bnwtwg

2024 featured five (and counting??) previous or future NCAA champions. A better analysis would be comping against the 2008 149 bracket. KOT and MM would be 4 timers if it weren't for the triangle of death between those 2 and Carr. All three are legitimate world title threats - no one will beat Burroughs but multiple world medals between multiple wrestlers speaks volumes to the depth of the bracket.

KOT and Smith and Askren have all confirmed the plan for KOT was to redshirt his true frosh year, but they collectively decided that rather than going to JV opens they decided to go against real competition when the eligibility rules were announced.

Nick Amuchasteguccimane vs Dr. Mike Kemererererer who ya got

I mean seriously, Nolf over Adams and Bertin. Probably would finish 5th overall still, and decent chance he would have beaten Zelesky in fantasy land (styles make matchups). And ever heard of TJ's brother Joe? I heard he was decent.

1 Kemp 2 Schalles 3 Zalesky/Imar 5 Smith 6 Williams 7 Adams 8 How did Berlin even get invited to this party?

Say it with me now: Imar was better than Nolf. Nolf beat Imar ONE time in folk and ONE time in free. Last two matches Imar teched him. Career record: 2-5. Imar finishes top 4 in this bracket.

Onto the UFC roster for Hokit...

At this point Kerk has more ACL tears than Spencer Freakin Lee. Not sure how well that bodes for someone his size at his weight who was already limited in the technique department relative to the senior level. He will probably remain on the national team but I could see him getting bumped off the ladder if any of the young guns takes The Leap between now and 2028 when I assume Kerk transitions to MMA full time.

Who wins now in a round robin of Mario Mason, Mike Benefiel, and Albert White?

Twan Pham - Illinois. Born in Vietnam and raised Siamese fighting fish (I'll never forget that fun fact). Moved to Hong Kong then the Philippines then the Chicago burbs. Became a very good gymnast and decent wrestler in HS. Started at Northern IL. Transferred to Illinois and sat behind 2x finalist Kyle Ott. Finally cracked varsity and became a 2x NQ.

Taught me how to really ride legs one summer. Literally changed the trajectory of my life for the better.

JohnnyThompsonNum3 just like it should be #slowpokes

Imagine if someone offered something at a much deeper level including breakdowns by initiation by side, defensive measures, second per move, seconds per adjustment and/ or reattach, and much more for the senior team free of charge if the tape could be provided. Yep. Just imagine. Unrelated but has anyone noticed all the ghosts recently?

As soon as his big brother Gable finds out, he's going to take that personally https://www.instagram.com/p/DNIvoySxs4E/?img_index=3&igsh=anpoamdydm0yaTgy

I was only listing maximum potential. I do think we see a large increase of AAs after going 0-4 in the blood round last year. Pucino could BBQ or AA and I wouldn't be surprised. I think Moore is going to turn some heads this year - NQ as a true freshman and a redshirt last year. Big potential.

He honestly should not have been granted a year. That one really had me scratching my head.

I am pumped for Illinois. I think they at least match last year's 8 NQs and they have a path to max out at 7 AAs. Very pumped for Poeta, who just received an extension through 2029. 125 Moore NQ 133 Byrd Champ 141 Pucino R12-AA 149 Gioffre --- 157 Webster AA 165 Scoles AA 174 Moore R16-AA 184 Ruth AA 197 Lautt --- 285 Luffman AA

@flyingcement it's probably buried somewhere in this megathread - where can we find a current list of all transfers? Thanks for all the work you have put into this btw

2018 Had three competitors who have been on multiple olympic & world teams, and two are medalists. From a folk perspective, it had four NCAA past/future champs. That's about as tough as it gets. ETA: Cruz lost in the bronze match at the 2024 olympics. Could have been three olympic medalists.

Now that we are into page 2 I'm ready to post a stupid variation of a stupid catholic school joke. The juc-hole loophole lets you do the deed but not lose any eligibility. Giggity. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

See you next Tuesday

May want to rethink your name because Blaze is as elite as it gets for the great state of Ohio

You know what, you're right. I guess it just slipped my mind that he has gone a combined 1-4 at NCAAs. I was wrong and take back my comment about the NIL money rolling in.

I'm with you in that regard and my history says as much. However, how much NIL is a wrestler at a second or maybe even third tier B1G school paying someone who has never qualified for NCAAs much less brought home an AA? He has completed five years of school so I would assume undergrad has been completed. I'm in the camp of "if someone's not paying you for grad school then you are getting hustled" but the clock is ticking.

I have no choice but to also concur with Mr. Blaze.