Who's Who of D2 Collegiate Wrestling: Top Returnees 174 lbs 2024-2025

 

Josh Kenny
Grand Valley State

As you've read my NCAA DII previews 125 through 165 lbs, you know I've been pretty big on Grand Valley State's epic return to the mats last season.  Well it doesn't get any bigger or better than what Josh Kenny was able to achieve for the Lakers last year.  30-4 on the season, he won titles at both the Super Region III & the NCAA DII championships. A runner-up at the Midwest Classic. 

Brody Hemauer
UW-Parkside

The Ranger had himself an outstanding season last year.  22 wins, he was the Super Region V runner-up, and 6th in the DII nation.  He also placed 8th at the Midwest Classic. 

Cole Hernandez
Western Colorado

Cole Hernandez enters the '24-'25 season now a two time All American with 6th & 7th place finishes in the DII nation.  Thus far 3rd & 1st in Super Region VI, he's also been 7th & 3rd in the Midwest Classic.  He went 32-4 on the year. 

Cole Glazier                                Bryce Dagel                                  James Burk
St Cloud State

The brother of South Dakota State jackrabbit  former Iowa Hawkeye 197 lbs'er Zach Glazier, Cole Glazier had himself a very promising start to his collegiate wrestling career last season.  Only a freshman, he went 30-5 on the season, collecting a 3rd place finish at Super Region V & an 8th place finish at the NCAA DII championships. 

The kicker is, he had to go through not only one, but two very tough wrestlers just to keep his varsity spot this year!  Bryce Dagel, a senior for the Huskies, who went 17-4 last season actually defeated Glazier in competition last season 2-1.  He also has a win over Coy Gunderson, 5-2.  

James Burk, another tough wrestler will also be competing for the spot.  A 4:42 fall over Ethan Smith, for what it is worth he defeated three time NCAA DIII All American Stefan Major by a 6-2 decision. 

Trent Munoz                                 Jacobi Deal                                  Gavyn Brauer
Nebraska Kearney

Like the Huskies, the Lopers are sitting on a lot of talent at the 174 lbs weight class.  Trent Munoz won 24 matches last season, taking runner-up honors at Super Region VI & nearly making NCAA DII All American honors.  Jacobi Deal, a tough grappler in his own right, actually defeated Munoz in competition last season, 12-8.  Then we also have Gavyn Brauer, who had a 14-10 over R12'er Gus Dalton. 

Matt Ortiz
McKendree

A lot of accomplishments for Matt Ortiz last season.  19 wins on the season, two of which were over All American Brody Hemauer by scores of 5-4 & 2-0.  A match shy of DII All American honors, Ortiz was 7th at the Midwest Classic & 2nd at Super Region IV. 

Gus Dalton
Colorado Mesa

3rd at the Super Region VI,  Gus Dalton came within one match of earning a top 8 finish at both the Midwest Classic & the NCAA DII championships.  He'll look to earn medals at both competitions this season. 

Nate Barrett
Ashland

An All American in 2023, Nate Barrett came up a little short of a second All American honor last season.  He also came up just a hair short of a medal at the Midwest Classic as well.  23 wins on the season, he defeated Matt Ortiz by scores of 5-3 & 2-1, and he also defeated Gus Dalton 13-9. Thus far the Eagle has been 1st & 2nd at the Super Region III. 

David Davis
Tiffin

25 wins on the season, David Davis was 3rd at the Super Region III, qualifying for the NCAA DII championships. 

Andrew Reed
Newberry

23 wins on the year for Andrew Reed, who qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 3rd place finish at Super Region II.

Kane Kettering
Seton Hill

We hear so often about wrestlers having successful weight cuts, how about a wrestler who moved up in weight class & saw success?  Kane Kettering moved up to 174 lbs from 165 lbs in early January.  It more than paid off for the Griffin as he won the Super Region I & qualified for the NCAA DII tournament. 

Cole Hivnor
Gannon

Speaking of wrestlers who made successful cuts though.  Cole Hivnor came down from 184 lbs to 174 lbs, and the cut paid off.  6th in Super Region I in 2023, Hivnor made the Super Region I finals last season.  18 wins on the season & one match shy of a medal at the Midwest Classic. 

Jack MacKiernan
American International

An NCAA DII qualifier in 2023 with a 3rd place finish at Super Region I, Jack MacKiernan came up just a hair short of another qualification last season when he finished 4th.  22 wins on the year. 

Calan Staub
Mount Olive

A Super Region II champion in 2023, Calan Staub fell a little short of a second NCAA DII qualification last year, finishing 4th in the Region.  19 wins on the season he did have a 9-6 victory over David Davis. 

