Just a brutal Friday night for the Hawkeyes

Bachmann wrestled Bo Bassett back in 8 months ago at 152lbs. Later this month Bassett is going to wrestle 65kg (143lbs) and Bachmann is going to wrestle *triple checks notes* 190lbs.

An honest evaluation of Iowa’s 2026-27 lineup: Leo DeLuca, 125: With one college match under his belt (a win over Mack Mauger), there’s a lot unknown about Iowa’s latest 125. Coming out of high school, he was a highly touted recruit and Iowa has a massive history of developing at this weight class. Leo can do well, but he has a lot to prove. Ryan Crookham, 133: Two words, risk management. Either put him on a pitch count or drill the idea that you don’t have to sacrifice your knees every time you’re about to give up a takedown. If the Hawks can get Crookham to the postseason, he will be the most capable of disrupting the pecking order at this weight. Nasir Bailey, 141: Last year was a rollercoaster for the Little Rock transfer. Injuries, close matches with top tier opponents, and weird losses that leave you scratching your head. We haven’t really seen the same Nasir that finished 4th at 133 in 2024 since then. But, there’s no time like the present to establish yourself as a contender in a shallow weight class. Ryder Block, 149: I have the highest expectations for Block out of the entire Iowa lineup. Battling injury and cutting too much weight delayed Block from reaching his potential this far. Still finishing on the podium last year, expect Block to compete with the top tier this year. Jordan Williams, 157: The key element to JW being an effective element for the Hawkeyes is how dialed in he is. He had lack luster results last season and was ultimately pulled from the lineup for the postseason. So why expect anything from him this year? He had an exceptional offseason circuit of freestyle tournaments. The potential is there, it’s up to him to make it all come together. Carter Schubert, 165: Third school, third weight class, third times the charm. Schubert had a breakout season with the Sooners last year, reaching the blood round at 174. Down a weight, in a better room, Carter can become a staple in this lineup. Gabe Arnold, 174: Down TWO weight classes from his AA performance last season at 197, it’s an exciting but concerning opportunity for Gabe. On one hand, he should have much easier time against smaller opponents. On the other hand, cutting that much weight can limit Gabe’s already tepid offensive pace. I’m optimistic for another podium finish, but it’s a long season. Angelo Ferrari, 184: With one of the best defenses in all of college wrestling, Angelo only needs to match that with some knock out offensive power. No one has figured out how to take him down yet, and I’m not sure that will change this season either. If Angelo can up his offensive pace while maintaining his enigmatic defense, his title chances increase significantly. Harvey Ludington, 197: Getting a couple opportunities in the lineup last season, those looks didn’t inspire the most confidence for the freshman. But, the Iowa room has a lot of talented partners to drive that development. Regardless, this will probably be the closest thing the Hawks have to a “hole” in their lineup. Ben Kueter, 285: No offseason surgeries for Ben means we should see a full strength HWT coming out the gates. If he has been able to keep building this offseason, Ben is undoubtedly a title contender in the weakest HWT field he’s been in. Overall, the Hawkeyes are primed for another trophy finish. What that hinges on is how complete this team becomes by March, it’s a long season and things can trend up or they can trend down. With the addition of Jacob Warner to their staff, adding a fresh perspective to the coaching staff can bring a positive impact not only to the upper weights but the team culture overall.

Weren’t these two supposed to wrestle at FinalX???

