Author: marklongmainstream (Page 7 of 301)

It will be an interesting year at certain weight classes for the buckeyes, up this point in time they are returning all of their starters and returning three All-Americans. The Tom Ryan era has brought the program 73 All-Americans with 13 Individual National Championships with a 213-68 dual record, its safe to say they will still be a top contender in the NCAA’s this year.

125- This weight class makes things interesting, with Vinny Kilkeary barely squeaking out a loss against Braeden Davis on a controversial call, losing 4-3. This match separated kilkeary from Brendan McCrone who is the starter, and more or less a .500 wrestler going 18-13 last season. Kilkeary is now off of redshirt , and I expect him to earn the starting spot.

133- Nic Bouzakis posting a decent year going 25-11 in 23-24 had some incredible wins but accompanied by some very questionable losses. Getting upset by Brode Teske (Iowa) by reversal at the buzzer 13-15 in the NCAA’s. But, losing to Daton Fix (OSU) 5-4 was not so questionable. Fix only won on the ensuing escape. He beat All-Americans Aaron Nagao and Kai Orine showing he is a threat in the tournament. He is Ohio State’s clear frontrunner.

141- Jesse Mendez has the starting position without question, going 29-2 and winning his first NCAA title. I expect a big year for Mendez as  he looks to repeat!

149- Coming up just short of All-American honors in the 23-24, the 6th year senior Dylan D’Emilio is also a wildcard play and a .500 wrestler in the NCAA’s going 10-9 overall. Does he have a chance to return to the podium this year? Fans are hopeful for a top 5 in the Big Ten Championships at least.

157- At 16-5 before his injury in January, Paddy Gallaghers only losses were to All-Americans and has shown he can compete at a higher level beating out Trevor Chumbley and Ryder Downey he also lost to Downey. If he’s fully recovered he has the potential to all-american this season.

165-It looks like Sammy Sasso is back after being shot in the leg and missing all of last season. Bryce Hepner is also in the lineup after an up and down season last year. Bryce had a 13-7 record in the 23-24 season. I have a hard to predicting this one. I got to think that if Sasso is back, he fully believes he is capable of winning it all. No other reason to tarnish his legacy.

174-Rocco Welsh returns to the line up after a brilliant true freshman season. Finishing as NCAA runner up in a bracket featuring 3 NCAA Champions. Carson Kharchia is also in the lineup and if healthy is a strong all-american contender. With the 174 weight class stronger than ever, I expect Welsh to redshirt and Kharchia to finish out his college career.

184- Ryder Rogotzke seems to hold the 184 with an indifferent season last year going 20-10 but with a staggering 16 pins. He went 4-2 at the Big Ten Tournament. Last Season he had a signature win over Bernie Traux.

197- The national qualifier went 15-11 in the 23-24 season, Luke Geog needs to show some improvement in the NCAA tournament. Going 0-2, losing to Zack Glazier and Silas Allred are not terrible losses for a redshirt freshman.

285-Nick Feldman showed a 29-8 performance last year with a 5th place finish at the NCAA’s last year, he had some great wins against Tase Ghadiali and Cohlton Schultz. Losing to Greg Kerkvliet, he’s expected to make some big improvements this summer, will it be enough to become a finalist in the NCAA’s?

I could see this team with 5 maybe 6 all-americans and 2 NCAA finalists. Not a bad team at all solid up and down the line up. Can they crack the top 5? I’m not sure.

The Fighting Illini return for another season of wrestling. As usual expectations are low the squad. Although a few bright spots on the team exist.

125-Ramazan Attasauov It appears that Illinois is set to remedy their 125 lb problem. Ramazan was a former Iowa state wrestler, who Coach Poeta convinced to come to Illinois. He hasn’t wrestled in a while, but if we look at 2022-2023 he posted an 11-5 record over all. With one year of eligibility remaining, Ramazan will lead the team into battle.

133-Lucas Byrd Illinois fans waiting for the return of the 2X All American Lucas Byrd are excited to see him back on the mat after redshirting last season. During the 22-23 season Byrd went 30-6. Kole Brower will also see mat time and is the future of the weight class.

141- Definitely contention here between Danny Pucino and Will Bassinger, Pucino going 15-12 overall and an NCAA Championships qualifier Peota recognizing Bassingers hunger for the position said, “There’s a potential threat there,” recognizing Bassingers will and extra work, targeting the starting spot. Hopefully this will motivate Pucino to have a better year. I expect both wrestlers to get mat time, and its hard to say who earns the spot at Big 10s.

