Another year of NCAA Wrestling is quickly approaching. Here are some of the most decorated wrestlers returning to the mat for the upcoming college season.

1 Carter Starocci-Penn State

Already a 4X NCAA Champion, Carter has had the type of career that people will be talking about for years to come. Using the Covid year to build on his legacy, Carter is gunning for a record 5th NCAA title. Carter had a high school record of 172-10 and is currently 84-2 at the college level. He has quality wins over NCAA Champions, Vincenzo Joseph, Alex Dieringer, Jason Nolf, Isaiah Martinez, and Mekhi Lewis.

2 Ridge Lovett-Nebraska

Ridge has had a wild college career this far and is the only wrestler on this list yet to win an NCAA title. In High School Ridge was a perfect 170-0 winning 4 state titles in Idaho. At Nebraska he is a 2X all-american and 4x NCAA qualifier. He is currently 76-19 in his college career,and has Quality wins over Austin Gomez, Beau Bartlett, Tyler Kasak, and NCAA Champion Caleb Henson.

3 AJ Ferrari-Cal State

After compiling a 96-1 high school record, AJ won the NCAA title in 2021 as  a true freshman while compiling a 20-1 record on the season. In 2022 he was a perfect 10-0 before suffering a season ending injury. He is also the 2020 Junior National Champion in Freestyle wrestling. He has quality wins over Stephen Buchanan, Tanner Sloan, Jacob Warner,Myles Amine and Nino Bonaccorsi.

4 Richard Figueroa-Arizona State

The 2024 NCAA Champion from Arizona State is back to defend his title! Figueroa is a 3X California State Champion, a cadet world silver medalist, and a UWW Junior Nationals Champion. His college career currently stands at 32-5. He has won titles at the CKLV, The Pac 12, and The NCAA tournament. He has quality wins over Matt Ramos, Braeden Davis, and Drake Ayala.

5 Parker Keckeisen Northern Iowa

The defending NCAA Champion is back to defend his 2024 title. Parker is a 2X Wisconsin State Champion. In the college ranks he is a multi time all-american, with his lowest finish coming his freshman year where he finished 3rd at the national tournament. He has an impressive college record of 123-6, and was a perfect 31-0 last season.

6 Andrew Alirez-Colorado

Andrew was a perfect 28-0 in the 2023 season, where he won an NCAA title at 141 lbs. He is also a 2X Big 12 champion! In freestyle, Andrew is a 2X US National Champion. He has quality wins over Beau Bartlett,  Austin DeSanto, and Real Woods.

7 Keegan O’Toole-Missouri

Keegan is already a 4X all-american, and 2X NCAA Champion. With an 87-4 career record at Missouri. Aside from his college career he is also a 2X World Champion, striking gold at the 2021 Junior World Championships, and in 2023 at the U23 World Championships. Keegan has quality wins over NCAA Champions Shane Griffith, David Carr, and Vincenzo Joseph.

8 Jesse Mendez-Ohio State

Jesse is a 2X all-american and the 2024 NCAA Champion where he defeated Beau Bartlett in dramatic fashion. Jesse also won a silver medal at the 2023 U20 World Championships. He has quality wins over Real Woods, Beau Bartlett, Andrew Alirez and 4X NCAA Champion Yianni Diakomihalis. His career record at Ohio State is 49-11.

9 Greg Kerkvliet Penn State

Greg was a 4X Minnesota State Champion, and a 2017 Cadet World Champion. Since joining the college ranks, he has become a 4X all-american, winning the NCAA title last season.

10 Levi Haines Penn State

A 2X all-american, 2X national finalist, and NCAA champion. Levi has had an impressive college career this far.

Lots of high calibur wrestlers with collegiate experience are coming off their redshirts this year, some are NCAA qualifiers with huge potential and others have a title with multi-podium achievements who haven’t wrestled in the NCAA for over a year. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest names returning that you may have forgotten about.

