NATIONAL DUALS - ROUND ONE - Illinois Vs Little Rock (Preview & Prediction)

 

The #12 Fighting Illini of Illinois take on the #15 Trojans of Little Rock in the National Duals Invite opening round.  Another thank you to those who are making this fantastic event possible & an thank you to Flo for providing coverage to those of us unable to attend in person.  This dual between these two outstanding teams I believe will provide a lot of great action.  Little Rock unfortunately has been a victim of the transfer portal losing both Nasir Bailey & Jordan Williams who have decided to continue their careers at Iowa. This I feel will be the ultimate difference maker in this dual.  While I do think the Trojans will give the Illini one heck of a good fight, I think the slightly ranked higher orange & blue prevail.  

#13 Spencer Moore Vs U.R. Jeremiah Reno
125

Among those in their final season of eligibility looking to be crowned All-Americans by year's end, count Spencer Moore among them.  The former Tarheel now a member of the tribe known as the Illini begins his quest to end his career as one of the final eight still standing come the final day of collegiate wrestling in what will be March of 2026. His opponent is a very tough Jeremiah Reno, who at the time this was written had not made Flo's top 33 rank. With that said, I wouldn't be surprised if Reno was top 33 once the dust has cleared in 5 months & we have a list of our of our qualifiers.  Illinois will be looking for bonus points here, but I predict that they do not get them.  The experienced Moore will get the W, but I say it is by decision. 

ILLINOIS: 3
LITTLE ROCK: 0 

#1 Lucas Byrd Vs U.R. Dillon Cooper
133

Here I believe last year's NCAA DI national champion will show us exactly why he was #1 last year & why exactly he plans on staying #1 this year.  I do believe we'll see bonus here & I see it coming via fall. 

ILLINOIS: 9
LITTLE ROCK: 0 

#18 Danny Pucino Vs U.R. Brennan Van Hoecke
141

It is in these first few lower weights that I think Illinois sets the tone and builds their lead.  Experience is the weapon & I believe the Illini will use it wisely. With that said, 141 like 125, I do not see bonus. I can even see this match being one where Pucino holds tight for a 2 to 3 point decision.  BVH may not be ranked yet, but I think eventually the junior PAN-AMERICAN bronze medalist will be.  I say he shows signs of it in this match, but not close enough to sniff an upset. 

ILLINOIS: 12
LITTLE ROCK: 0 

U.R. Mike Gioffre Vs #21 Brock Herman
149

I spoke earlier of how Little Rock took some damage due to the transfer portal, but the truth is, they also gained a bit from it too.  They brought in Brock Herman from Ohio State & I believe here at 149, is when we'll see the Trojans fire back with some points of their own.  Bonus?  I'm sure our only DI program in the state of Arkansas would love to see them, but I don't see it happening.  Calling a decision in this one. 

ILLINOIS: 12
LITTLE ROCK: 3 

#8 Kannon Webster Vs #31 Jaivon Jones
157

Arrogant & full of himself "put your money where your mouth is" Kannon Webster is looking for nothing less than an All American honor in 2026, after finishing one match shy of a top 8 showing in 2025.  I'd like to think that Jaivon Jones a former Northern Illinois Husky might be able to keep this one to a decision, but statistically speaking, I do think we see bonus here. 

ILLINOIS: 16
LITTLE ROCK: 3

#9 Braeden Scoles Vs #5 Matty Bianchi
165

I speak a lot in both my writings & in my videos of marquee matches.  Looking over duals & deciding what the 'main event' will be. Here in this dual in R1, I think it is here at 165 lbs between two outstanding talents in Braeden Scoles & Matty Bianchi. This match has a lot riding on it for this dual.  For Scoles, the upset gives the Illini the breathing room to put the Trojans far enough out of reach that there isn't a prayer of catching up.  For Bianchi, a win here means that the Trojans aren't out of this one quite yet.  I'm going with a Little Rock win. 

