We discuss the NWCA All-Star Classic plus the other big time duals that went down in week 3 before diving into what we are looking forward to watching this week.
 

The Big 12 continued to pick up in action with seven teams in duals and a handful of wrestlers at open tournaments. Oklahoma State made a dominant debut with wins over Oregon State and Utah Valley with a combined 75-12 team score. Northern Colorado made an early trip to Philadelphia and returned home with two dual wins. South Dakota State had a strong showing at Daktronics, while Arizona State saw a worrying injury to Richie Figueroa. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable results to come out of this weekend. 
Notable Results:
11/14: #20 West Virginia over Rider (31-9) | Full Results
133: #20 Jett Strickenberger Fall Michael Camparano (4:31)
174: Michael Wilson Dec. #24 Brody Conley (11-5)
184: Isaac Dean Dec. #21 Ian Bush (4-2)
Strickenberger continues to look good at 133, getting his second bonus point win at the weight this year. Brody Conley is a young wrestler who I was high on after a solid year last season, but suffered an upset in his debut here. Wilson was a qualifier as well last season, so not a bad loss but a tough debut for Conley. Ian Bush has lost his last two dual matches after a hot start, to a currently unranked D2 wrestler in Kyle Homet and now Isaac Dean. Bush missed out on the starting spot against Dennis Robin last season and could be a lineup battle to look out for. 
11/15: Northern Colorado over Drexel (29-16) | Full Results
11/16: Northern Colorado over Penn (22-13) | Full Results
125: #8 Stevo Poulin Dec. #17 Max Gallagher (7-2)
141: #1 Andrew Alirez Dec. #15 CJ Composto (8-2)
157: #16 Vinny Zerban Dec. #19 Jude Swisher (7-2)
Northern Colorado had a strong weekend on the road with a 2-0 performance and a handful of ranked wins. Stevo Poulin, Dom Serrano, Andrew Alirez, Vinny Zerban, and Clayton Ulrey all went 2-0. An interesting note was at 149, where both Adam Busiello and Benji Alanis both competed but had one-sided losses. The Bears continue to show themselves to be a sneaky tough dual team with their ranked wrestlers. 
11/15: #4 Oklahoma State over Utah Valley (38-6) | Full Results
125: #6 Troy Sprately Dec. Bridger Ricks (5-3)
165: #6 Terrell Barraclough Dec. #5 Cam Amine (TB-1 5-4)
Two new head coaches squared off in Orem, UT in front of a record-setting crowd of over 5,000 fans. The Cowboys were dominant, winning eight matches with six techs or falls. Bridger Ricks is a newcomer after two All-American finishes at Western Wyoming and gave Spratley all he could handle. With another close overtime loss to Nebraska’s Caleb Smith, Ricks could be a deep sleeper at 125. 
Barraclough and Amine battled back and forth in a match with huge conference and national implications. Amine took a 3-1 lead with the only takedown in the third but Barraclough escaped just in time and took it OT with a riding time point. In rideouts, Barraclough took a smart locked hands call to finish with more riding time and get the win on criteria. Haiden Drury got a win for the Wolverines as well with a decision over local Idaho native Kolter Burton making his Cowboy dual debut. 
11/17: #4 Oklahoma State over #25 Oregon State (37-6) | Full Results
125: #6 Troy Spratley Dec. #24 Maximo Renteria (SV-1 7-4)
157: #30 Ethan Stiles Dec. #8 Teague Travis (SV-1 7-4)
197: #19 Luke Surber Dec. #7 Trey Munoz (5-0)
The Cowboys had a solid weekend headed west, going 2-0 in duals. They had some lineup changes for this one, with Cael Hughes at 133 and Tagen Jamison at 141. Jamison is certainly the starter at 141, but it seems like there could be a real starting battle between Witcraft and Hughes at 133. 
Spratley survived another close match, with a clutch takedown over Renteria to go 2-0. Teague Travis and Ethan Stiles had some wild scrambles, and it seemed like Travis had the momentum in overtime. However, Stiles scrambled through and came up with the takedown for the upset. Luke Surber was one of the biggest winners on the weekend, with a massive rankings upset over Munoz. Surber has a lengthy hit list and Munoz isn’t the first All-American he’s beaten, but it’s a great performance after an injury-filled 2024 season. 