Kenny Snyder
Findlay

Here's a guy who has made some leaps and bounds in his collegiate career.  Three seasons ago Kenny Snyder won a single varsity match.  Two years ago he went 8-15.  Last year he nearly qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 4th place finish at Super Region III.  Not to mention he nearly majored qualifier Andrew Reed 10-3. 

Ethan Smith 
Drury

With back to back 4th place Super Region IV finishes, Ethan Smith heads into his final season of competition looking for his first NCAA DII qualification. 

Logan Berger
Chadron State

Competing at 165 lbs for most of last season, Logan Berger was one match shy of a medal at the Midwest Classic, and one match shy of NCAA DII qualification, finishing 4th at Super Region VI.  19 wins on the season, he pinned Ethan Smith at 6:51 & he defeated Wyatt Reisz 5-4. 

Wyatt Reisz
Colorado School of Mines

Only a sophomore, Wyatt Reisz racked up quite a few notable victories last season as a freshman.  A 5-4 victory over five time Super Region V place-winner Max Bruss, he defeated two time All American Cole Hernandez 12-10 & he had a 7-2 victory over Brady Ross.  He took 5th place finishes at both the Midwest Classic & the Super Region VI. 

Coy Gunderson
Augustana (SD)

16 wins on the season for Coy Gunderson who was 5th at Super Region V. 

Fabian Chavez
West Liberty

Another tough freshman from last season, Fabian Chavez came down from 184 lbs to place 5th at Super Region III.  He totaled 22 wins on the year. 

Vincent Galang
King

Vincent Galang enters his final year of competition now a two time Super Region II place-winner with finishes of 6th & 5th. 

Soloman Arnds-Volcin
Colorado Pueblo

Soloman Arnds-Volcin racked up 14 wins last season, placing 6th at Super Region VI. 

Drake Hayward
Minnesota State Mankato

17 wins on the season last year for Drake Hayward, one of which was a 5-4 decision over Coy Gunderson. 

Who's Who of D2 Collegiate Wrestling: Top Returnees 157 lbs 2024-2025

 

Gabe Johnson 
Central Oklahoma

What a near picture perfect season it was for Gabe Johnson last season. Midwest Classic champion, Super Region IV champion & an NCAA DII champion.  Other than going undefeated, I don't think it could have gotten any better for the Broncho. The real question is, as loaded as 157 will be this year, can he do it all again? 


Now, allow me to really boggle your mind....

Bryce Dauphin 
Central Oklahoma

Bryce Dauphin was injured last season, so we didn't get to see much of him.  Why do I think he's someone to keep an eye on? Even someone that NCAA DII champ Gabe Johnson should be worried about challenging him for the spot?  Dauphin is a transfer from Wyoming, and not just one that played backup either.  Dauphin pinned three time NCAA DI qualifier/EIWA runner-up Andrew Cerniglia at 4:56 & he also stuck Robert Weston at 2:55. That should tell you what he's capable of.  The Bronchos are looking gold at 157. 

Nick Novak
St Cloud State

One of those looking to stop Johnson this year will be 2023 NCAA DII champion Nick Novak.  A two time Super Region V champion, his only loss last season was to Johnson in the finals.  23-1 overall, he beat Johnson earlier in the season 4-1. 

Guy DeLeonardis
Glenville State

Here's a guy that really turned it around last season.  A match shy of a top 8 finish at the Midwest Classic in 2023, DeLeonardis took 7th place honors last season.  A match away from All American status in 2023, he wrestled an outstanding tournament, capturing 3rd place last year.  Thus far 1st & 2nd within the Super Region 3, he won an astounding 39 matches in '23-'24. 

Jack Haskin
Lake Erie

26-2 on the season, Jack Haskin entered the NCAA DII championships with an undefeated record.  This included nearly majoring Gabe Johnson 8-1.  A Midwest Classic runner-up, Haskin finished 4th in the DII nation.  Thus far he's been 4th-3rd-1st at the Super Region III. 

Keegan Roberson
UNC-Pembroke

The future looks bright for sophomore Keegan Roberson of UNC-Pembroke.  The Brave racked up 35 wins last season & had an assortment of accolades to add to the collection.  4th at the Midwest Classic, he was 3rd at the Super Region II & 6th in the NCAA Division II. 

Owen Zablocki
Indianapolis

Half way through the season, Owen Zablocki moved down from 165 lbs to 157 lbs.  The cut proved beneficial as he finished 3rd at Super Region IV & 7th in the DII nation.  25 wins overall. 

Bailey Gimbor
Kutztown

22-5 on the season, Bailey Gimbor captured a 3rd place finish at Super Region I & an 8th place finish at the NCAA Division II nationals. 