149- Kannon Webster looks to carry the team this year, coming off a redshirt season in 23-24, he went 20-1 and defeated No. 5 Dylan D’Emilio (Oklahoma State) in his very first dual appearance. Overall going 6-0 in duals and 2-0 in the conference, this is a steady weight class for Illinois. I look for Webster to be a top 5 guy by the end of the season.

157- Jason Kraisser coming out of the transfer portal this year from Iowa State did fairly well with a 15-5 overall record and a 2-1 in duals. Looking to revamp a little after the weight class in 23-24 couldn’t get over .500, Kraisser will come in and fill this void well. He is a former NCAA qualifier and looks to return to his winning ways in Champaign.

165- The 165 is kind of a toss up between Braeden Scoles and Caden Ernd, Scoles going 10-4 last season is moving up from the 157. Peota was asked if there is a gap here, and he responded with, “they are both in a position to surprise people.” Ernd posted a 6-4 overall and 1-2 in duals last year.  As of now this looks like a big hole in the lineup.

174-Danny Braunagel is back after taking an Olympic Redshirt last season. He went 4-0 while redshirting and was an NCAA Qualifier in 22-23. Overall solid wrestler, could have a breakout year.

184- Edmond Ruth The biggest focus on this weight is Edmond Ruth, with an overall record of 64-12 and 23-4 in duals, the 2X NCAA qualifier and last years Big Ten Champion, needs to be a little more aggressive this year, Peota said, “he needs to be more aggressive in the areas that he’s good, with a hand around the waist there’s no chance of an opponent not being put on the mat.” Can he make top 5 this year?

197- Zac Braunagel is another big position for Illinois, taking an Olympic redshirt last season, the year before went 25-9 overall and 9-4 in duals. He’s a 4X NCAA qualifier, and 2X round of 12 finisher.  Peota says he’s excited to return to folkstyle. Illinois should see some good numbers from him this year.

285- Luke Luffman, a 2X NCAA qualifier looks to hold the 285 again, with an 8-3 overall and 4-2 in duals is the only guy at this weight above .500. Injury cut his season short just before the Big Ten duals, the question always is, has he recovered fully.

Looking fairly good this year, are they a top ten team? Possibly. I see a few all-americans on the team, with Webster and Ruth being the leaders.

Penn State has been the team to beat for a long time now. Winning 3 straight NCAA titles in 3 years! Can they make it 4 straight? Lets take a look. Breaking an NCAA Tournament record with 8 All-Americans and 4 NCAA champs all while under the leadership of Cael Sanderson. Unbelievable numbers with Josh Barr, Levi Haines, and Greg Kerkvliet having undefeated seasons, who can come against this team?

125-Braeden Davis had an outstanding freshman year winning the Big 10 Championship, and falling just short of becoming an all-american. Even with all that success, I don’t expect to see him as the starter this year. Not at 125 anyway. At 125 I believe we will see U20 World Champion Luke Lilledahl get the nod. Luke is the real deal, and will be a serious contender this year. Robert Howard and Gary Steen will also see mat time.

133-Aaron Nagao Is a talented wrestler and former all-american. I expect Nagao to get the starting spot here. However Davis will also contend for the spot. Either wrestler is capable of reaching the podium. Ultimately I think Davis ends up redshirting.

141-Beau Bartlett is a returning NCAA finalist and is back for his senior season. Anything else than a national title will be a disappointment for Beau.

149-Shayne Van Ness had a stellar freshman year, but missed last season while having knee surgery. I expect Shane to see limited action until the Big 10 tournament. It will be interesting to see how he wrestles after recovering from injury. During the 22-23 season Van Ness finished 24-7 and had an impressive run at the national tournament, going 5-1 and finishing 3rd.

157-Tyler Kasak filled in for Van Ness last season at 149 and had an outstanding season, earning all-american honors with a 3rd place finish. Word on the street is that he is walking around at 168 and will likely be competing at 157 this season. Alex Facundo has certified at 157 this year as well, and I expect him to get the nod and Kasak to redshirt.

165-Mitchell Mesenbrink did absolutely phenomenal in his freshman year with a staggering 26-1 season losing only to David Carr (Iowa State) in the NCAA finals I expect Mesenbrink to have very few challenges this season and fully expect him to cruise to his first NCAA title.

174-Levi Haines The defending 157 lb NCAA Champion, is moving up 2 weight classes here after out growing his former weight class. Levi is an absolute stud, but 174 is also completely loaded this year.  I expect a stronger and more aggressive Haines this season. Last year he was drained making the cut to 157.

