Lot of experience returning at 133 particularly coming out of the Big Ten, 5 out of the 8 on our list are poised for a podium finish. The weight looks solid overall with 3 or 4 out of the top 5 that can take a title with no dominant returning champ and nobody notable moving down from 141. But even with Vito Arujau, Brody Teske, Daton Fix, Cayden Rooks, and Michael Colaiocco all graduating there are still ten former AA’s returning which means two will be left out, there were also a lot of top level competitors coming off of injuries or redshirts that will impact the landscape at 133 this year.
1. Drake Ayala- Everyone outside of Iowa would more than likely say there’s no way, being that Ayala was a bigger 25. Now he’s a smaller 33 and didn’t win a title last year, so on paper there is too much adjustment to win the NCAA’s this year according to some people. With no experience at 33 you would think this would be enough for us to knock him down at #2 at least, but with a little bias, Iowa matmen will stay true. He had a 23-5 record last year at 25, A preseason rank #3 from flowrestling and #4 from wrestlestat. Our favorite to win it all!
2. Ryan Crookham- is this truly his year? You would think so with Vito Arujau gone, was the one loss that he had last year. Losing to Vito in the semis when it was the most important, we can’t forget that Crookham did beat him 2X, once in the regular season and in the EIWA tourney. He also remains undefeated against Nasir Bailey, Bailey falling twice to him at NCAA’s he should easily be at the top of this list and the national favorite to win it all. 32-2 career overall with a lethal 94 percent win rate getting a #1 preseason rank from flowrestling and #1 from wrestlestat as well.
3. Nasir Bailey- It would be easy to say that Crookham has beat him twice and he’s got Bailey figured out but there’s always a chance to turn things around through tape review and an unquestionable drive for payback. In the NCAA’s he only lost to Crookham by one point, both coming off their freshman year, there’s plenty of time to continue the rivalry. Bailey to this point is 29-4 with an 87 percent win rate, a #2 preseason rank from flowrestling and #3 from wrestlestat.
4. Lucas Byrd- this is where things get interesting, a lot of other pre rankings have put Dylan Ragusin here but for us it has to be Lucas Byrd. Byrd has beaten Ragusin 3-1 all time and he also has a 38-8 record against like opponents where Ragusin is 31-13. Yes there is a question whether he can bounce back from a medical redshirt last year but with Mendez gone he has a better shot in the NCAA’s this year. 79-19 overall with an 80 percent win rate, 2X AA and 3X qualifier there is no reason to not consider him in the top 5. #9 preseason rank from flowrestling and #7 with wrestlestat.
5. Dylan Ragusin- Returning AA had a decent year last year, ended the NCAA’s last year in 5th with notable wins over Dylan Schawver and Evan Frost both of them are on our list, pinned Aaron Nagoa and knocked off #4 ranked Patrick McKee. Will most likely make podium and top 5 if he can beat Frost again. A huge unexpected upset from the top 3 would probably put him in the semi finals or a title shot, will he get a chance though? 74-27 career overall with a 73 percent win rate. #4 preseason rank from flowrestling and #2 with wrestlestat.
6. Evan Frost- Frost has the ability to surprise and upend this whole list, holding the technical ability to beat anyone we have mentioned so far, we are not as confident in everyone else to do the same thing. He is a true dark horse contender in this loaded weight. Number six is a perfect place for him having lost to Ragusin but beating Shawver, against common opponents with Shawver he’s 11-2 compared to 11-6. 33-12 career overall with a 73 percent win rate getting a #5 preseason rank from flo wrestling and #8 with wrestlestat.
7. Dylan Shawver- This is also a great spot for Shawver placing 7th last year in the NCAA’s, had some noteworthy wins against Kai Orine and Brody Teske. We would love to see another rematch with Frost, also like to see a better finish against Ragusin. 62-26 record overall with a 70 percent win rate, Flo gave him a #6 preseason rank and #5 from wrestlestat.
8. Kai Orine- Placed 8th two years in a row, this year could peak maybe at #6 by season end. He held pretty well against Nasir Bailey but losing to Dylan Shawver puts him at #8 our list. Collegiate wrestling could only hope that he places higher with a giant personality, he is highly marketable. Has been known to wrestle at a higher level, we personally hope to see him disrupt all expectations. Distinguished as a 2X AA, 3X Qualifier, 2X ACC champion and 2024 CKLV champion with a 71-27 overall career record. With a 72 percent win rate Flo has a preseason ranking at #7 and wrestlestat at #6.
Next to 174 there’s no better weight in the NCAA coming into the 24-25 seasons with 10 AA’s returning, there isn’t much room for someone outside of this list to come in. With a looming chance of Braeden Davis coming into the mix, this would change everything.