Maxwell Kiel
Belmont Abbey

Two time Super Region II champ Maxwell Kiel nearly made NCAA DII All American honors last season, finishing one match shy of a top 8 finish.  16-4 on the year, he did major Guy DeLeonardis 14-4. 

Ben Durocher
UW-Parkside

After posting 5th & 4th place finishes at Super Region V in '22 & '23, Ben Durocher finally got over the hump last season & finished 3rd, qualifying for the NCAA DII championships. He nearly did himself one better by coming within a match of All American honors.  Also a match shy of a top 8 finish at the Midwest Classic, Durocher had 19 wins on the season. 

Ethan Richner
Gannon 

16 wins on the season, Ethan Richner was the Super Region I runner-up & one match shy of being an NCAA DII All American.  Among his victories, a 12-3 major over All American Bailey Gimbor. 

   John Ridle Or Anthony Erickson Or Connor Johnston
Central Missouri

Let me be very frank, Central Missouri is not lacking talent at 157 lbs.  All three of these gentlemen are All American contenders.  John Ridle was an All American in 2022, as well as a Super Region IV champion.  Last year he competed at 165 lbs & wasn't anywhere near 100% when he finished 5th in the Regional.  Anthony Erickson was the Super Region IV runner-up last season. A 6-4 decision over All American Owen Zablocki.  Then on top of it all Connor Johnson defeated Erickson 8-4 last year & pinned Will Kuster at the 5:36 mark.   Shame the Mules can't send all three of these guys. 

Cooper Warshel
Pittsburgh-Johnstown

21 wins on the season, Cooper Warshel won the Super Region I.  He had a 5-0 victory over R12'er Ethan Richner. 

Cyrus Meeks
CSU-Pueblo

Cyrus Meeks was an NCAA DII qualifier last season, posting 19 wins on the year.  Thus far has been 5th & 2nd in Super Region VI. 

Basil Othman
San Francisco State

16 wins on the season, Basil Othman qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 3rd place finish at Super Region VI. 

Ryan Wheeler
Colorado Mesa

Not sure if he was redshirting last season or what, but Ryan Wheeler did not compete in '23-'24.  Nevertheless I assure you, he'll be a contender in every sense of the word in '24-'25.  An NCAA DII All American of 3rd in 2022, he's thus far been 1st & 2nd in Super Region VI.  He's also a two time Midwest Classic place-winner with finishes of 7th & 3rd.  Not to mention on his resume, an 11-3 major over Jack Haskin. 

Keagan Judd
Newberry

Finishing 4th at the Super Region II, Keagan Judd was one match shy of NCAA DII qualification.  A 12-9 decision over All American Keegan Roberson on the season. 

Matt Kaufmann
Notre Dame (OH)

The real Notre Dame's Matt Kaufmann has came extremely close to NCAA DII qualification the past two seasons with 5th & 4th place finishes at Super Region III.  He had 19 wins in total last year. 

Jaylon Otero
Ouachita Baptist

Another wrestler that has came very close to NCAA DII qualification the past two seasons is Jaylon Otero of Ouachita Baptist.  5th & 4th thus far in the Super Region IV, he was also one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Midwest Classic last year.  31 wins on the season. 

Jakob Smith
Colorado School Of Mines

Jakob Smith was one match shy of NCAA DII qualification last season, finishing 4th at Super Region VI. 

Will Kuster
Drury

An NCAA DII qualifier in 2023, Will Kuster came up a little short last season with a 5th place finish at Super Region IV.  8th at the Midwest Classic, he had a very impressive 14-2 major decision over R12'er Ben Durocher. 

Eric Falleni
East Stroudsburg

5th at Super Region II, Eric Falleni had 23 victories last season. 

Noah Korenoski
Coker

A bit inconsistent, Noah Korenoski has managed to capture back to back 5th place finishes at Super Region II the past two seasons.  Had a very impressive 11-1 major decision over All American Keegan Roberson. 

Hunter Gilmore
Chadron State

Hunter Gilmore only competed a handful of times last season, but still managed a 5th place showing at Super Region VI. 

Jake Nicolosi
Mount Olive

An NCAA DII qualifier that finished R12 in 2022, Jake Nicolosi enters '24-'25 now a three time Super Region II place-winner with finishes of 2nd-4th-6th.  He will look to claim his second DII qualification & his fourth Region medal this season. 

Caleb Meunier
Minnesota State Mankato

23 wins on the season, Caleb Meunier finished 6th at the Super Region V. 

Casey Barnett
Tiffin

Redshirts are a little harder to keep track of in NCAA DII wrestling, but I believe that's why 2023 qualifier Casey Barnett did not compete in the Super Region III last season.  He did put together a record of 14-3 though. 

