While the anticipation builds for the season and transfers start to cool down, everyone is getting glimpses of their dream match ups. In this article we will take a look at 10 matches we all hope to see this college wrestling season.

An absolutely loaded 174 weight class is exciting to talk about, but also very difficult to just pick one match. The match at 165 might raise your eyebrow and everyone will cross their fingers for the 141, let’s get into it.

125 Luke Lilledahl Vs. Richard Figueora -U20 World Champion vs NCAA Champion.

At 125 we had to stretch this one to Luke Lilledahl Vs. Richard Figueora.  As everyone knows, Lilledahl taking out NCAA finalist Brandon Courtney at the U20 World Team Trials is not shocking. Getting silver and gold in the U17 likewise in the U20 world championships, we are ready to see him at the collegiate level. If Braeden Davis moves to the 133 or redshirts this season,then Lilledahl is the clear starter and has a shot to take the crown from defending champion Figueora.

133  Ryan Crookham vs Drake Ayala -Both have something to prove.

Standing at 32-2, coming into his sophomore year, a 94% win record cannot be ignored from Ryan Crookham. Losing only to 2X National Champion Vito Arujau who he had already beaten twice during the regular season, has proven himself to be a world class competitor. With Arujau and Fix both gone, we have already seen him beat Evan Frost and Nasir Bailey, Drake Ayala is left to the No.4 preseason ranking. If Ayala moves up to the 133 this would be a dream match, Both have fallen just short of Championship glory this past season and are seeking redemption. Can drake cut through Bailey and Frost to get to Crookham? Lets wait to see his official weight first.

141 Jesse Mendez vs. Andrew Alirez -A battle of NCAA Champions.

Probably the most desired match we long to see this year at 141 would be Jesse Mendez vs. Andrew Alirez. Mendez beating Alirez at the beat the streets benefit in June of this year doesn’t give us a clear picture being a freestyle bout. Alirez forfeiting the 23-24 season for an Olympic redshirt, had an incredible undefeated season the year before going undefeated posting a 28-0 season, beating out Real Woods for a title. Do we still call him a defending Champion even though Jesse Mendez filled the gap and took the title this past year? We’ll say both are defending champions, no matter how you look at it, this collision course needs to happen in the tournament, as they more than likely will not see each other in the regular season. We can only hope.

149 Kannon Webster vs Shayne Van Ness-A chance to show the world they are for real.

Coming off of an impressive redshirt season going 20-1, Kannon Webster is expected to make huge strides this year and likely will face off against Shayne Van Ness. Both have beaten Kaleb Burgess and Scott Jayden so now we need to see them against each other. Van Ness already posted wins against Caleb Henson and Kyle Parco, the top two in the preseason rankings. Webster beating out No.5 D’Emilio last year says he can wrestle at the highest level, we would absolutely love to see this happen at 149 this year.

157 Meyer Shapiro vs Paniro Johnson -To men with something to prove.

Meyer Shapiro establishing dominance at 157 going undefeated in duals at 14-0 and 27-3 overall, beating out 3X All American Brock Mauller 14-4 by major decision is insane. Also crushing 2X All American Bryce Adonian 16-4 also by major decision tells it all. Johnson also has quality wins over Austin Gomez and Max Murin, Both of these young men will contend for an NCAA title this year. I expect a memorable showdown if these two should meet.

165 Terrell Barraclough vs Michael Caliendo-

At 165 Terrell Barraclough took the transfer portal to Utah Valley and has continually progressed in the rankings year on year since his freshman debut in 2020. A 42-19 overall record, Carter Starocci said this, “if he wasn’t at Penn State, he’d be a championship contender,” looks like he’s doing just that this year. Putting him up against Michael Caliendo they almost have the same record with like opponents. Both have lost to Mitchell Mesenbrink and Shane Griffith, also both have defeated Caleb Fish.

174 Keegan O’Toole vs Levi Haines- Two former NCAA Champions at a new weight class.

With the 174 absolutely loaded this year, there is only one match we have to see, Keegan O’Toole vs Levi Haines. O’Toole having a 41-1 dual record probably won’t give way to Haines, who will have to do some adjusting  moving up 2 weight classes. O’Toole showing some inconsistencies in the tournament will more than likely beat Haines in the regular season and then meet again in the tournament, where it could go either way. We have a glimpse from the world team trials where Haines silenced O’Toole in the 79 kg Consolation semifinals, but we want to see the official win in season. Unfortunately I expect Haines to redshirt and doubt we get to see this one.