184-Carter Starocci returns chasing history, looking to become the first ever 5X NCAA Champion. While Carter appears to be the odds on favorite Parker Keckeisen is a formidable opponent. Zack Ryder will also be in the lineup, however I expect him to redshirt.

197-Josh Barr had an impressive 15-0 record last year while redshirting. Josh recently competed in the U20 World Championships, where he earned a Silver Medal.  Barr is a very talented wrestler, however he will be wrestling up a weight from his natural class at 184.

285-Greg Kerkvliet is the defending NCAA Champion and will hold down this weight for the Nittany Lions all season. I could see Greg winning his second title however I would be surprised to see him anywhere in the top 4.

Once again PSU brings out a loaded team and is a heavy favorite to win a fourth straight team title. This team has a realistic chance of having 10 all-americans.

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Placing 4th in the tournament with 68.5 points to beat out Iowa last year, was an amazing finish for the Cyclones. Here is our projected lineup, always subject to change by the day,

125- Kysen Terukina being the evident senior, has shown promise in the past, looking specifically last year into his victory against No. 6 Eric Barnett was a statement. A 3 time NCAA qualifier placing 4th last year in the Big 12 Tournament, hopefully a case of senioritis hasn’t kicked in. Could they possibly try out Ethan Perryman or Garrett Grice? Tell us what you think.

133- Evan Frost is arguably the teams best returner, the 2024 Big 12 runner up made waves last season upsetting No. 8 Brody Teske (Iowa) and No.4 Dylan Shawver. Barely losing to No.1 Daton fix 2-1 in the NCAA tournament. Frost finished his freshman campaign by placing 6th at the 2024 NCAA tournament. He could definitely runner up or take the title this year. Regardless he will carry the team points this year.

141- Jacob Frost and Zach Redding will be competing for the 141 lb spot. Frost is 19-4 so far in his career, while Redding is a 2X NCAA qualifier. I expect both to get mat time this season, with Frost getting the nod for the end of the season. I could see Frost qualifying for nationals.

149- Anthony Ecemendia finished 5th last year at 141 and is now bumping up in weight. Casey Swiderski is also listed at 149 and is also a returning all-american finishing 7th at 149. Swiderski has battled injuries throughout his college career. I expect Ecemendia to get the nod and Swiderski to use a redshirt on the season. Ecemendia is a serious force and I expect a top 4 finish from him in March.

157-Paniro Johnson is back after “red-shirting” last season. Johnson was the 2023 BIG 12 Champion at an NCAA qualifier at 149 lbs. Johnson has quality wins over all-americans Max Murin, Austin Gomez, and Brock Mauller. With his speed and aggressiveness, I expect him to reach the podium in March.

165-Cody Chittum I look for Chittum to move into the 165 lb slot, after finishing 2nd at Big 12s and qualifying for the NCAA tournament as a true freshman. While Cody seemed to of under performed at nationals, he does have a quality win over NCAA finalist  Jacori Teemer. I expect a more experienced Chittum to find his way to the podium. Connor Euton will also see action at the weight.

174- MJ Gaitan being the clear choice here, racked 10 pins which was the most on the team and ranked 17th most nationally showcasing a 22-9 record looks really good. The problem is, is that the 174 is absolutely stacked this year. MJ will really have to step up to the plate this year.

184- Evan Bockman the transfer from Utah Valley will take this weight, a 3X national qualifier and went 1-2 at the NCAA Championships posted a win against Levi Hopkins (Campbell) in the first round was ranked No.13. He defeated three ranked opponents in the Big 12 last year, the obvious choice coming through the portal. Tate Naaktgeboren is a talented freshman who went 9-4 last year. He will also see time on the mat this season.

197- Christian Carroll redshirted last year at Oklahoma State going 1-4. While these results don’t look promising, he was the number 2 P4P recruit coming out of high school. On the freestyle scene Carroll is a dominate force having wins over Tony Cassioppi, Jacob Warner, and Trey Munoz at the Olympic Trials. If he can transition to folkstyle he could do well. Their is a ton of hype on this kid, but the question of him making weight remains.

285- Yonger Bastida along with Evan frost, we believe will carry this team. Bastida is a returning all-american and has all the potential to win the whole dang tournament in March. If healthy he is a force in the heavyweight division. I expect a top  3 finish from him. He was  26-2 last year.

I see this team with 7 potential all-americans! It will  be hard to replace the points David Carr scored at last years tournament, but with a solid team effort, I could see a top 5 finish.