List of Top Divisions NCAA Wrestling Rankings

Are you new to the NCAA Wrestling world or are you a die-hard fan of it? Either way, you came to the right place. I have chalked up the latest and most brilliant moments of the NCAA Wrestling and Rankings up until early 2024. So get your popcorn ready; we are about to take a trip down the NCAA Wrestling Rankings and a closer look into the NWCA All-Star Classic event in late December 2023. Let’s get started.

Overview of the NCAA Wrestling 

Before we get started on the rankings, let’s take a look into the world of NCAA Wrestling from a clear and easy perspective. This sport is widely recognized and has awards that are like Oscars for the world of collegiate wrestling. Let’s break down the key elements of this sport:

• Recognition by Divisions. The NCAA Wrestling Awards mark a significant moment in the wrestling calendar, mainly during the Division I, II, and III Wrestling Championships. It’s where the best wrestling performances are acknowledged and celebrated.
• Categories of Classes. These awards cover three primary classes – Most Dominant Wrestler, Most Falls, and Most Technical Falls. Think of them as badges of honor, that distinguish those wrestlers who have excelled in these dimensions.
• Acknowledging Excellence. The Most Dominant Wrestler stands as the highest point of skill, flanked by those who have executed the most falls and technical falls. It’s a collective salute to the ones who’ve proven incredible skills on the mat.
• Guidelines within the Arena. In the competition for these awards, falls and technical falls must be performed by combatants in the same division. It’s a fair rule that ensures a level playing field and a true test of skill against peers.
• Resolving Deadlocks
• In times when ties arise, they’re resolved by considering the aggregate time. This system ensures equity and impartiality in figuring out the winners.

Falls Leaders: A Closer Look (Through 1/15/2024)

As of January 15, 2024, let’s discover the leaders in falls across different divisions:

Division I Men

• Gabe Sollars (Indiana). Leading the 197-pound class, Sollars has left an indelible mark with an excellent record of 11 falls. His prowess on the mat is evident in continuously overpowering his opponents.
• Tied Pursuers (Wyatt Hendrickson, Ryder Rogotzke, Ty Watters). In a tie, these wrestlers in the 285, 184, and 149-pound weight classes respectively, have matched each other with 9 falls each. The competition stays fierce as they try to secure the top spot.

Division II Men

• Scott Joll (UNC Pembroke). Leading the charge in the 174-pound weight class, Joll has showcased dominance with 9 falls. His ability to control matches and secure victories through falls highlights his brilliant wrestling competence.
• Pursuer (Ethen Doty). Hot on the heels of the leader, Doty is proving to be a formidable force, with just one fall behind Joll. The division witnesses a severe pursuit for fall leadership.

Division III Men

• Mitchell Arch (Case Western Reserve). Standing tall inside the 165-pound category, Arch has set a tremendous record with 15 falls. His constant ability to maneuver and capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses demonstrates an excessive level of technical proficiency.
• Tied at the Top (Jake Jones, Leonidas Zoganas). In the 184 and 149-pound weight classes respectively, Jones and Zoganas mirrored Arch’s feat with an equally impressive 15 falls each. The opposition in Division III is fierce, with those wrestlers declaring their dominance.

Technical Falls Leaders (Through 1/15/2024)

In the world of collegiate wrestling, the pursuit of technical falls takes center stage, showcasing the athletic ability of wrestlers. Let’s discover the technical fall leaders across unique divisions as of January 15, 2024.

Division I Men

• Michael Beard (Lehigh). Michael Beard has established himself as a leader in Division I with a commanding show of 10 tech falls. His proficiency and ability to outscore combatants have solidified his role as a leader within the 197-pound weight class.
• Pursuers (Nick Feldman, Wyatt Henson). Both Nick Feldman and Wyatt Henson are hot on the heels of the Beard, both recording amazing performances with 9 technical falls. 

Division II Men

• Shane Corrigan (Wisconsin-Parkside). Shane Corrigan has taken the lead in Division II with an outstanding record of 10 technical falls in the 125-pound weight class. His ability to control matches with technical precision sets him as a dominant force.
• Pursuers (Torry Early, David Hunsberger). The pursuit of excellence is evident in Torry Early and David Hunsberger, both securing 9 tech falls. 

Division III Men

• Luke Hoerle (Stevens Tech). Luke Hoerle continues to shine in Division III, with a stellar total of 13 tech falls. His ability to navigate matches with technical finesse places him at the forefront of the 133-pound weight class.
• Pursuer (Gavin Hollingsworth). Gavin Hollingsworth remains a determined contender, trailing the technical fall leader by just one. His skillful approach to matches keeps the competition intense within the 133-pound class of Division III.

Highlights and Rankings from the 2023 NWCA All-Star Classic

In a wonderful show of wrestling, the 2023 NWCA All-Star Classic took place on November 21, leaving enthusiasts on the edge of their seats as collegiate wrestlers clashed in severe battles at Penn State’s Rec Hall. The event, which saw a revival in 2022 after a brief pause, lived up to its reputation as a showcase of the finest skills in college wrestling.

Key Highlights

• Following the success of its comeback in 2022, the NWCA All-Star Classic returned with even more excitement and fascinating wrestling fanatics eager for top-tier action.
• The lineup for the 2023 NWCA All-Star Classic featured an excellent array of athletes from all types of weight classes, each competing for supremacy at the mat. From the reigning pound-for-pound No. 1 wrestler, Carter Starocci of Penn State, to different top-10-ranked contenders, the occasion provided a diverse and competitive field.

