The 2025-2026 season is poised to be defined by a new wave of talent, featuring a mix of highly-touted true freshmen and elite redshirt freshmen who have already had a taste of collegiate competition. This list highlights ten of the most promising freshmen who are expected to make a significant impact on the national scene.
Leo Deluca (Iowa)
Leo is an accomplished athlete from Morristown, New Jersey. He has been a dominant force on the high school and national wrestling scenes. His biggest accomplishments include becoming the 2021 Fargo U16 freestyle champion at 113 pounds and a 2023 junior freestyle national champion at 120 pounds. DeLuca is also a two-time Beast of the East champion and a two-time National Prep champion. He was considered the number one prospect in the country in his class.
PJ Duke (Penn State)
PJ Duke is the most talked-about true freshman in the country. A four-time New York state champion, he took a monumental step in his career by defeating a four-time NCAA champion to make the 2025 Senior World Team. This win established him as an immediate national title threat, likely at 157 pounds. His high-octane style and success against top-tier competition make him an absolute must-watch. Many wrestling journalists are picking Duke to win the 157 lb title this upcoming season.
Angelo Ferrari (Iowa)
After an impressive redshirt season, Angelo Ferrari is a legitimate contender for an NCAA title at 184 pounds. The Iowa freshman was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week in 2025 and demonstrated his ability to compete with the nation’s best. His record of 11-1 during his initial campaign, which included a win over a ranked opponent, shows he is ready to be a major force in the Hawkeyes’ lineup.
Beric Jordan (Oklahoma)
Berric Jordan is another redshirt freshman with immense potential. He had a standout redshirt season in 2024-2025, compiling a record of 14-3 and winning two open tournaments. His success at 125 pounds demonstrates that he is ready to be a key contributor to the Oklahoma program and a formidable opponent for anyone in his weight class. Its noteworthy to mention that Beric is the son of UFC legend Joe Jordan.
Marcus Blaze (Penn State)
A true freshman from Ohio, Marcus Blaze is a highly-touted recruit who will likely compete at 133 or 141 pounds. He’s known for his fast-paced, technical wrestling and has a history of success on the national freestyle circuit. Blaze is a foundational piece for Purdue’s future and is expected to be a major factor in the always-tough Big Ten. Blaze has already defeated a handful of NCAA champions in freestyle.
Ladarion Lockett (Oklahoma State)
Oklahoma State has a gem in true freshman Ladarion Lockett. A 4X Oklahoma state champion, Lockett is a powerful and athletic wrestler. He is projected at 165 or 174 pounds and brings the kind of physicality and grit that has long been a hallmark of the Cowboys’ program. He’s a wrestler who could step into the starting lineup and have an immediate impact. Lockett is a former U17 world champion and brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys.
Anthony Knox (Cornell)
One of the most exciting lightweight recruits in recent memory, Anthony Knox will wrestle for Cornell. He is a multi-time national champion and is expected to compete at 125 pounds. Knox has an electric offensive style and is a consistent winner, making him a serious threat to make a deep run at the NCAA Championships as a true freshman. Knox reached a level of internet fame last year when he was involved in a brawl at a wrestling tournament, which led to him and his father both being arrested.
Aaron Seidel (Virginia Tech)
Virginia Tech’s true freshman Aaron Seidel is a relentless lightweight. A multi-time Pennsylvania state champion, he is known for his incredible conditioning and non-stop pace. He is poised to make an immediate impact at 125 pounds for the Hokies.
Sergio Vega (Oklahoma State)
Another key piece of Oklahoma State’s top-ranked recruiting class, Sergio Vega is a true freshman who will bring his fast and technical style to the collegiate level. The Arizona native is a 4X state champion and is expected to compete at 141 pounds, where he could be a major contributor.
Jude Correa (Michigan)
A highly-touted true freshman heavyweight, Jude Correa is headed to Michigan. He is a two-time prep national champion and a powerful, athletic wrestler. With his size and strength, he is poised to become a key figure in the Wolverines’ upper weights for years to come.
Ryder Wilder (Northwestern)
Ryder Wilder is a talented true freshman who will bolster Northwestern’s lineup at 197 pounds. As a Georgia native, Wilder is an athletic and aggressive wrestler with a history of success on the national stage. He is a significant addition to the Wildcats and has the potential to make a lot of noise in the Big Ten.
Seth Mendoza (Missouri)
Seth is an incoming freshman for the 2025-2026 season. He is a highly accomplished recruit, having won four Illinois state wrestling championships. Mendoza committed to wrestle for the University of Missouri, where he is expected to compete at a weight like 141 or 149 pounds. His high school career also includes multiple top finishes at prestigious tournaments like the Super 32 and Ironman.
Zach Ryder (Oklahoma State)
A redshirt freshman who transferred from Penn State, Zach Ryder is expected to be a key starter for Oklahoma State. He had an outstanding redshirt season, going 8-0, and winning the Southern Scuffle at 184 pounds. Ryder’s impressive performance, which included two wins over ranked opponents, proves he is ready to be a major factor in his new home.