ILLINOIS: 16
LITTLE ROCK: 6 

U.R. Collin Kelly Vs U.R. Gunner Holland
174

Matches like this are exactly why I love the dual format of wrestling so much.  Let's be candid. Come 2026's end, Collin Kelly & Gunner Holland most likely aren't going to be two guys we're talking about contending for conference titles or heading to Cleveland looking to become All Americans. That's the reality of it.  HOWEVER, both of these guys have the potential to be heroes in this important first round matchup of the national duals.  It proposes the perennial question. Who has more to lose? The guy WITH the lead or the guy trying steal it?  In this case, I think it will be the latter.  I predict a W for Holland, as Little Rock keeps there hopes alive. 

ILLINOIS: 16
LITTLE ROCK: 9 

U.R. Chris Moore Vs #26 Brock Delsignore
184

Another match of utmost importance as the dual windles down to the last few matches.  On paper this looks like a probable win for the Trojans, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility for an upset.  Chris Moore was an NCAA DI qualifier at 165 lbs in 2024.  He had some respectable victories at 174 in 2025.  Hard to tell exactly how he'll do at 184 lbs, but I keep an open mind until we find out.  Going to go with Delsignore here, but I do think it'll be close. 

ILLINOIS: 16
LITTLE ROCK: 12

#23 Cade Lautt Vs #4 Stephen Little
197

Two-time All American, the heart of the Little Rock wrestling team, this is where Stephen Little can really step it up for the Trojans and put them withing striking distance of pulling off a notable first round upset.  He's going to have to get some big bonus points in this one & I say that he does. The Maroon & Silver could really use a tech or fall out of the Sturgis, Kentucky native & in such a situation, I see him delivering.  Trailing all dual, I say Little Rock heads into HWT with the lead. 

ILLINOIS: 16
LITTLE ROCK: 18 

#7 Luke Luffman Vs #17 Josiah Hill
HWT

And this is where the buck stops for Little Rock. While I think Josiah Hill is more than capable of giving Luke Luffman a respectable match, I feel very confident that the 2025 R12 finisher closes out this dual with a hard fought victory for himself & for his team. 

ILLINOIS: 19
LITTLE ROCK: 18 


==== 

I see this going down as a fun dual where Illinois strikes early & builds up a good lead, Little Rock makes a rally towards the end, and Illinois wins in in the final match. The absence of Baily & Williams isn't doing the Trojans any favors, but I could also say that Illinois would probably be a lot tougher if Edmond Ruth & the Braunagel brothers still had eligibility too. 
 

NATIONAL DUALS - ROUND ONE - Iowa Vs Missouri (Preview & Prediction)

 

November 15th is just around the corner & we will begin round one of the National Duals Invitational! This is an event that is long time coming & hopefully will be the success that we all want it to be. JT1Wrestle decided to sit down, look over the bracket & make some predictions! 

#3 Iowa will kick things off against #19 Missouri in what looks to be from my vantage point, a reminiscent summoning of the glory days of Dan Gable.  Brands and Co has a very tough team this season & I believe against the Tigers, they are going to show their dominance.  Here's how I see things potentially going down. 

#10 Dean Peterson Vs U.R. Mack Mauger
125

The former Scarlet Knight, now Hawkeye has only one thing on his mind for the '25-'26 season, and that is to be an NCAA DI title contender come those three most important days in March.  Iowa made an investment in this transfer & he plans on making like Stevie Wonder, coming in signed, sealed and delivered.  His opponent, an unranked freshman from Idaho still has a good long career ahead of himself to make things happen over the next four seasons, but I think upon his introduction to DI varsity wrestling, this is going to be a rough one.  I predict Tiger steak, extra rare, and Peterson forgetting his manners. 

IOWA: 5
MISSOURI: 0 

#3 Drake Ayala Vs #20 Kade Moore
133

Kade Moore is one of those guys that sometimes wrestles like David Banner (yes, I'm a Bill Bixby fan & it is David for those wanting to correct me to Bruce) and at other times he wrestles like the Incredible Hulk.  That fact is not lost on me & I do take it into consideration anytime I see Moore's name in competition.  It's also not lost on me that Drake Ayala is a two-time NCAA DI runner-up & the last time these two met, Ayala scored a 21-5 technical fall.  I can see Moore maybe holding this one to a major decision, but I don't see him holding it to a decision.  This is something that Tom & Terry sound alike, look alike, think alike are taking very seriously. They're coming in here to not only win but to dominate.  I say Ayala gets another tech.

