Early Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships at All 10 Weight Classes

As the college wrestling season approaches, it’s time for some bold predictions for the 2025 NCAA championships. Here’s an early look at potential champions across all 10 weight classes heading into March.

125 pounds: Matt Ramos, Purdue
Last season’s 125-pound weight class was one of the most unpredictable, with Arizona State’s Richard Figueroa ultimately claiming the title. While Figueroa remains a top contender, Purdue’s Matt Ramos is poised to make a leap and capture the crown. Ramos gained national attention in 2023 after pinning three-time champion Spencer Lee, and despite a challenging 2024 season, his talent and drive make him a solid pick for a championship run.

133 pounds: Ryan Crookham, Lehigh
Lehigh’s Ryan Crookham enters the season as the No. 1-ranked wrestler at 133 pounds, and for good reason. He made waves last year by defeating 2023 world champion Vito Arujau twice before falling to him in the NCAA semifinals. With Arujau now out of the picture, this is Crookham’s opportunity to claim the title, though he’ll face a tough field, including a newly bulked-up Drake Ayala from Iowa.

141 pounds: Jesse Mendez, Ohio State
Jesse Mendez may be the reigning champion at 141 pounds, but he isn’t starting this season ranked at the top. That honor goes to Andrew Alirez, the 2023 champion returning from an Olympic redshirt year. However, Mendez’s clutch performance at last year’s championships, along with his Olympic Trials success, gives him the edge as a title contender once again.

149 pounds: Ridge Lovett, Nebraska
Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett enters the 2025 season ranked No. 5, but his experience and talent suggest he can rise to the top. Lovett, a former national finalist, has demonstrated his ability to beat top competition, though Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech will be his biggest challenge. With senior season magic on his side, Lovett has a strong shot at claiming his first national title.

157 pounds: Jacori Teemer, Iowa
Iowa’s Jacori Teemer, a three-time All-American transfer from Arizona State, is a top contender for the 157-pound title. Teemer finished as the runner-up last season but now benefits from the departure of reigning champion Levi Haines, who’s moving up to 174 pounds. With a stellar track record, Teemer is the clear leader in a competitive weight class.

165 pounds: Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State
Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink is the dominant force at 165 pounds after finishing second in 2024. With two-time NCAA champion Keegan O’Toole moving up a weight class, Mesenbrink is the favorite to take the crown. Having already proven himself against top competition, expect him to lead this weight throughout the season.

174 pounds: Keegan O’Toole, Missouri
Keegan O’Toole moves up to 174 pounds after a stellar career at 165 pounds, where he claimed two NCAA titles. He’ll face stiff competition from Penn State’s Levi Haines, but O’Toole’s experience and wrestling style give him the edge. His senior season could be his most impressive yet as he looks to add another championship to his resume.

184 pounds: Carter Starocci, Penn State
The matchup to watch at 184 pounds will be Penn State’s Carter Starocci versus Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen. Starocci, a four-time NCAA champion, is moving up a weight class, and his winning mentality makes him the favorite to secure a fifth title. Keckeisen, the reigning champion, will be a formidable opponent, but Starocci’s championship pedigree might be too much to overcome.

197 pounds: Stephen Little, Little Rock
Stephen Little of Little Rock is my pick to make history as the program’s first national champion. After an impressive freshman campaign, Little has the potential to take the 197-pound title, despite tough competition from top-ranked wrestlers like Stephen Buchanan and Jacob Cardenas. Little’s upward trajectory makes him a wrestler to watch in this weight class.

285 pounds: Wyatt Hendrickson, Oklahoma State
While Greg Kerkvliet remains the favorite to repeat as heavyweight champion, Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State has the ability to shake things up. Hendrickson, a two-time All-American and U23 world champion, transferred to Oklahoma State for his final season and could challenge Kerkvliet for the title. With an explosive style and a strong training environment, Hendrickson is a legitimate contender to take the crown at heavyweight.