An honest evaluation of Nebraska’s 2026-27 lineup: Vincent Robinson, 125: Following a 4th place finish, in a better room, expectations are high for the former national champ. If Vince can develop separation (like many need to in this weight), he will keep himself in title contention again. Jake Van Dee, 133: JVD hasn’t won a frontside match in the two times he’s finished 7th at NCAAs. It’s tough to see anyone outside the top 4 getting a win over that group, but 5th is up for grabs and Jake is a tough out for anyone here. Jake Hockaday, 141: There’s a power vacuum at this weight, and I don’t see why Hockaday cant be a part of the conversation. We saw limited action from the Freshman last year, but Nebraska is one of the best rooms for developing talent. Anthony Echemendia, 149: Finally Eche gets a chance to eat during the season. After two AA performances at 141 with ISU, Anthony is likely to deliver explosive offense at 149. Another quad of title contenders sit at the top of this weight, but Echemendia has the skills to topple that group. Antrell Taylor, 157: After a slow start last season, Trelly found himself back in the NCAA finals for a second time. Can he make it 3 times in a row? He’s tough as nails in March, but I would like to see more consistency out of the veteran for the whole season. LJ Araujo, 165: Two nail biting losses ended LJ’s postseason earlier than Husker fans expected. He’s proven himself capable of beating AA-caliber guys and 165 is one of the weaker weights around. If he can improve his neutral game to compliment his skills in top/bottom, it can become a dangerous combination. Christopher Minto, 174: Expect nothing less than a finals appearance out of Minto this year. He has consistently improved season over season and is tough as nails. Even if last year’s hodge trophy winner bumps up to this weight, Minto can’t be counted out of a single match he’s in this season. Lucas Cochran, 184: I have no idea what to expect here. The Penn State transfer wrestled 197/285 his entire career, will the drop in weight improve his performance? He has a win over HWT AA Yaraslau Slavikouski, but couldn’t get the start over Cole Mirasola last year who failed to podium. Cam McDanel, 197: There’s no reason to expect anything less than a podium finish for the 2-time AA. But, I don’t see the junior being capable of making an NCAA final unless he can turn things up a notch from last year. Rest assured that the Huskers will be in good shape entering the final stretch of any dual with Cam and the next guy to wrap things up… Cade Ziola, 285: Probably the guy I’m most excited to see compete in this wild HWT field. I really think he’s capable of going the distance BUT there are many hurdles for the freshman to clear before then. Overall, the Huskers have really become a staple in the team trophy conversation, this year is no different. It’s an exciting time for Nebraska, all that’s left to see is how far they can take things.

Prayers up for a speedy recovery, Amit! 🙏🏻

An honest evaluation of Oklahoma State’s 2026-27 lineup: Troy Spratley, 125: The spark plug to this Cowboy lineup for the last 3 seasons. I have no doubt he will end up on the podium. But where he finishes in March will depend on his ability to differentiate from the standard 1 takedown exchange matches that 125 has seemingly become. In his final season, can the Cowboy show some gunslinging ability? Jax Forrest, 133: there’s no better protégé for David Taylor than Jax. He was the story of last season, and it’s not hard to see him repeating that same performance. But, there are sharks in the water at 133. Jordyn Raney, 141: entering college, Jordyn’s career has been nothing short of exceptional. In a weight class that is lacking significant depth, the true freshman can make a deep run. If there’s anyone that can stop a Bassett v Stanich final in March, I think it could be Jordyn. Sergio Vega, 149: one of the bigger surprises of last season, the true freshman national champ is ready to take on the next weight class. While no one here feels as tough of an opponent as Mendez was last year, there’s still a slew of opponents at the top tier. If Sergio continues to stop everyone from taking him down, there’s little chance of him losing. Landon Robideau, 157: a wide array of stylistic challenges await the returning champ. This weight has a developing field and many will be ready to contest the top spot. I’m sure Robideau will be more than game, but a repeat performance won’t be any easier. Ladarion Lockett, 165: I’m not 100% certain Dee will be the guy, but I’m most confident in him. After a disappointing finish last season and failing to make the U20 team this summer, this season feels somewhat of a do or die moment for Lockett. Lorenzo Norman, 174: probably the Cowboy I’m the most excited for. Norman had shown incredible potential while wrestling for Stanford. Now in an even more elite room, I’m anticipating Lorenzo reaches his highest potential with OKST. Title contention? I don’t see why not. Bennett Berge, 184: one of the more interesting transfers from the past off season, I don’t know what to expect from the former Jackrabbit. A former AA in 2024, health is probably the biggest concern. There are options waiting in the wings at this weight, but I don’t think any of them can crack the top 4. Cody Merrill, 197: the one person who MIGHT sneak a win over Josh Barr, but it’s not likely. If Cody can separate himself from the field, that’s a huge win already, but it’ll take him stepping up his offense to match his defense. Dreshaun Ross, 285: the hype is real, but can the true freshman do what no one else has in the modern era? I’m skeptical, this weight class is riddled with landmines. But the youthful talent is very promising. Overall, there’s little likelihood that anyone can stop this team from placing top 2 at the end of the season. But, there’s even less likelihood that the Cowboys can knock off the Nittany Lions.