IOWA: 10
MISSOURI: 0 

#10 Nasir Bailey Vs U.R. Seth Mendoza
141

Another of the Iowa investments from the transfer portal, Nasir Bailey a former Little Rock Trojan looks to make his mark this year as a Hawkeye.  Although currently unranked at the moment, I think Seth Mendoza is better than the U.R. that accompanies him into this match.  Mount Carmel has been producing great talent longer than I've been alive & I trust that Mendoza is no exception.  Still going with the experienced Bailey in this one, but I do not see any bonus.  

IOWA: 13
MISSOURI: 0 

U.R. Ryder Block Vs #15 Josh Edmond
149

On paper, the reality of it is, Missouri does not match up well with Iowa, weight by weight.  With that said, 149 lbs is the best opportunity for the Tigers to let out their claws, show their teeth & go in for the hunt. Do I see a major here? No.  The only commonality between Block & Edmond is Illinois' Danny Pucino.  Pucino defeated Block by 1 point & lost to Edmond by 1 point.  What does that suggest to me? That Edmond should win this match, and it has a probability of being close.  So yes, a Tiger hunt, but we're not talking a goat here, we're talking a sloth bear. (Which if you know your animals, don't always lose to Tigers.  Sometimes they win too.) 

IOWA: 13
MISSOURI: 3 

#7 Jordan Williams Vs #25 J Conway
157

Ever heard the expression of "better on the mat, than what it is on paper"?  This would be an example of that. On paper, a #7 should be having his way with a #25, but I wouldn't bet on that happening.  I'm still going to go with Jordan Williams in this match, but I do think it'll be a tight one.  Matter of fact I wouldn't rule out the possibility of an upset. The only commonality here is opponent Joel Mylin, who Williams defeated 2-1 & who Conway defeated 1-0.  Prediction another victory for the Hawks, in a well contested match. 

IOWA: 16
MISSOURI: 3

#2 Mikey Caliendo Vs #12 Maxx Mayfield
 165 

The last two times Mikey Caliendo & Maxx Mayfield met, Caliendo won via technical fall by scores of 19-4 & 21-5.  The Hawkeye will once again be going for the bonus here, but I'm not sure if he'll get the 5.  He may have to settle for four.  Mayfield is in a new environment, with new coaches & new workout partners.  Having workout partners like Steed & Conway, could be a difference maker.  Not sure if Mayfield can keep Caliendo from majoring him, but I do think he can make this match go a full seven minutes.  

IOWA: 20
MISSOURI: 3 

#2 Patrick Kennedy Vs #5 Cam Steed
174

Every time I assess a dual meet, I always look for the marquee matchup, and this may very well be it.  These guys mirror one another as far as common opponents & performances against them are concerned.  Patrick Kennedy proved himself in unfavorable odds last season to not only be Iowa's starter, but to also be one of the best in the NCAA DI nation by capturing a national finish of 4th.  Cam Steed 7th in the nation last year, would love to knock him down a peg, as he continues to climb the ladder himself.  Kennedy is one of those guys who finds a way to win in dire situations.  Not ruling out an upset here, but once again predicting an Iowa victory. 

IOWA: 23
MISSOURI: 3 

#2 Angelo Ferrari Vs #10 Aeoden Sinclair
184

If 174 isn't the marquee, then 184 will be.  From a promotional, distribution standpoint, it already is.  Hard telling which match actually will be better, but if we're asking hype & anticipation, this is our Hulk Hogan Vs Andre The Giant draw right here.  Fans love losing their shit over freshmen, and these two currently off redshirt are two of the best in the country.  Angelo Ferrari defeated Dustin Plott 6-3 last year, whereas Aeoden Sinclar dropped an 18-7 major decision to him.  To be honest, I'm not putting a whole lot of stock into those results.  Not everyone is the sensational straight out of high school prodigy that Ferrari is. Some take a few lumps in that year of adjustment & I'm not convinced that Plott would have his way with Sinclair now like he did a year ago.  Missouri fans are probably sick of reading this line by now but....I'm still going with Iowa on this one.  I do think it'll be a good match though. 