11/15: Virginia Tech over Missouri (23-10) | Full Results
125: #13 Eddie Ventresca Dec. Gage Walker (6-5)
141: #18 Sam Latona Dec. #13 Josh Edmond (4-2)
174: #1 Keegan O’Toole Maj. #4 Lennox Wolak (13-5)
184: #12 Colton Hawks Dec. #5 TJ Stewart (8-2)
197: #13 Andy Smith Dec. Aeoden Sinclair (12-9)
Still missing Noah Surtin and Rocky Elam, the Tigers struggled to score team points in this dual on the road. True freshmen Gage Walker and Aeoden Sinclair came close against ranked opponents but weren’t able to finish late. Josh Edmond suffered an upset loss to an always dangerous Latona. 
Wolak kept it scoreless after one but O’Toole poured it on the last two periods and got a buzzer-beater escape point to keep his 100% bonus rate. Colton Hawks has gone round of 16 to bloodround finishes the past two seasons and made a statement that he’s a podium threat with a dominant decision win over TJ Stewart. Two takedowns and plenty of riding time gave him a statement win early in the year. 
11/15: #9 Iowa State over Navy (29-9) | Full Results
141: #9 Joshua Koderhandt Dec. Zach Redding (3-2)
With the recent news of Casey Swiderski missing this season due to injury, the Cyclones could have a battle at 141 this season. Redding has started in both duals so far and had tough losses. The main challenger could be with Jacob Frost, twin brother of All-American at 133 Evan Frost. Redding is more credentialed but don’t be surprised if the Frost brothers are a 1-2 punch at times this season.
11/15: #17 South Dakota State over Augustana (49-0) | Full Results
Not too much to take from this one as the Jackrabbits dominated with a mix of starters. They had nine bonus point wins including an impressive six tech falls. 
11/16: Grand View Open (#9 Northern Iowa, #13 Iowa State) | Brackets
#9 Northern Iowa
125: #4 Gabe Gonzales (Grand View) Dec. #28 Trever Anderson (TB-1 3-2)
125: Jakason Burks (Central Missouri) Dec. #28 Trever Anderson (6-5)
174: #10 Braden Anderson (Grand View) Dec. #14 Jared Simma (10-6)
While Parker Keckeisen was competing at the All-Star Classic, many of the other Panther wrestlers were making their debut here. They came away with titles at 133, (Cory Land), 141 (Cael Happel), 157 (Ryder Downey), 197 (Wyatt Voelker), and 285 (Lance Runyon). There were some unexpected results with ranked wrestlers in NAIA taking out starters Anderson and Simma. It may not change much long term, but some notable results early in the season. 
Look out for Lance Runyon at heavyweight, the two-time qualifier at 174lbs has made the move to heavyweight after struggling with injuries. Heavyweight was the only real question mark for the Panthers so if Runyon can get into the rankings he gives them a well-rounded lineup. 
#13 Iowa State
125: Adrian Meza Dec. #4 Gabe Gonzales (Grand View) (7-6)
141: #6 Cael Happel (UNI) Maj. Jacob Frost (18-6)
157: Alex Ramirez (Grand View) over #11 Paniro Johnson (Medical Forfeit)
165: #9 MJ Gaitan Maj. #27 Jack Thomsen (UNI) (19-5)
174: Aiden Riggens Dec. Tate Naaktgeboren (SV-1 4-1)
The Cyclones had some intriguing results here at multiple weights. Adrian Meza is a true freshman and undefeated through six matches. At this tournament, he beat Gabe Gonzales of Grand View, who beat Iowa’s Joey Cruz and UNI’s Trever Anderson. Jacob Frost and Zach Redding look to be in a battle for the 141 spot, and Frost had a solid tournament here. He had to finish 4th due to matches in a single day rule, but only lost to top-eight ranked Cael Happel.
MJ Gaitan made his 165 debut in impressive fashion with bonus in five of six matches with a near tech in the finals against a ranked opponent. In what seems to essentially be a wrestle-off in the finals, Aiden Riggens squeaked out a tight overtime win over redshirt freshman Tate Naaktgeboren. Riggens has started in both duals but a narrow win here likely doesn’t shut the door on this competition. 