Weight Class Matches and Winnings at the 2023 NWCA All-Star Classic

Wrestlers from various weight classes showcased their skills, determination, and tenacity on the mat. The event, held at Penn State’s Rec Hall, brought together some of the best collegiate talents, each keen to lead their respective weight categories. Let’s break down all the categories:

1. 125-Pound: The clash at 125 pounds featured a riveting battle between Anthony Noto of Lock Haven, the previous top-ranked wrestler, and the formidable Matt Ramos from Purdue. Ramos won.
2. 133-Pound: Sam Latona of Virginia Tech and Connor McGonagle of Lehigh engaged in a high-stakes battle at 133 pounds. Sam Latona won
3. 141 Pounds: Lachlan McNeil from North Carolina faced off against Clay Carlson from South Dakota State in a showdown at 141 pounds. Lachlan McNeilwon.
4. 149 Pounds: The 149-pound category witnessed a compelling bout between Penn State’s Shayne Van Ness and Arizona State’s Kyle Parco. Shayne won.
5. 157 Pounds: Levi Haines of Penn State squared off against Jacori Teemer of Arizona State in a battle for supremacy at 157 pounds. The matchup highlighted the strength and technique characteristic of this weight class. Levi Haines won.
6. 165 Pounds: Dean Hamiti from Wisconsin faced Izzak Olejnik of Oklahoma State in a captivating showdown at 165 pounds. Dean Hamiti won.
7. 174 Pounds: The 174-pound category featured a marquee matchup between Penn State’s Carter Starocci and Mekhi Lewis from Virginia Tech. Starocci won
8. 184 Pounds: The bout at 184 pounds brought together Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa and Bernie Truax of Penn State. Parker Keckeisen won.
9. 197 Pounds: The 197-pound category witnessed a showdown between Aaron Brooks of Penn State and Tanner Sloan from South Dakota State. Aaron Brooks won.
10. 285 Pounds: The heavyweight category featured a clash between Greg Kerkvliet of Penn State and Wyatt Hendrickson from the Air Force. Greg Kerkvliet won. 

Live Streaming and Coverage

Wrestling enthusiasts all around the world were able to witness the excitement live on FloWrestling and the FloSports app. The platforms provided not only live streaming but also in-match replays, highlights, and comprehensive coverage, ensuring that enthusiasts stayed connected to every second of the moment.

Memorable Moments

From the very first match to the very last showdowns, the 2023 NWCA All-Star Classic delivered memorable moments that will be written about in the pages of collegiate wrestling history. The athletes’ dedication, ability, and strong character lit up the Rec Hall, creating electrifying surroundings.

Looking Ahead

As the echoes of the 2023 NWCA All-Star Classic fade, the wrestling community eagerly looks forward to the following chapter within the collegiate wrestling saga. The occasion not only celebrated the modern-day stars but also hinted at the rising talents set to make their mark in future competitions.

NCAA DI Rankings Update (1/16/2024)

In the ever-evolving world of collegiate wrestling, the most recent ratings update gives a snapshot of the competitive panorama. Let’s delve into the key highlights that have spread out during this captivating season.

125-Pound Rankings: Shift in #1

The 125-pound weight class witnessed a remarkable change as Anthony Noto’s recent loss brought about a change in the ranking system. This sudden development injected a brand new stage of excitement and anticipation into the race for the top spot.

Standout performances at 125-pound include the brilliant wins of Drake Ayala, who showcased his prowess with victories over notable opponents including Jore Volk and Caleb Smith. Meanwhile, Matt Ramos demonstrated his competitive edge with wins over Dean Peterson and Tanner Jordan, solidifying his presence as a pressure to be reckoned with within the weight class.

Team Impact: Ohio State’s Wrestlers

Ohio State underwent a significant transformation with the elimination of three ranked wrestlers—Paddy Gallagher (157), Carson Kharchla (174), and Gavin Hoffman (184). This shakeup not only affected the individual weight classes but also had implications for the team’s overall standing, requiring a reassessment of their trajectory within the collegiate wrestling panorama.

Fresh Faces in the 125-Pound Class

The addition of outstanding talent continues to form the narrative, with true freshmen Luke Stanich and Braeden Davis making their debuts in the 125-pound class. These freshmen add intensity to an already aggressive weight elegance, promising interesting matchups and potential upsets.

Kennedy’s Return and 157-pound Challenges

The return of Patrick Kennedy at 174 pounds has introduced a brand new dynamic to the weight class, with the gifted wrestler getting ready to leave his mark on the season. Meanwhile, the 157-pound class offered challenges as top wrestlers faced losses yet maintained their positions amidst a fiercely competitive field.

Final Words

In wrapping up our NCAA adventure, we have seen exciting developments and standout performances in the NCAA DI ratings. From the unexpected shifts in the 125-pound class to the effect on Ohio State’s group dynamics, every change brings a sparkling layer of anticipation.

The emergence of freshmen like Luke Stanich and Braeden Davis in the 125-pound class adds a buzz of excitement, promising more exciting clashes in the wrestling arena. The return of Patrick Kennedy and the resilience of wrestlers like Jared Franek and Peyton Robb in the 157-pound class spotlight the toughness and determination that define collegiate wrestling.

The world of NCAA wrestling keeps captivating us, and with each match, the adventure becomes more exhilarating. Stay tuned for more action-packed moments at the mats!