You’d be hard pressed to find any 125lber in recent history better than a healthy Spencer Lee. No shade to Pat, but this is an easy win for Lee.

Honest evaluation of the 2026-27 Penn State lineup: 125, Luke Lilledahl: Coming off a national title, a FinalX appearance, and a win over Spencer Lee, LL is a clear favorite at this weight. If he steps up his offense and starts lighting up the scoreboard, things will get scary quickly. Don’t expect anything short of a finals appearance this year. 133/141, Marcus Blaze: He’s absolutely elite in freestyle. That much is obvious after beating Forrest and making the senior world team. But, the minor gaps in his game can be more significantly exploited in folkstyle. Expect Marcus to press the issue on his feet while maintaining that impossible defense. 133/141, Masanosuke Ono: Really I just want to see this guy compete again. We’ve gotten glimpses at RAF and an international event, but both have left me wanting more. Can his style be effective in the college folkstyle scene? Will he struggle in top/bottom? Fingers crossed we get to find out. 149, Shayne Van Ness: With this weight reloaded, there are a lot more obstacles in the way of SVN and a national title. But, he’s still more than capable. It’s just going to be a matter of stringing together 5 complete matches in 3 days. Plus, I think he’s one of the few guys that can take Sergio Vega down. 157, Tyler Kasak: Coming off a redshirt season with plenty of freestyle experience, I’m not sure what to think. Kasak looked unstoppable two years ago, but the weight has matured in the time he’s been away. One of their bigger question marks. 165, PJ Duke: I don’t really know if this is how the lineup will shake out. But, it does make the most sense this way. PJ would instantly become a title contender here. The weight is sparse and Duke is a tank. I’m not sure if he will lose another match in college. 174, Mitchell Mesenbrink: Bumping up is the coolest thing Mitch could do. He obliterated 165 last season and his biggest competition would likely be his own teammate. Here, he has some real hammers to chase down. Plenty of athletic opponents and some like Gabe Arnold and Jaxon Smith coming down in weight who could provide a size challenge. 184, Rocco Welsh: I’m hesitant to expect anything new from Rocco. A two-time finalist but with very limited offense against the top tier. McEnelly and Sinclair have shown a lot of promise and of course you have Ferrari too. Feels like it’ll be a shuffle the cards and see what you’re dealt type of weight again. 197, Josh Barr: My only question is can he give himself a real shot at the Hodge trophy? He was a terror last year, missing 100% bonus by one match. The only concern anyone could have is health, which the Nittany Lions have handled in the past. 285, Cole Mirasola: After missing the podium last year, there’s reason to consider Cole as one of the top guys at this weight. Everyone is talking about Dreshaun Ross as the title contender, but Cole has won that matchup the last three times. Imagine a team race coming down to the finals with these two? Sounds cool. Overall, it’s another year to expect Penn State on top. There’s only a slight chance that they’re unseated, and it would require an uncharacteristically bad performance from the Nittany Lions.

Now the question can really be asked. Will he ALSO be wrestling U23 Worlds which is weeks before Seniors?