133 or 141 Looking to make a big impact for Michigan is Chris Cannon. Graduating from Northwestern in 2023 he posted a staggering 71-23 record over four seasons with them. Suffering an injury from the first dual opener against Colombia, the 2X All-American and 3X National Qualifier hasn’t really seen the mat yet. He also represented the US in the 2021 U23 World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia taking 5th place.

141 Andrew Alirez suffered with multiple issues regarding his knee, teammates at Northern Colorado claimed that the popping sounded like, “a popsicle stick snapping,” leading then to a long road of recovery. Being his freshman year, he was given six weeks for hopes of seeing the mat within the season, but unfortunately extended to his sophomore year. The next year his injury was now in the mirror, so he thought. He returned only to tear it again. Alirez said, “I thought, well, I’d never be healthy again,” falling to a sense of despair as well. Awakened to a sense of realization, he wanted to try his best to prove it to himself by revamping his diet and working hard. By the end of his senior year he took a title in 2022, UNC’s first wrestler in years to win a national title erasing any doubts about the past. Once again he is in question for the 2024-2025 season being that his last match was a win against Real Woods in the NCAA Finals (2023) to cap a perfect 28-0 year. How will he return? To us, he’s still a title contender. With his ability to overcome, there’s no reason he’s not in a title match regardless of time lost.

149 Kannon Webster is probably one of the more exciting freshman coming off of a redshirt, going 16-1 and taking out No.5 D’Emilio, we all want to see what he can do with a season long stride. Recorded Four falls, five tech falls and four major decisions, if he can stay in that rhythm, he’s a top 5 contender easily.

133 Lucas Byrd like Alirez, hasn’t seen the mat in a while. March of 2023 in a tiebreaker to Jesse Mendez at the Round of 12 specifically, Poeta spoke on Byrd, “he has impressed me this summer.” 3X NCAA Qualifier, 2X All American placed third at the Big Ten Championships. Went 30-6 overall, 11-1 in duals and 8-0 in Big Ten Duals, once again we should be expecting a big return regardless of lost mat time.

174 Gabe Arnold ripping off his redshirt this year had his highest rank win against No. 6 Will Feldkamp (Iowa State) only falling to No.2 Dustin Plot (Oklahoma State). Going 8-1 overall has to be considered for a ravenous return.

184 Nelson Brands in his final year of eligibility, has had a rough ride with a Covid year, a medical redshirt in 2022 and a gambling suspension last year, carries 5 years of experience altogether. The NCAA granted him another year. His last match against No.7 Dustin Plott in the NCAA’s in 2023 once again will see the mat in 2024. 42-19 record overall he will make a deep run in this year’s tournament.

149 Shane Van Ness a huge freshman sensation last year took 3rd at his first NCAA Tournament, suffered through a leg injury surgery was scheduled after the holidays in 2023. Coming back just in time some would say he didn’t wrestle at the level before. With a full summer of recovery behind him, expect a huge return back with win percentage over 70 again.

Heavyweight Ben Kueter– With his sole focus on wrestling this year, we should see some bigger wins like he did last year, beating No.11 Konner Doucet (Oklahoma State) and No. 29 Bennett Tabor (Minnesota). Will he do better against Greg Kerkvliet this year? Post press conference after his match proved he knew what went wrong. “Need to do better on offense” Adding a little more weight would probably help him as well.

197 AJ Ferrari Looking beyond the last unattached tournament and beyond all the drama with Iowa and Starrocci, he’s finally found a place to land. His last match being a loss at the Soldier Salute to Zach Glazier (Iowa), he hasn’t had a full season since his freshman year in 2021. Going an impressive 19-1 and winning a title, but he’s more like the Antonio Brown of wrestling. With three years of eligibility left hopefully he can steer clear of car accidents and courtrooms.

157 Alex Facundo, now off an olympic redshirt hasn’t seen a collegiate match since March of 2023 losing to both Julian Ramirez (Cornell) and Holden Heller (Pittsburgh). Going 19-6 on the year. He can wrestle at a higher level, he recently certified at 157 for the upcoming season.

Don’t sleep on any of these guys coming off their redshirts. Yes, some of them haven’t wrestled a collegiate match in over a year, but some have taken to the Olympics and with all of that out of the way, most of them have set their sights on their collegiate careers.

