Zepeda to Transfer to Michigan

The biggest young prospect in the portal made his transfer intentions known this afternoon as Daniel Zepeda committed to the University of Michigan. 

Zepeda was the #8 overall recruit in the Class of 2025 and initially signed with NC State. He redshirted during the 2025-26 campaign and will have four years of eligibility remaining for the Wolverines. 

Before coming to NC State, Zepeda was a three-time California state champion and a two-time Junior freestyle national finalist (one-time champion) in Fargo. Across both styles and age groups, Zepeda AA’ed five times in Fargo. He famously defeated Bo Bassett at the 2023 version of Who’s #1, though Bassett got revenge the following year. 

During his redshirt season, Zepeda captured a title at the Reno Tournament of Champions and was a runner-up at the Southern Scuffle. At the Scuffle, Zepeda pinned two-time NCAA Round of 12 finisher Jude Swisher (Penn) and 2026 national qualifier Jonathan Ley (Navy). Zepeda was then lost for the year with a season-ending injury. 

It remains to be seen how the Michigan lineup works out with Zepeda in the mix. He competed at 157 lbs in 2025-26, but could be a 149 lber. Sergio Lemley redshirted this season and competed unattached at 149 lbs. The Wolverines will return freshman All-American Cam Catrabone at 157 lbs. Ideally, Lemley/Zepeda/Catrabone handling 141-157 would work out; however, we’ll see if that’s possible. 

He’ll join a growing California contingent on the Michigan roster. The All-American Mantanona brothers are both from Cali and Zepeda’s high school teammate Moses Mendoza will arrive in the fall. 

Zepeda's two final transfer destinations were either Michigan or Iowa.