IOWA: 26
MISSOURI: 3 

U.R. Massoma Endene Vs #11 Evan Bates
197 

These are the type of matches that make a dual like this fun. The type of matches with the kind of stories that should be used to hype & draw.  Wrestling fans love to sit around and debate about whether we should allow NCAA D2 & NCAA D3 champs entry into the NCAA DI tournament again.  Love to sit around and fantasize about these lower division wrestlers coming in & having their way with these DI wrestlers from these big DI schools.  Massoma Endene has the opportunity at these duals to fulfill the hopes of those in favor by showcasing the skills of a three time NCAA DIII champ against some of the best 197 has to offer.  Evan Bates will be a good test.  

Looking at it from Bates perspective, he joins Mayfield as a former Wildcat, now Tiger.  He's one of those guys that is easy to picture in the round to place but needs some more definitive victories before we start imagining him winning that match. A win over Endene I believe would be a strong start at the beginning of the season. 

Missouri fans are really going to hate me, but going with Iowa in a close one yet again. 

IOWA: 29
MISSOURI: 3

#5 Ben Kueter Vs #23 Jarrett Stoner
HWT

Pretty straight forward here.  I think Stoner can keep this one to a decision & I think he should keep this to a decision, but I also think it'll be a well-controlled, never in doubt victory for Keuter. 


IOWA: 32
MISSOURI: 3 


=====

Tom & Terry Brands have probably spent the last 16 years tossing & turning at night from the fact that they haven't brought home a gold trophy from the NCAA DI wrestling tournament since 2010.  It probably eats away at them even more that they were ranked #1 in 2020, when the tournament was canceled because of COVID-19. Nobody hates not being #1 worse than the Brands. They're like leprechauns, all they're interested in is gold. They haven't had any from the NCAA DI championships in quite a while, they'll be damned if they're leaving Tulsa without any.  

I say Iowa is coming in here with a mentality of nothing will do other than being the best, and they're coming in here to win this tournament. I say they make that statement right from the get-go, which is why I'm predicting such a lopsided victory.  

The Marquee Matches of St Ambrose Vs York (NEB) Vs Missouri Baptist

 

Yours truly will be in attendance covering the duals between St. Ambrose, York (NEB) & Missouri Baptist this Saturday.  Looking very forward to my first college wrestling event of the 2025-2026.   By April 1st of 2024, I was ready for a break, but right around the middle of July I was ready to get back in the swing of things & it has been a long, grueling 3 month wait.  

Without a doubt there is going to be some great wrestling between these three teams, but I have to say I was vastly disappointed to not see Ernest Grant on the York (NEB) roster.  Last season as a freshman, the Bakersfield, California native had a standout year, nearly capturing NAIA All American honors, finishing in the R12. I really thought he would be the Panthers standout star this season, but he's no longer on their roster. 

With that said, there are two matches on Saturday that I am looking very forward to. 

141 lbs

This my friends will be the marquee match of the evening.  The "main event" if you will.  I've been waiting for head coach Bo Bettinson to crown his first NAIA All American & over the years he's had some great talent.  Diego Machado, Dylan Meiners, Mick Chagnon, Jayden Terronez, some extremely tough wrestlers, who haven't quite reached that top 8 status yet.  I think Guiseppe Guerra has the tools and talent to become the Bees first All American.  With that said, Daryl Mills is an All-American candidate in his own right.  A runner-up at last year's AMC/SAC, he was also 4th at the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational. 

The last these two met, Guerra pulled off a tight 4-3 decision.  For ranking purposes, it would suit Guerra once again to pull off the upset. What better way to start off your season? 

HWT

This is the other match of the evening that I'm looking very forward to.  Tyler Casey, a surprise Heart of America Conference finalist last year, taking on a fellow NAIA qualifier Amad Soufi.  I'm a little surprised with the NAIA ranking the top 25 at each weight class that they didn't feel that Casey was worthy of a top 25 ranking, but whatever. He'll either show us this season that indeed he is worthy of being ranked, or he won't. I say he will & I say he will this Saturday.  The Kurdistan who competed for Oakville High School, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri will be an extremely tough opponent.  Matter of fact, from both vantage points, this is a great test to see where you're at, at the beginning of the season. 

