The favorites are well known and spend the season with a bullseye on their backs. The grapplers on this list are hidden gems, and while talented wrestlers they are often ranked just outside the top 5. However make no mistake, each and everyone of them are capable of making a deep run in March.
125- Osmany Diversent-
Osmany is a freshman at Iowa State and enters the United States out of Cuba.Although just a freshman, he has a wealth of experience, representing Cuba in numerous international tournaments. He is a 3x Caban national champion, a Central American Gold Medalist, as well as a Pan Am Champion. On top of all that, he has a victory over 2024 NCAA Champions Richard Figueroa. Of course his accomplishments are in freestyle wrestling, and he will have some adjustments to make to get used to folkstyle.
133-Drake Ayala-
Drake had a tremendous 23-24 season , as he finished as NCAA runner up. However his weight cut to make 125 was really taking its toll on Drake, 133 is a much more natural fit, for the Hawkeye. At 133 he hasn’t had to worry as much about cutting weight and has instead spent his time perfecting his craft. In early season practice, Drake has looked much improved wrestling with Spencer Lee and Austin DeSanto.
141-Sergio Lemley-
We saw flashes of brilliance from Sergio during his freshman season which saw him put together a 19-9 season while going 1-2 at the NCAA tournament. Prior to his disappointing tournament, he was able to score quality wins over 3rd place finisher Brock Hardy, and former NCAA finalist Real Woods. This kids top game is absolutely sick.
149-Kannon Webster-
Kannon Webster had a tremendous redshirt season last year, wrestling unattached for the University of Illinois. As a true freshman he managed to put together an impressive 19-1 record. Defeating talented wrestlers Caleb Rathjen, Jesse Vasquez, and #5 Dylan D’Emillio. His only loss on the year came against NCAA 4th place finisher Ty Waters of West Virginia, a close 4-2 decision. With another year of wrestling under his belt, the sky’s the limit with this kid.
157-Paniro Johnson-
Paniro burst onto the scene during the 22/23 season, he quickly put together an impressive freshman campaign. During that season he became the first 149 Big 12 Champion in program history. During that season he racked up wins over all-americans Brock Mauller, Max Murin, and NCAA finalist Austin Gomez. He also pushed Yianni D. to the limits, before losing in overtime to the 4X NCAA Champion. At the 23 NCAA Tournament he kind of just fell apart, and severely underperformed. He missed last season due to a bogus gambling suspension. If Paniro has continued to improve and can overcome his NCAA jitters, he is more than capable of reaching the NCAA finals.
165-Terrell Barraclough-
Bear Claw was a 4X Utah state champion before arriving at Penn State, where he has spent his career serving the team in the backup roll. Last season at Penn State he finished the year 12-2. Losing 3-2 against Former NCAA Champion Shane Griffith and 2-1 against NCAA Champion Levi Haines. While hanging with those two studs says a lot about his ability. Carter Starocci is also on record saying Terrell is one of the best in the country. WHile I really can’t see Bear Claw winning the weight class, I could see him making the finals.
184 -Gabe Arnold-
Gabe burst onto the scene last season for the Hawkeyes, Helping them secure a huge dual meet victory over Iowa State when he bumped up in weight and defeated #6 ranked Will Feldkamp. He also captured championship victories at the Soldier Salute and Luther Open. He went 12-1 on the season. Prior to college he was a 2x National Prep Champion as well as an Iowa State champion. Gabe was also a 2023 US Open champion. Gabe has a unique blend of speed and strength that makes him tough to beat. It will be exciting to watch him the next few years.
174-Nelson Brands-
To start its hard to say what kind of shape Nelson is in after missing all of last season. However if he has continued training and honing his skills he could be a frontrunner is a very top heavy weight class. Make no mistake 174 is absolutely loaded. Nelson did place 5th 2 years ago at the weight class so we know he is capable of making the podium. He also has a close 2-1 lose to Carter Starocci, so we know he can hang with the best of the best. With his deep gas tank, and a deadly combination of speed and strength he is very dangerous in a tournament setting. He has quality wins over All-Americans Taylor Venz, Sam Colbray, Zach Braunagel, and Edmond Ruth.
197-Zach Glazier-
Zach had an impressive 25-4 season last year, the highlight was majoring former Big 10 champion Silas Allred of Nebraska. He also knocked off #4th ranked Jaxon Smith of Maryland. He was also the only wrestler to hold Aaron Brooks to a decision during the regular season. He also has a win over 2021 NCAA Champion AJ Ferrari. With Brooks out of the picture, this could be the year for Glazier.
HWT-Yonger Bastida-
The Cuban import, brought with him a wealth of experience as he migrated to Ames Iowa in early 2020. However his experience came in freestyle wrestling and he had to learn the ropes of Americas rugged folkstyle. After going 4-4 during his freshman campaign, we have seen steady improvement from Mr. Bastida, and this year as a senior he is an NCAA title contender. He has quality wins over all-americans Nick Feldman, Jacob Warner and Wyatt Hendrickson.