184 Carter Starocci vs Parker Keckeisen -Chasing history

184 has an incredible match that’s not too far out of reach. Starocci could easily make the adjustments at184 to be the first ever 5 time National Champ. He would have to go through Parker Keckeisen to make that happen. Keckeisen putting on a perfect display at 31-0 last season and was a contender for the Dan Hodge Trophy. He will be a finalist in 2025 no matter who’s there, we say the same about Starocci if he decides to move up. This match is fire!

197 Carter Starocci vs AJ Ferrari-The match we all want to see.

Carter Starocci already conquering the 174 entertained the idea of moving up two weight classes and we already know why. The drama surrounding this war of words with A.J. Ferrari has gotten way out of hand, Starocci stating, “Ill go heavyweight, it really doesn’t matter, Another NCAA champ that needs added to my collection,” is absolutely wild. Saying also that he would bend Ferrari over in front of the world is pure hatred. Ferrari responded with, “Get that weight up”. Realistically we would like to see Starocci move up the 184 to face defending National champ Parker Keckeisen, which would be equally impressive to pull off. But there are too many fireworks between him and Ferrari for it not to be a dream match.

Heavyweight Greg Kerkvleit vs Yonger Bastida The match we missed last season

This is a match i have wanted to see for 3 years now. Bastida has really improved over the years and Kerkvleit has looked almost unstoppable of late.  While on paper Kerkvlieit is the clear winner, this match is actually much closer than it appears. Had it not been for a broken hand we may of seen this match last season in the NCAA finals. No matter how this match goes it will be great to see one of them lose.

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As a team, taking out No.7 Missouri in 2023 was a huge precedence for the seven NCAA qualifiers returning this year. With Legendary National Champion Parker Keckeisen and Big 12 Champion Ryder Downey back in the saddle, they have a real shot at carrying UNI into the top 10.

125–Trevor Anderson not having the best season last year posting a 10-13 season, there were glimmers of hope as a redshirt as he took out No. 1 Jakob Camacho (NC State) at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and No. 27 Nick Babin (Columbia) in his debut, he has a chance to prove himself and separate himself from a 7- dual record last year.

133- Julian Farber has a chance to step up this year as well, with a 20-11 record at 133 placing 7th at the Big Ten Championships, this could be a turn around year for him. With four top 30 wins and an upset of No. 12 Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State) at the Collegiate Duals last year, he could be a top ten guy this year.

141- High expectations for Cael Happel this year, showcasing a 23-9 record and going 3-2 in the NCAA Championships as a No.7 seed shows he has what it takes. Without a question their man at 141. Last season Cael fell just short of reaching the podium.

149- Struggling a little bit at the 149 this could go one of two ways, Stay with Adam Allard who competed in the Big 12 Championships putting a 3-6 dual record on the board last year as a redshirt sophomore. With a 6-10 record overall, will they try Ethan Basile who moved up from 141 who did very well as a freshman three years ago, coming off of a covid diagnosis to beat Charlie Klepps (Iowa State) and Nick Termini (Northern Illinois) in the Big 12 Championships show us he could have better luck at this weight. Colin Realbuto

157- Ryder Downey holds the crown at 157, being the 2024 Big 12 champion there is no need for anyone else. 23-6 record overall and going 3-2 at the NCAA Championships as the 5th seed, expectations of a big season are at hand. Could he take out Jacori Teemer?

165- Jack Thomsen will take the 165, covering a 18-9 record as a redshirt junior last year. He placed 6th at the Big 12 championships last year. Also An NCAA qualifier beating Jake Logan (Lehigh) at the NCAA Championships proves he holds this spot.

174- Jared Simma took a 28th seed at the NCAA Championships last year shocking the world with an upset against 5th seed Philip Conigliaro (Harvard) and Tyler Eischens the 21st seed in the first two rounds. With an 18-10 overall record and 9-5 in duals, he will be the starter, there is no reason to think otherwise.

184- Parker Keckeisen is the most undisputed position at UNI. The four time Big 12 Champion, Dan Hodge Trophy finalist and NCAA National Champion posted a perfect 31-0 and has been the programs first undefeated national champion since Bill Dotson way back in 1963. Could he repeat a perfect season? Another national title? We are excited to watch this year.

197-Wyatt Voelker had a fantastic year last season going 20-8 and 2-3 at the NCAA tournament. Back for his sophomore season Voelker has potential  to have a breakout year.

285- Adam Ahrendsen has a career 39-21 record competing mostly at 197 lbs. Jose Valdez is a bit of an unknown but he is a NJCAA National Champion with a career record of 40-10. I expect both of these 2 to see mat time this season, and its hard to say who will finish the year as the starter.

There is a lot to be excited about with Parker Keckeisen, Ryder Downey, and Cael Happel returning. This is a solid program with a chance for something special in the 24-25 season.

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.