2025-2026 NCAA DI Preview = 149 lbs

 

Caleb Henson
Virginia Tech

In my never ending quest to prove that there is some great talent in the south, I can rely on Georgia native Caleb Henson to provide me an excellent example.  Thus far 5th-1st-2nd in the DI nation, Henson heads into his final season of collegiate eligibility looking to become a four-time All American & a two-time NCAA DI champion.  Along with these accomplishments, he is 1st-2nd-1st within the ACC & he's also been 2nd & 1st in the prestigious Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.  22-1 on the year, he's a two-time Keystone Invite champion as well. 

Shayne Van Ness
Penn State

One of the many outstanding wrestlers produced by Blair Academy in New Jersey, Shayne Van Ness heads into what will be his junior season of competition having collected bronze medals at both the 2023 & 2025 NCAA DI championships.  Also 3rd at the BIG 10's last season, SVN went 25-3 on the year winning the Black Knight Invite. 

Connor Pierce
Penn State

I do not see Connor Pierce upending SVN for the starting spot on the Penn State wrestling team, but I do want to illustrate just how tough of a wrestler Pierce is.  He defeated Willie McDougald twice by scores of 16-7 & 4-3, making the finals of the Southern Scuffle. 

Lachlan McNeil
Michigan

The future Canadian international star, who is the son of 1992 Olympian Calum McNeil of Great Britain, earned 4th-6th & 5th place NCAA DI finishes for the Tar Heels of North Carolina.  In '25-'26, he will look to earn his fourth All American honor competing for the Wolverines of Michigan.   3rd-3rd-2nd within the ACC, he had runner-up finishes at both the Southeast Open & the Soldier Salute last year.  He was 25-7 on the season. 

Ethan Stiles
Oregon State

The redshirt freshman transfer of Nebraska, was a surprise All-American at last year's NCAA DI championships having a great run to an eventual 6th place finish.  The PAC-12 runner-up, Ethan Stiles went 19-8 on the season. 

Gavin Drexler
North Dakota State

25 wins on the season, Gavin Drexler earned 8th place All American status, finishing 3rd at the BIG 12's.  Also 3rd at the Southeast Open, he won the Bison Open. 

Jordan Williams
Iowa

Two tries in the south, one at Oklahoma State & one at Little Rock, Jordan Williams will now test life in the Midwest at the University of Iowa.  Last year, Williams went 26-6 on the year, he won both the Southern Scuffle & the PAC-12's, finishing one match shy of All American status.  Had both a 15-5 major over All American Ethan Stiles & a 9-5 decision over All American Gavin Drexler. 

Cross Wasilewski
Pennsylvania

25-5 on the year, Cross Wasilewski won an Ivy League title & finished one match shy of All American status.  Thus far he has also been 5th & 2nd at the Midlands. 

Andrew Clark
Rutgers

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier, Andrew Clark won 24 matches last season.  A Black Knight Invite runner-up, he was 4th at the Midlands & 6th at the BIG 10's. 

Ethan Fernandez
Cornell

Heading into his final season of competition, Ethan Fernandez was 8th at CKLV & runner-up at the Ivy League championships. 

Gabe Willochell
Wyoming

Gabe Willochell heads into his final season of collegiate eligibility looking to become a four-time NCAA DI qualifier. 4th at the Soldier Salute last season, he was one match shy of placing at CKLV, although he was 7th their two seasons ago.  An 11-10 win over All American Ethan Stiles on the year, Willochell has 4th & 8th place finishes within the BIG 12. 

Antonio Avila
Wyoming

Freshman Antonio Avila went 25-8 in his redshirt last season, winning a RENO title.  He will push Willochell in the room. 

Koy Buesgens
North Carolina State

16 wins on the season for Koy Buesgens in his first year of collegiate competition.  He was 3rd in the ACC. 

Sam Cartella
Northwestern

Sam Cartella had to rely on an At-Large wildcard bid to get into the NCAA DI tournament last year, as he posted 15 wins on the season.  Thus far he has been 8th & 5th in the Midlands. 

August Hibler
Northwestern

Challenging Cartella for the starting position this year will be August Hibler.  As a redshirt last yaer, he defeated Malyke Hines 7-6 & tech'd Kelvin Griffin 16-1. 

