Big Ten Lineup Look: Mixture of Youth and Experience for Maryland in 2024-25

The theme of the last couple of years with the Maryland Terrapins has been how young and talented they were. Now, for the first time in Alex Clemsen’s tenure with the program, he has his best wrestlers as veterans in the lineup. This season will not be devoid of youth though, as he intends to start a couple of true freshmen in his lineup to go along with the seasoned vets. Additionally, you’ll get new weight classes for some of their stalwarts, as Kal Miller bumps up to 149 and brother Ethen bumps up to 157. Jaxon Smith, who has had highlight reel wins in his career at 197, has dropped down to 184 for this season in pursuit of an All-American finish. Those of us waiting to see Dario Lemus might have to be patient a little longer, as he will be recovering from an injury in the early part of the season, but this team has the veteran leadership and experience to take things to the next level, and some real depth in the room to push everyone that much further. 

Potential Lineup

125: Tyler Garvin, Presden Sanchez, or Abram Cline

133: Braxton Brown

141: Dario Lemus

149: Kal Miller 

157: Ethen Miller

165: Ryan Money or John Martin Best

174: Branson John

184: Jaxon Smith 

197: Chase Mielnik

285: Seth Nevills

Listen to Maryland head coach Alex Clemsen discuss this year’s team:

Biggest Duals

12/20/24 – vs Pittsburgh

1/12/25 – at Michigan State

1/17/25 – vs Wisconsin

2/7/25 – vs Rutgers

New additions to the lineup

125: Whoever lands the spot at 125 between Tyler Garvin, Presden Sanchez, or Abram Cline

141: Dario Lemus

165: Ryan Money 

174: Branson John

Summary: Maryland will look to lean into the depth in its room this season, as well as the competition results, to see where the cream rises to the top at 125. The wrestle-offs were very close matches, and as such this will be a continuing development as the season progresses. Additionally, Branson John has shown that he is ready to jump into the lineup and compete right away at 174. Coach Clemsen spoke about Branson’s maturity and focus in our interview, and I am excited to see how this kid jumps out of the gates, as well as the improvements he makes as the season goes on. Ryan Money will also get a chance to get into the lineup at 165 as he likely battles to hold the spot for most of the season. Dario Lemus has shown not only is he a tremendous wrestler, but evidently a great leader as well, so I’m excited to see how that measures out in competition.

Key Returners

133: Braxton Brown

149: Kal Miller

157: Ethen Miller

184: Jaxon Smith

HWY: Seth Nevills

Summary: It’s wild to think that these guys we were so high on as young studs have now become crafty veterans. With age and experience comes perspective, and perspective is important in knowing yourself, your journey, and how to achieve your goals. These guys have seen a lot, including conference duals, conference championships, NCAAs, and just about anything you could be thrown into during a season. They all will be great assets for the young guys named above, and they certainly expect to win. I look for the upperclassmen on this team to help lead them to the next step in their journey as a team, and for that success to culminate with more than one All-American in Philadelphia this coming March.