11/17: Daktronics Open (#8 South Dakota State, #15 Arizona State, #30 Oklahoma, North Dakota State, Air Force) | Brackets
#8 South Dakota State
125: Brady Roark Dec. #30 Antonio Lorenzo (OU) (1-0)
157: Charlie Millard (MINN) Maj. #14 Cobe Siebrecht (13-4)
165: #31 Drake Rhodes Maj. #28 Tate Picklo (OU) (16-3)
197: Thomas Dineen Maj. #24 Bradley Hill (OU) (14-4)
South Dakota State had one of the more impressive tournaments with a number of upsets. Brady Roark and Thomas Dineen are two redshirt freshmen who scored ranked wins and showed a potential preview of what to expect in the future. Cobe Siebrecht had a surprising loss, being majored by true freshman Millard. Drake Rhodes had a solid ranked win, with bonus points sticking out. The Jackrabbits also had undefeated starters in Derrick Cardinal, Bennett Berge, and Zach Glazier. 
#15 Arizona State
125: Brady Roark Inj. Def. #1 Richie Figueroa (2:19)
While the Sun Devils had solid showings from Jesse Vasquez and Nicco Ruiz, the biggest story comes from the returning champ. In a match with Brady Roark, he gave up the first takedown and suffered a leg injury. He tried to wrestle through it but after another takedown how to injury default. Figueroa walked off the mat on his power, but this will be an injury to monitor. 
#30 Oklahoma
125: Kael Lauridsen (NEB) Dec. #30 Antonio Lorenzo (OU) (5-3)
285: #29 Juan Mora Dec. #25 Luke Rasmussen (SDSU) (10-3)
285: #29 Juan Mora Dec. #23 Bennett Tabor (MINN) (6-1)
The Sooners had impressive young undefeated wrestlers in Beric Jordan, KJ Evans, and Landyn Sommer.  Current starter Antonio Lorenzo had a tough debut, dropping two matches to some young backups. Juan Mora was a standout, getting two ranked wins early in the year. Willie McDougald had a close loss to Jesse Vasquez, but did beat ranked Gavin Drexler. DJ Parker had a 9-3 loss to Bennett Berge but majored his two other opponents in a solid debut. Bradley Hill had a tough tournament with upset losses to Thomas Dineen and Brian Burburjia. 
North Dakota State
149: #32 Gavin Drexler Dec. Maxwell Petersen (8-7)
Nothing too crazy for NDSU in this one, but Gavin Drexler had his second win over teammate Petersen. The two first competed at the Southeast Open where it was a 15-3 major for Drexel, so Petersen could be closing the gap at a weight the Bison have some depth. 
Air Force
197: Brian Burburjia Dec. #24 Bradley Hill (OU) (5-0)
A name I’ve been looking out for is Burburjia, who was solid at Air Force Prep last season. He went 1-2 here with losses to SDSU’s Zach Glazier and Thomas Dineen, but did avenge a loss to Bradley Hill. After a 4-1 loss in the dual over a week ago, Burburjia looked good in a 5-0 win here. 
 
Upcoming Competitions: 
Air Force: AT California Baptist (Nov. 22), Vanguard (Nov. 23)
Arizona State: Embry-Riddle/Arizona Christian (Nov. 22), AT Oklahoma State (Nov. 24)
California Baptist: Air Force (Nov. 22)
Iowa State: AT Iowa (Nov. 23)
Missouri: AT Illinois (Nov. 21), Northern Iowa (Nov. 26)
Northern Colorado: Cougar Clash (Dec. 7)
North Dakota State: Minnesota (Nov. 22)
Northern Iowa: South Dakota State (Nov. 24), Missouri (Nov. 26)
Oklahoma: Wyoming (Nov. 23)
Oklahoma State: Wyoming (Nov. 22), Arizona State (Nov. 24)
South Dakota State: AT Northern Iowa (Nov. 26)
Utah Valley: Presbyterian/Duke/NC State (Nov. 23)
West Virgina: AT App State (Nov. 22)
Wyoming: AT Oklahoma State (Nov. 22), AT Oklahoma (Nov. 23)

We've had three weeks of action and it’s only getting better in the Big Ten. Over the weekend we saw wrestlers from the B1G go 6-3 at the NWCA All-Star Classic with only one of those bouts being a conference matchup. Other than the All-Star Classic, there was a good amount of cross-conference competition where the B1G came out on top.