Willie McDougald
West Virginia

Willie McDougald heads into his final season of collegiate competition, looking to become a four-time NCAA DI qualifier.  3rd at the Southern Scuffle, he's had back-to-back 5th place finishes within the BIG 12.  Had a 7-4 decision over All American Gavin Drexler last year. 

Wynton Denkins
Virginia

Wynton Denkins put up 33 wins on the season for Campbell last year, one of which was a 7-2 decision over All American Gavin Drexler.  A Champion at the Lehman Open, he was 4th at the Southern Scuffle.  He will compete for Virginia in '25-'26. 

Carson DesRosier
The Citadel

The Helena, Montana native went 25-7 on the year last year, winning a Southern Conference title & finishing 7th at the Southern Scuffle. 

Chance Lamer
Nebraska

Two seasons at Michigan, two seasons at Cal Poly, Chance Lamer will now compete for the Huskers of Nebraska.  Twice the NCAA R12 in his career, Lamer comes into the BIG 10 having placed 2nd & 3rd thus far in the PAC-12.  Owns two wins over fellow R12'er Jordan Williams by scores of 4-2 & 7-2. 

Trae McDaniel
Army

The Cleveland, Tennessee native heads into his final season of collegiate competition having posted 25 wins in '24-'25, winning the EIWA title. 

Mason Shrader
Central Michigan

Another tough senior among a list of upperclassmen, Mason Shrader won 24 matches last season.  7th in the Midlands, he was the MAC runner-up. 

Kaden Cassidy
George Mason

8th-5th-3rd in the MAC, Kaden Cassidy heads into '25-'26 looking to become a four-time MAC place-winner & a two-time NCAA DI qualifier. 

Jack Gioffre
Oklahoma

I know that Cradlezone is excited about man of the transfers Oklahoma is getting in this season, and Jack Gioffre is one of them.  An NCAA DI qualifier for the Cavaliers last season, among his wins a 4-3 decision over R12'er Cross Wasilewski. 

Paniro Johnson
Iowa State

In collegiate wrestling, we have examples of "box of chocolates" wrestlers & Paniro Johnson is one of them.  You never know what you're going to get.  If we're talking straight up potential & capability, he has the skills and talent to be a national champion.  A two-time NWCA Scholar All American, he's from Erie, Pennsylvania but could at times easily convince me that he's from Eeire, Indiana.  26-5 on the year, he was the BIG 12 champion last year. 

Jacob Frost
Iowa State

As I say that Paniro Johnson has the potential to be an NCAA DI champion this year, in the same breath, I also say that he has the potential to be a backup on his own team as well. That's how incredibly tough it can be to even make a lineup at this level.  Jacob Frost was 7th in the nation last year at 141 lbs.  There will be great wrestle-offs all over the collegiate wrestling world here before long.  This will be one of the best. 

Kal Miller
Maryland

Here's another guy I could see having a standout year in '25-'26.  Kal Miller heads into his final season of collegiate competition having posted 22 wins on the season.  A three-time NCAA DI qualifier, he was 7th in the BIG 10's last year.  He is also a three-time NWCA Scholar All American. 

Ty Whalen
Princeton

Ty Whalen went 21-5 on the season last year, taking 3rd at the Ivy League championships. 

Tagen Jamison
Oklahoma State

One match shy of All-American status last year competing at 141 lbs, Tagen Jamison will now test the waters up at 149 lbs. 

Casey Swiderski
Oklahoma State

I said there were going to be some great wrestle-offs this season & I meant what I said.  Competing for Iowa State, Casey Swiderski was one match shy of All-American status in 2023, taking 7th in the nation in 2024.  Injured last season, he comes into '25-'26, looking to reclaim his status.  Wins such as an 18-6 major over Jordan Williams & an 8-2 decision over All-American Sammy Alvarez suggest the ceiling is very high for Swiderski.  However, one of his toughest challenges of course will be in the Cowboy wrestling room with Jamison. 

Carter Young
Oklahoma State

I didn't forget about Carter Young, either.  The hometown native has his work cut out for him if he's going to knock off both Jamison & Swiderski, but he is more than capable of doing just that.  A two-time NCAA DI qualifier in his own right, Young was 5th at the prestigious Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational last year.  Among his wins a 4-1 decision over All American Sammy Alvarez, a 5-2 decision over Koy Buesgens, and 14-7 decision over Ethan Fernandez. 