Last season Missouri just missed a top 10 team finish at the NCAA Tournament with an 11th place finish. This years team looks to fare a bit better with 7 wrestlers ranked in the top 20. Lead by 2x NCAA Champion Keegan O’ Toole and #4 Rocky Elam this team has all the potential to contend for a team trophy.

125-Noah Surtin

Missouri will be just fine at the 125 with Noah Surtin, a 4X National Qualifier returning for his senior year. 62-26 career record along with a 30-7 dual record. He has shown continual progress but needs more consistency in the later tournaments, showing a 0-2 record at the NCAA’s in 2024. Losing to No. 11 Brendan McCrone (Ohio State) and No.18 Stevo Poulin (Northern Colorado) and only placing 6th at the Big Ten Championships in 2023. He has the ability to make the podium ranking as high as No. 3 last season with a 9-0 start, capable of competing in the top 10 knocking off No. 4 Jore Volk.

133-Kade Moore

Out of the five 133’s listed, Kade Moore is likely to fill the roll. Finished his first year as the starter last year with an 11-7 overall and a 6-2 dual record with a highlight win against. No.5 Sam Latona of Virginia Tech. A lot like Noah Surtin, he needs to display consistency going 0-2 In the NCAA Tournament losing to No. 5 Nasir Bailey and No.10 Aaron Nagao. Missouri fans shouldn’t be worried, barely losing 10-9 to 2X N NCAA champion Vito Arujau shows he has skill, just needs the follow through.

141-Josh Edmond

Finishing 3rd at the Big 12 Championships with a 4-1 record, gave Josh Edmond an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament making that his second visit. Going 18-10 with a 6-6 dual record, several of his losses were in overtime, he will more than likely take the starting position in 2024-2025. In last years tournament he was one win away from the podium going 3-2. Winning against No. 25 Tom Crook (Virginia Tech) and losing to No.19 Vance Vombaur (Minnesota). His performance has gone back and forth since his freshman year, going 10-0, the next 17-11, then 5-2, last year 18-10, hopefully this is a breakout year to separate himself from the past.

149- Logan Gioffre

Logan Gioffre didn’t have a particularly good season on paper in 2023-2024 going 8-9, but looks are deceiving as he put up notable wins against No. 21 Alek Martin (SDSU) No. 16 Willie McDougald (Oklahoma) and No. 11 Jaden Abas (Stanford). While barely losing to National Champ Caleb Henson 6-4 by decision. Possibly still struggling from a mid season injury, missing all of February took 0-2 in the NCAA’s. Tough losses against No. 5 Ty Waters (West Virginia) and No. 25 Ethan Miller (Maryland). Entering in to a redshirt year, Missouri will probably give some experience to Joel Myline. A sophomore that went 12-6, is ready for some of the bigger tournaments this year.

157-Cam Steed

Between Cam Steed and James Conway, Steed takes the position on stats. 23-5 record overall, he will see dual action this year. Although he did take out some bigger names in the southern scuffle two years ago, National Qualifier Cael Carlson and All American Hunter Garvin. He will have to face Hunter Garvin again in January, along with 5 other top 10 preseason ranked opponents. Big shoes to fill this year.

165-James Conway

Little bit of a gap here, where they could bring Cam Steed up, will probably move James Conway. O’Toole moving to the 174 certainly stretches the Tigers, Conway could fill the position for now. Missouri Valley Champion last year, but struggling in dual action, having some losses against tough opponents Cody Chittum (Iowa State) and Ryder Downey (Northern Iowa) he has some experience. He needs to have a breakout year to hold the position.

174-Keegan O’Toole

Their most solidified wrestler in Keegan O’Toole, 2X National Champion and 4X All-American moves to the 174 to replace former All American Peyton Mocco, if Carter Starocci moves to the 184 this weight is wide open for O’Toole. He’ll still have to answer to Levi Haines if he doesn’t move to the 184, who shut him out 6-0 in the World Team Trails. He’s also looking at facing off against returning runner up Rocco Welsh, he’s probably just relieved to not think about Messenbrink who will probably take the title at 165. We do have an insight to O’Toole at the 174 when he moved up last season to face Edmond Ruth (Illinois) winning 12-7 by decision. Can he keep the same luster at the 174 and grab his 3rd National title?

