Three-Time Illinois Champion Mendoza Picks Missouri

The Class of 2025 for the University of Missouri continues to look impressive. Coming into Thursday, Brian Smith’s team had verbal commitments from six high school juniors; four of which were ranked in the top 52 overall.

That number grew by one as three-time Illinois state champion Seth Mendoza (Mt. Carmel, IL) gave the Tiger staff a verbal commitment. Mendoza comes in at #18 on MatScouts Class of 2025 Big Board and is currently ranked fourth at 126 lbs. 

The Tigers now have a pair of top-20 recruits with Mendoza and #15 Kollin Rath (Bethlehem Catholic, PA). The other recruits on the Class of 2025 Big Board are #46 Samson Stillwell (St. Michael the Archangel, MO), #47 Peyton Westpfahl (Liberty, MO), and #52 Dom Bambinelli (Mill Creek, GA). 

In addition to his three state titles, Mendoza has placed at the Super 32 (4,2,5) and Ironman (5,7,3) on three occasions. On the freestyle circuit, Mendoza made the 16U Fargo finals twice, winning in 2021. He’s also made the best-of-three finals at UWW U16 freestyle Trials two times. 

At the next level, Mendoza appears to be a 141 lber for the Tigers. In a program that has recruited well of late, that isn’t a pressing need, but it's great to get a prospect of Mendoza’s level, if you can. 

The finalists on Mendoza’s list also included Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio State, and Purdue. 

For more recruiting information, check out InterMat’s College Commitment Page.