Vs Braydon Peet

Another match that is going to be absolute fire. This one was decided by a single takedown last year as Braydon Peet took a 3-1 decision on Brody Hemauer.  Both of these guys are already the top of the top within their Divsion.  Hemauer reps D2 with All-American finishes of 6th & 5th, where was Peet reps D3 with back-to-back All-American finishes of 4th.  I know so many out there get passionate & sometimes even heated in the D2 Vs D3 debates.  If you're one of those people, this match is a MUST SEE!!

174
Dajun Johnson Vs Jermaine Butler

Looking very forward to this one. Let's face it.  '25-'26 didn't go for either of these guys the way they were hoping it would.  Jermaine Butler did secure his second NCAA D3 qualification, but having won the Pete Willson Invitational two seasons ago, I don't think he was super excited about finishing 6th last year.  Dajun Johnson was 3rd in the D2 nation in 2025 & he came up short of qualification this past season.  In other words, I think both of these guys carry a bit of a chip on their shoulder, and both of them are looking at going into this dual & getting a huge win over the other.  Last year Johnson won a very hard fought 4-3 war.  It'll be a war again this year & could very well end up the best match of the night. 

FRI OCT 30th - #6 North Idaho Vs #5 Clackamas

 

The world of college wrestling starts things off with bang as the #6 North Idaho Cardinals take on the #5 Clackamas Cougars. These two programs have both represented west coast wrestling proudly and strongly over the years & they are very familiar with one another.  Last year Clackamas won a well contested 28-21 bout.  As they look to once again walk out of Coeur d'Alene with a victory, North Idaho looks to avenge their loss. 

I'm sure all of the matches will be exciting but there are four that JT1Wrestle looks forward to in particularly.  

Kelby Bernard Vs Parker Ballantyne

These guys were at different weights last season, with Kelby Bernard winning a West District title & Parker Ballantyne finishing 3rd.  At the NJCAA championships however, Ballantyne would capture a 5th place finish, as Bernard finished one match shy of All-American honors. There is a chance that this match might not happen because either could go 133 or 141.  My hope though is that they're both at the same weight, cause this match would be dope. 

Pablo Hernandez Vs Dylan Block
174

This is going to be a real good one.  These two met in the West District finals last season, & Dylan Block's immediate aggression paid off as he hit two back-to-back takedowns in the first period, holding on for a 6-3 decision.  I would imagine that Hernandez is expecting the bull right out of the gate this time, and should be more prepared to not be taken off guard.  Hernandez went 2-2 at the NJCAA championships last season, as Block captured 4th place. 

Lusiano Lopez Vs Seth Martin
184

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see this matchup at the West District last season, as Lusiano Lopez was upset in the semi-finals, settling for 3rd as Martin won a title.  As the NJCAA championships, Lopez avenged the loss he took in the semi-finals eventually finishing 7th.  Martin finished 5th.  So, in other words the comparisons here are in common opponents and parity.  Martin has the edge heading into this matchup, but I would not count Lopez out. 

197
Elijah Josey Vs Jackson Lougen

Here's another great matchup for the evening.  In the semi-finals of the West District last season, Josey used a late 2nd period takedown to get past Lougen 4-1.  In front of a home crowd, in an important dual, what momentum it would give Lougen to pull off the upset.  Josey was 5th at the NJCAA championships.  

JT1Wreste Takes A Look At Army 2026-2027

 

It's a fun time in college wrestling for the military academies.  At the D3 level both USCGA & the USMMA are doing well, and here in NCAA DI, Army is looking good, and so are Air Force & Navy.  Army does lose a few tough wrestlers, but they bring back quite a few as well.

Gone...

Charlie Farmer, an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025 & an EIWA runner-up.   Missed out on qualification this year, but did end his career with 74 career wins & placed 5th at the Southern Scuffle. 

Ethan Berginc ended his career a four-time NCAA DI qualifier with EIWA finishes of 4th-3rd-3rd-2nd & 95 career wins. 

Wolfgang Frable an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025, came up a little short this year. 71 career wins. 

Back...

141
Braden Basile

4th in the EIWA, Braden Basile heads into '26-'27 a two-time NCAA DI qualifier. 

165
Gunner Filipowicz

4th-6th-3rd thus far in the EIWA, Gunner Filipowicz will challenge for a conference title this season as well as for All-American honors.  A 5-2 win over NCAA DI bronze medalist Cesar Alvan, he's thus far been 2nd-1st-2nd at the Southern Scuffle. 

174
Andrew Christie

One match shy of NCAA DI qualification last year, Andrew Christie won 22 matches on the season & took 8th at the Southern Scuffle. 

184
Cooper Haase

18 wins on the season last year for Cooper Haase who was one match shy of placing at Southern Scuffle. 

HWT
Brady Colbert Or Lucas Stoddard

Probably the most underrated wrestle-off in all of NCAA Division I wrestling.  Brady Colbert has thus far been 4th & 3rd in the EIWA, as Lucas Stoddard was an NCAA DI qualifier himself in 2024.  I'm not sure if Colbert beat Stoddard outright for the spot last year or not, as Stoddard was hurt during the Lehman Open.  Both have been spectacular at the Southern Scuffle in recent years.  Colbert has been 3rd-3rd the past two tournaments with Stoddard being 2nd-2nd-4th the past three.  Very anxious to see how this turns out. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Wyoming 2026-2027

 

Wyoming looking very good as we head into 2026-2027.  Lose two to the ends of eligibility but bring back a lot of talent.  Should be a great year for the brown & gold. 