Connor Simmonds
Augustana (SD)

I'm anxious to see how Connor Simmonds ends up doing this season.   Competing at 149 a bit last season, he defeated teammate Cael Larson (2nd at Super Region V & R12 at DII nationals) 15-0 tech fall & 8-3.  He also has a 7-4 win over Caleb Meunier. 

Kelby Armstrong
Minot State

15 wins on the season, Kelby Armstrong had a 4-2 win over NCAA DII qualifier Cyrus Meeks & a 9-5 decision over Caleb Meunier. 

Jordan Watters
West Liberty

An NCAA DII qualifier in 2021, Jordan Watters looks to recapture qualification this season.  Reasons to believe that he can are a 2-0 win over Super Region I champ Connor Warshal, and a 4-0 win over Matt Kaufmann. 

Thank You John Smith

 

My heart sunk a little when I read of John Smith's retirement the other day.  I thought about making a quick Twitter or Facebook post about it, but the more I thought about it, I realized Twitter or Facebook wasn't going to cut it.  John Smith deserves so much more than a few words on Twitter or Facebook. There's so much that he did for the sport.  So many ways in which he revolutionized the sport and was a trailblazer for both wrestlers and coaches. 

Growing up a fixated wrestling fanatic, whenever someone said the name John Smith, I think I was the only one who didn't think about an old white imperialist and Pocahontas.  To me John Smith was the wrestler/coach, the legend from Oklahoma State. 

Now I know in wrestling we've had our Danny Hodge's as wrestlers, and we've had our Swede Umbach's as coaches.  I'm not trying to claim that John Smith was the first southerner in either category, but I will say he is the most known and the most prolific.  Let's face it, wrestling is a "northerner's sport."  When you stop and think about all of the figure heads and most popular wrestlers in the world, we're usually talking guys from the West, Midwest and Northeast. 

I'd argue that the three time BIG 12 champ, two-time NCAA DI champ that won 10 gold medals between the Olympics, Worlds, Pan-American & Goodwill Games, helped paved the way for many southern greats who came after him.  As a wrestler in what all he achieved, I think he makes the case for the greatest wrestler to ever come out of the south.  

I think he makes an even stronger case as the greatest wrestling coach that has ever come out of the south.  490 dual wins.  5 NCAA DI team titles & 21 BIG 12 team titles.  33 DI individual champions, 152 All Americans. 129 individual BIG 12 champs.   Not to mention a coach for both the 2000 & 2012 Olympic teams.   Been other great coaches from southern states, but you tell me any of them that have a better resume.  May I also add that all in all, Smith had five of his wrestlers go on to be Olympians, including silver medalist Jamil Kelly & bronze medalist Coleman Scott. 

On a personal level, I've got to meet Coach Smith a handful of times and each time was very pleasant. I'm sure the first time I met him as a 9-year-old decked out in Iowa State apparel at a dual in Ames, he wasn't crazy about my clothes. Nonetheless he still shook my hand and autographed my program.  Years later he spent some time on the phone with my dad and free of charge, sent me a signed Oklahoma State wrestling media guide, with a signed copy of his book COWBOY UP.   Then once at the NCAA's, shared an elevator with him, his wife and his children. Didn't like the Iowa hat I was wearing but did like it when I told him my favorite wrestler was Johnny Thompson.  

I have many great memories of John Smith, but I would have to say my very favorite has to come from the 2003 NCAA championships. In an interview Smith was asked about winning the team title, as the interviewer brought up individual national champions, Johnny Thompson, Jake Rosholt and Steve Mocco.  Smith responded how important their contributions were, but stressed how important it was for other wrestlers on his team to come back and wrestle strong through the consolations.  "You gotta be hungry for 3rd" stressing how important backside wrestling can be in the team race. He really put a lot of emphasis on Shane Roller's epic 3rd place run, which included a 34 second fall over the previous year's NCAA DI champion, Luke Becker of Minnesota. I loved that attitude and that perspective.  It was a great time for Smith and for Oklahoma State. 


As wrestling continues to grow in an assortment of ways, I think we look around Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama and other southern states that are continuously getting better and in partial John Smith can be thanked for that. He was the catalyst that said not only can good wrestlers come from the south, not only can great wrestlers come from the south, but some of the very best wrestlers can come from the south. 

John Smith was a television analyst for both the 2016 and 2020 Olympic games.  He's way too valuable to our sport to not in some way or another continue being a part of it.  I would hope that more play by play and color commentary opportunities await him in the future. 

As always there is more I could say and I hope I gave Coach Smith the fitting dedication he deserves.  He's one of the all time best.  One of those as both a wrestler and as a coach, that made Johnnythompsonnum1 into the wrestling enthusiast that I am.