On paper Nebraska is the 4th ranked team in the country. It appears they will be a better tournament team than dual team this year. I see several wrestlers with all-american potential and 1 with a legit shot of winning a national title.
125-Caleb Smith
With a 24-12 record last year, Caleb Smith is taking one final year of eligibility with the Cornhuskers in 2025. An 80-28 record overall with his first All-American honors awarded last season, had some incredible wins. Smith is a 3X NCAA Qualifier and placed 6th at last years National tournament. He enters this season ranked 4th at the weight class.
133-Jacob Van Dee
Last year being his first start, Jacob Van Dee will again take 133 this year. 23-10 overall in the 23-24 season and went 1-2 in the NCAA’s beating out No. 19 Julian Farber ultimately losing to No. 3 Kai Oraine which was a rather close match, and No. 20 Tyler Wells. During the regular season last year he had some big wins against Brody Teske and ended Dylan Ragusins 20-0 undefeated streak, also taking out Nic Bouzakis. He has the ability to reach the podium and has shown year on year improvement, so an All-American this year is what Nebraska would hope of him.
141-Brock Hardy
Nebraska’s strongest weight in Brock Hardy, keeps getting better year after year. The 2X All-American went 25-9 and 8-3 in duals overall. He took 3rd at he NCAA’s taking out No. 12 Parker Filius, No. 20 Jakob Bergeland and No. 20 Jordan Titus. He really struggled against Real Woods Losing 2-1 in the Big Ten Championship finals and again in in the semi-finals at the NCAA’s. At this point it’s too far away to call but Hardy is a top competitor at this weight.
149-Ridge Lovett
Almost Mirroring Brock Hardy at the 149 is Ridge Lovett. Preseason ranked No.5 this year, went 27-4 and a lethal 12-1 dual in 2023-2024 holding down eight pins, two tech falls, and five major decisions. Claiming the Big Ten Title going 3-0 beating out No. 2 Austin Gomez by decision 5-4. Just like Hardy, went 3-3 in the NCAA’s blowing through the bracket until the Semi-Finals where he was upset by No.4 Caleb Hanson in a 1-0 decision. With an interesting end in the 5th place match against No. 2 Kyle Parco who just transferred to Iowa. He will get a shot for revenge against Parco during the regular season but revenge is never fulfilled until it’s in the tournament. A big improvement for the 2X All-American and four time qualifier would be getting to the finals this year.
157-Antrell Taylor
Down from 165 this year is Antrell Taylor coming off an impressive freshman season, where he reached all-american status finishing 8th at the NCAA tournament. Now at his natural weight class, the sky is the limit. He should improve on his 23-10 record last season. 157 is a very deep weight class but Antrell has what it takes to make the podium again. He is currently ranked 7th at 157.
165-Bubba Wilson
Bubba enters the season ranked 12th at 165 lbs. He is a 2X NCAA qualifier. Bubba is another wrestler moving down in weight from last season. He should fare quite well back at his natural weight class.
174-Lenny Pinto
Lenny had a decent season in 2023 going 24-6 on the year with an 11-1 record in duals, while placing 3rd at the Big 10. At the NCAA’s he went 2-2.Back at his natural weight of 174 he is currently ranked 6th in the country.
184- Silas Allred
Silas had a somewhat disappointing season, after winning the Big 10 title the year before. Many expected him to reach the podium in 2024. however he went just 2-2 at the national podium.
197- Camden McDanel-
The freshman comes to Nebraska with a ton of hype around him. He is a 2x U20 Pan Am Champion, a US Men’s Freestyle National Champion, and a US Open Champion. These are certainly good credititals to bring to the college ranks. It will be interesting to see what he can do in the college ranks.
285- Harley Andrews
Harley starts the year holding down the #23 ranking. He was 10-9 last season. I don’t expect much out of him this year.
Overall Nebraska is pretty strong in the lighter weight, leaving Brock Hardy and Ridge Lovett to carry the bonus points this year. They need exceptional performances from Caleb Smith and Antrell Taylor to place better as a team. Seems like Nebraska in an overall sense, needs to show follow through and consistency this year.