NCAA DI Rankings Updated (11/26/2024)

We’ve basically made it through the first month of the collegiate season. There is one more dual tonight (UNI/Mizzou)- but that’s it for November. In getting to December, we’ve made it through the first month without having a #1 ranked wrestler lose his ranking. For the second week in a row, we’ve seen a #1 ranked wrestler lose via injury default - and not one that should be used for rankings purposes. 

Last week it was 125lber Richie Figueroa who was injured, now it’s Jacori Teemer at 157 lbs. For Teemer, Iowa, and Iowa fans, his spot in the rankings is probably the least of their concerns surrounding him. You never know how these things work out, but it looked like an injury that could shelf him for a significant amount of time. 

At the Black Knight Invitational, we got to see some of Penn State’s young stars in action for the first time this year. Luke Lilledahl dominated at 125 lbs. His signature win was a tech fall over previously #21 Charlie Farmer. We’re still a little cautious with him from a rankings standpoint. He’ll have the chance to move up in the near future. Lilledahl’s next bout is against the wrestler directly above him, Sheldon Seymour, and a week later All-American Jore Volk. 

Also from Penn State is Josh Barr at 197 lbs. Barr posted bonus point wins in all four of his matches. There wasn’t really a great reason to move him based on his victories and the wrestlers around him in the rankings. I do think the decisive wins over his teammates help him pass the “eyeball” test for me, but they aren’t as telling from a rankings standpoint. 

165 lbs continues to be a mystery after the top-five. Sammy Sasso wrestled a higher caliber of opponent (compared to his first two wins) and was even better than before. Obviously, he has rust to knock off. We’re still playing it safe with him, but this week I feel better about him in the top-eight. 

A little farther down the 165 lb rankings, some freshmen have been either inserted (Brock Mantanona) or given a push (Braeden Scoles/Nicco Ruiz). Scoles continues to maintain a perfect record against solid competition, while Ruiz posted an upset win over Cam Amine. 

125 has started to 125 all over again. Last year, it was one of the most volatile weights in recent memory. With the previous #2 Jore Volk taking two losses, it seems like it may be happening again. That being said, the new #2 and #3 are both past AA’s who have been very good this season. I’d expect the parity again from the Big 12 portion of this weight. Not because they aren’t good, but just because they are all very close to each other. Figueroa/Jordan/Spratley/Poulin/Volk/Surtin, now Lorenzo.

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