Dylan Layton
Rider

Forced to find a new home because of the incompetent, foolish & ignorant decisions of Cleveland State University, Dylan Layton has been welcomed with arms wide open by the Broncos of Rider. He was 22-5 redshirting in '24-'25. 

Kade Brown
Pittsburgh

Another future Canadian international star, Kade Brown won 10 matches last year as a redshirt.  3rd at the Midlands, he had a 4-2 win over Andrew Clark & he took Paniro Johnson into sudden victory. 

Finn Solomon
Pittsburgh

I am just overblown by how good some of these wrestle-offs will be in '25-'26.  Duking it out for the starting spot on the Panthers lineup, will be Kade Brown & Finn Solomon.  Solomon an NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, just missed qualifying again in 2025.  6th at the Midlands, he owned a 4-3 win over Kal Miller. 

Wyatt Krejsa
Purdue

Wyatt Krejsa heads into his freshman year of wrestling having posted 10 victories last year as a redshirt.  He also placed 8th at the Midlands. 

Xavier McKnight
Davidson

If you read a lot of JT1Wrestle, you know that I'm super pumped and excited for the '25-'26 season.  One of the reasons why, is because I feel very confident that we will see an NCAA DI qualifier (maybe more!) for Davidson this season.   Xavier McKnight posted 27 wins last year & placed 6th at the Southern Scuffle. 

Benji Alanis
Northern Colorado

Benji Alanis was 8th at the Southern Scuffle last season. 

Zac Cowan 
Bellarmine

A two-time NWCA Scholar All American, Zac Cowan heads into his final season of competition, looking to give the Knights an NCAA DI qualifier at 149 lbs. 

Kai Owen
Columbia

An NCAA DI qualifier in 2024 at 141 lbs, Kai Owen missed out on qualification in 2025.  3rd at the Lehman Open, he was 4th in the Ivy League & will compete at 149 lbs this season. 

Avery Allen
South Dakota State

I was kind of surprised that Avery Allen wasn't selected as an At-Large Wildcard bid last year.  21 wins on the season, a 7-4 decision over Gavin Drexler, a 6-1 decision over Gabe Willochell & an 8-4 decision over Mason Shrader.  Allen was 6th at the BIG 12's. 

Drew Roberts
Minnesota

An NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, I thought that Drew Roberts would be selected for an At-Large Wildcard bid last year, but he was not.  Twice one match shy of top 8 at the BIG 10's, he did have an 8-6 decision over All American Gavin Drexler. 

Josh Edmond
Missouri

A three-time NCAA DI qualifier, at multiple weight classes, Josh Edmond returns to the 149 lbs weight class, looking for qualification #4. 

Joe Zargo
Wisconsin

Redshirting last season, Joseph Zargo heads into '25-'26 looking to become a four-time NCAA DI qualifier.  Last year he defeated Willie McDougald twice by scores of 2-1. 

Jesse Vasquez
California Baptist

The Lancers are quietly, but surely putting together a pretty tough team with some tough incoming transfers.   Jesse Vasquez an NCAA DI qualifier in 2024, has some wins among his arsenal to suggest he'll do some big things in California this year.  4-1 over Willie McDougald, he also defeated Sam Cartella 10-4. 

Caleb Rathjen
Northern Iowa

An NCAA DI qualifier for Iowa in 2024, Caleb Rathjen will compete for Northern Iowa this year. 

David Evans
Utah Valley

Last year we saw Terrell Barraclough one of the best backups in the country for Penn State, transfer to Utah Valley and have himself an outstanding season.  History looks to perhaps repeat itself in David Evans, who himself transferred from Penn State to Utah Valley.  Among his wins to convince you?  A 4-1 s.v. over two-time All-American C.J. Composto. 

E.J. Parco
Stanford

The Cardinal has some good young talent this season, and younger brother of Kyle Parco, E.J. is among one of them. Haven't seen a whole heck of a lot out of Parco yet, but a 4-2 win over Jesse Vasquez provides preview.