184-Colton Hawks

This spot is owned by Colton Hawks, 2X National Qualifier who also could use a breakout year, went 19-8 last year placing 5th at the Big 12 Championships. Despite losing on day 2 of the NCAA’s, it was his 2nd year in a row beating out Gavin Kane in the first round of the tournament. He had some impressive wins last season against Caleb Hopkins (Campbell University) and No. 15 Aaron Ayzerov (Colombia University). The Tigers will need to see a lot more from him, at least a blood round finish this year.

197- Rocky Elam

Rocky has been a staple for the Tigers over the last four year, capturing four All-American Honors and has continually shown progress in the NCAA’s moving from 5th to 3rd place from 2021-2023 seasons. A slight blunder placing 6th in 2024 will not keep him out of the title contention conversation this year. 70-17 record overall he’s ready to add a title to the achievements list.

285- Seth Nitzel

Seth has a clear shot at making the top 20 this year, being that the 285 is kind of light. 32-13 overall he had a good 2023 going 13-3, winning the Missouri Valley Open and Bongo Bayly Open. Grabbing a couple of notable wins against Coltan McKiernan (SIUE) Christian Carroll (Oklahoma State) and Bradley Hill (Iowa) he is capable of competing at a higher level.

With Keegan O’Toole and Rocky Elam to carry the team points this year, they will need significant finishes in the lighter weights. If Noah Surtin and Kade Moore contend in the top 5 of the tournament, it would certainly make up for some of their gaps at the heavier weight.This team has the potential for a lethal top 5 finish if individuals can do just that, finish.

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Relaxation and Recreation After a refreshing swim or playful splash, unwind and soak up the sun on the expansive beach area. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk, enjoy scenic views, or try your hand at: – Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing permitted in designated areas. – Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rentals available. – Beachside Games: Cornhole, ladder toss, and other activities.

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Located at 11745 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356, South Cumberland State Park beckons thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts to experience its unparalleled beauty and adventure. Spanning over 30,845 acres, this park is Tennessee’s largest state park, offering a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, click here.

Brent Simmons

A Rich Legacy South Cumberland State Park’s history dates back to the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the park’s infrastructure. The CCC’s craftsmanship is evident in the park’s rustic architecture, trails, and bridges. In 1978, the park officially opened, providing recreational opportunities and preserving the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

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Unleash Your Inner Adventurer South Cumberland State Park offers an incredible range of activities and amenities, including: – Hiking: 90 miles of trails, featuring the 13.5-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail and the 12-mile Collins Gulf Trail. – Backpacking: 12 backcountry campsites and 2 group lodges. – Rock Climbing: Over 150 routes for experienced climbers. – Waterfalls: Explore 12 stunning waterfalls, including Foster Falls and Greeter Falls. – Wildlife Viewing: Spot white-tailed deer, turkey, and rare bird species. – Picnicking: Scenic picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms. – Fishing: Streams and lakes filled with trout, bass, and panfish. – Horseback Riding: 12 miles of horse trails. – Camping: 10 campsites with electric and water hookups.

Ethan Oltremari

Additional Amenities – Visitor Center: Gather information, brochures, and park merchandise. – Park Programs: Join guided hikes, nature walks, and educational programs. – Events: Attend outdoor concerts, festivals, and stargazing events. – Recreation Areas: Playgrounds, basketball courts, and a volleyball court.

Petey Marx

Immerse Yourself in Natural Beauty South Cumberland State Park’s diverse landscape, ranging from rugged gorges to scenic plateaus, offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature enthusiast, this park’s vast wilderness awaits. Come and explore the majestic beauty of South Cumberland State Park.

Big Gunz Gealy

For more of the best adventures in the United States, click here. For the best nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For the best Hotels, Resorts, and Vacation Homes, click here.