Nebraska Completes a wild 2-0 sweep in North Carolina
Scheduling 2 duals in one day where you need to drive a good distance to the second one might be one of the craziest road trips ever done. But the Huskers were up for it, and they took out both Campbell and UNC over the week. Against Campbell the dual started outdoors then was forced to move indoors when the rain came and included a CLAW match between Jordan Oliver and Bryce Andonian in the middle. Nebraska completed that dual with a 40-6 win over the Camels then sprinted to Chapel Hill and defeated UNC 34-3. It was quite the road trip, but they got the job done in very unique fashion.
Van Ness returns & PSU’s lineup debut…kinda
Top-ranked Penn State hit the mat for first time in the dual against Drexel and we got our first glimpse of what their lineup could look like this year. Prior to their dual, there were rumblings about Alex Facundo being down at 157 which was confirmed when he claimed the win over Luke Nichter, 8-6. Highly touted freshman Luke Lilledahl made his debut in a PSU singlet, however, there was no sweat put into it as he received a forfeit. The other notable lineup looks came at 141, 149 and 197. Both Beau Bartlett and Shayne Van Ness competed the night before in the All-Star Classic, so they had the following day off. Then at 197, Lucas Cochran took the mat and got a tech fall win. Lots have waited for U20 World Silver medalist Josh Barr would be in the lineup there, but will have to wait another week for his Nittany Lion debut. The biggest impact came during the All-Star Classic when Van Ness made his return to the mat and dominated Ty Watters 16-4. 
Ohio State Gives Sasso Warm Welcome Back Moment
This past Thursday Ohio State welcomed the University of Tennessee Chattanooga into Columbus at home where they won 9 of the 10 duals. Their only loss came at 174 where Bryce Hepner had to bow out due to injury. But across the board the Buckeyes looked excellent. They surely were fired up by the return of Sammy Sasso at 165, who wrestled very well after such a long time away from the mats. Sasso continued to wrestle well as he competed Sunday as well against Edinboro as Ohio State won 9 of 10 matches against their MAC opponent as well. Once again, 174 was the only weight class lost in the dual, where Ohio State will look to figure out a plan at that weight as the season continues. 
Michigan takes care of Columbia
In Ann Arbor, the Wolverines welcomed the Lions of Columbia on Sunday night. The Lions of Detroit had a strong day on Sunday, but Colombia didn’t fare quite as well. Michigan didn’t compete with all their starters, for a variety of reasons, but they still took 7 of 10 matches, dropping two of their matches in overtime. Credit to Colombia, who had an upset win at 184 with Nick Fine getting the OT win over Jaden Bullock, but the bulk of the victories were in favor of the Wolverines in their home opener. We also saw the debut of Jacob Cardenas in the maize and blue, with an 18-0 tech fall, but more impressively was the debut of true freshman Brock Mantanona, who had the 18-3 technical fall over Cesar Alvan of Colombia, who was ranked 25th in the country coming into the match. Mantanona showed that he has the horsepower and attack rate to compete right away, but we’ll see what the Wolverines decide to do in the absence of Beau Mantanona. 
Maryland Embarrasses American, 38 to -1
The Terrapins took on American on Saturday in what ended up being an extremely lopsided battle. American had looked to start this season against another B1G opponent in Michigan State, but Maryland has shown themselves to be on another level this year. Box scores for duals can be a little misleading, but this one largely told the story. There were two close matches with an OT win for Maryland at 125, and Kal Miller got a 3-2 win at 149, but the rest of the matches were controlled by Maryland. A dust up at the end of 157 had team points taken away from each team, which is the reason for the negative 1 score for American.
Purdue competes hard in New York
The Boilermakers headed east this weekend where they took on Buffalo and Army West Point in back-to-back duals. The B1G remains the preeminent wrestling conference, and Purdue helped maintain that established narrative as they posted a 45-0 win over MAC opponent Buffalo in the first dual. There were two regular decisions in that dual, otherwise it was a bit of a wake up for Buffalo, which hosted the tri-meet. Buffalo had another tough dual against Army shortly thereafter, losing 37-2. Purdue wrestled strongly in their next dual against Army West Point. It ended with Army getting the win on criteria after a 19-19 score. Purdue has had some solid performances from their main guys in Ramos and Blaze but have had some inconsistencies at some other weights where they were expected to have more production.