Iowa State Adds Second All-American from Northern Colorado

On Friday afternoon, we reported that Northern Colorado All-American Stevo Poulin announced his intention to transfer to Iowa State. Today, his UNC teammate Vinny Zerban, also announced that he will transfer to wrestle for the Cyclones, as well. 

Zerban is a three-time national qualifier who is coming off a 2024-25 season that saw him win the Big 12 and finish sixth in the nation in Philadelphia. He went 22-7 last year for the Bears. During the regular season, he posted wins over two wrestlers who went on to make the national podium in March. 

Zerban’s Big 12 title helped him earn the #7 seed at the 2025 national tournament. He advanced to the quarterfinals before being stopped by Cornell’s Meyer Shapiro. To clinch All-American honors, Zerban defeated Big Ten runner-up Brandon Cannon of Ohio State, 11-6. 

As a freshman, Zerban made an impact at the 2023 NCAA Tournament, where he was seeded 32nd but advanced to the NCAA bloodround. 

At this time, it’s a bit unclear exactly how Zerban will fit into the Iowa State lineup. The Cyclones have former national qualifier Paniro Johnson who spent the first half of the season at 157 lbs, before moving to 149. They also have All-American Anthony Echemendia returning from a season-ending injury - presumably to wrestle 149. 

With Zerban in the fold, Iowa State could unveil a 2025-26 lineup that features seven returning All-Americans. In addition to the Northern Colorado contingent, the Cyclones have also added Isaac Dean (184 lbs) and Rocky Elam (197) in the offseason to bolster the upperweights. 

Though the transfer portal has closed for the year, Zerban was able to enter after Troy Nickerson left his position as head coach of the Bears to take the same position at Army West Point.