Gone...

Gabe Willochell ends his career a four-time NCAA DI qualifier. One match shy of ending it all as an All-American. 

Jared Hill unfortunately did not earn his bid to become a four-time NCAA DI qualifier but nonetheless did find his way onto the BIG 12 award stand four times.  As tough as the conference is, that is an accomplishment that should be recognized. 6th-6th-5th-8th. 

Back...

133
Luke Willochell

Luke Willochell earned NCAA DI qualification for the Cowboys last season, also placing 6th at Cliff Keen Las Vegas. 

165
Sloan Swan

Sloan Swan finished 5th in a BIG 12 bracket that took the top 4 to the NCAA DI championships. 15 wins on the season, he defeated e'Than Birden 5-3. 

174
Riley Davis

Riley Davis was 6th at the BIG 12's this past season & one match shy of being top 8 in Vegas. 

184
Eddie Neitenbach

7th in the DI nation, Eddie Neitenbach was 2nd in the BIG 12 & 3rd at CKLV. 

197
Joey Novak

The accomplishments & credentials just keep piling up for Joey Novak. Thus far the Cowboy has been 5th & 4th in the DI nation, while capturing 8th-4th-2nd place finishes at CKLV.  He was also a BIG 12 finalist last season. 

HWT
Christian Carroll

Christian Carroll is proof of why the At-Large Wildcard system is so important to NCAA Division I wrestling. After not having a good BIG 12 tournament, Carroll turned around & put it together at the national tournament earning 8th place All-American honors.  23 wins on the year, he has thus far been 8th & 2nd at CKLV. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Wisconsin 2026-2027

 

Between eligibility being up & the transfer portal Wisconsin loses some good talent, but they also bring some back too as we head into 2026-2027. 

Gone...

Nicolar Rivera, a two-time NCAA DI qualifier who was one match shy of All-American honors in 2025 is competing for Maryland this year. 

Zan Fugitt, 4th in the DI nation in 2025 will be competing for Missouri. 

Joe Zargo ended his career a four-time NCAA DI Qualifier. 

Have to talk about the inspiration that Luke Mechler was last year. 8-19 & 11-17 records to winning 19 matches last year, and qualifying for the NCAA DI championships with a 7th place finish at the BIG 10's. 

Back....

165
Cody Goebel

Cody Goebel is a two-time NCAA DI qualifier for the Badgers. 

174
Lucas Condon

Lucas Condon was an NCAA DI qualifier for the Badgers last season. 

197
Wyatt Ingham

17 wins on the year for NCAA DI qualifier Wyatt Ingham who was 5th at the BIG 10's. 

HWT
Braxton Amos

Could we be looking at Wisconsin's next NCAA DI All-American? I believe so.  One match shy of being top 8 in the DI nation last year, three-time NCAA DI qualifier Braxton Amos won 23 matches last season. 

JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At West Virginia 2026-2027

 

The Mountaineers do lose a few to being out of eligibility, but they do a good job of replacing those weights, plus they bring back a strong lineup for action in 2026-2027. 

Gone...

I hope Jett Strickenberger realizes what he did for NJCAA wrestling during his time in NCAA Division I.  When someone like a Strickenberger comes from the NJCAA into DI & does as well as he does, it causes Coaches to open up their eyes & realize that kind of talent that can be in community college wrestling.  He did a great job qualifying for the DI championships three times, winning at BIG 12 title last year, winning a CKLV title this year & finishing both last year & this year one match shy of DI All-American honors. 

Jordan Titus, ended his time as a Mountaineer a four-time NCAA DI qualifier

Willie McDougald, a three-time NCAA DI qualifier unfortunately missed out on #4 this year, but he did still manage to place at the BIG 12's.  Being a four time BIG 12 place-winner is no easy feat & should be looked at for the accomplishment that it is. 

125
Louie Gill

A reserve for Jett Strickenberger last year, Louie Gill put together a 17-4 record. 

133
Gunner Andrick

26 wins on the year, Gunner Andrick earned NCAA DI qualification with a 4th place showing at the BIG 12, as he was also 5th at Cliff Keen Las Vegas. 

141
Luke Satrino

A reserve for Jordan Titus last season, Luke Satrino won 18 matches, including a 7-4 decision over Dylan Ragusin. 

157
Ty Watters

I'm anxious to see where Ty Watters ranks on the all time greatest wrestlers from WVU list once his career is said & done. So far, the Mountaineer has been 4th & 6th in the DI nation.  Last year he won 25 matches, a CKLV title & also took 3rd in the BIG 12's. 

174
Brody Conley

An NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, I was quite shocked when Brody Conley didn't make the cut among the At Large Wildcards last season.  7th at the Midlands he had a 2-0 win over Cael Valencia, a 4-0 win over Luca Augustine & an 8-0 major decision over Brody Baumann. 

184
Ian Bush

19 wins on the year, Ian Bush has thus far been 4th & 3rd at the BIG 12's. 

197
Rune Lawrence

An NCAA DI qualifier for the old gold & blue last year, Rune Lawrence was 5th at CKLV. 

HWT
Max Vanadia

Max Vanadia comes to WVU from Michigan State where he was an NCAA DI qualifier in 2025.  Last year he had an 11-8 win over All-American David Szuba.