15 Wrestlers on the Brink of All-American Status

Finishing in the top eight at the NCAA wrestling tournament is a coveted achievement that marks not only team points but also lifelong respect and recognition. Wrestlers who secure this honor gain a title that stands as a testament to their perseverance and skill. This year, a new batch of athletes stands at the brink of earning All-American status. These 15 competitors have not yet reached that milestone but are ready to have breakout seasons and make their mark on the podium.

Troy Spratley, Oklahoma State, 125 pounds
Last season’s 125-pound bracket was unpredictable, and Troy Spratley was right in the mix. The Oklahoma State wrestler finished the season 22-8, including a victory over NCAA champion Richard Figueroa and several All-American contenders. Despite narrowly missing the podium after losing in the Blood Round, Spratley looks to return stronger this year. With a revamped coaching staff and possible training with Roman Bravo-Young, Spratley enters the season ranked No. 7 and has the tools to succeed. Early challenges, like his match against Wyoming’s Jore Volk, will test his readiness for a top finish.

Dean Peterson, Rutgers, 125 pounds
Dean Peterson has been circling the All-American conversation for two seasons, boasting impressive wins over top-tier opponents, including NCAA finalist Matt Ramos. However, his NCAA tournament performance last year fell short of expectations. The Scarlet Knight now enters the season ranked No. 12 and has the benefit of learning from teammates who have recently experienced breakout seasons. With continued confidence and sharpness, Peterson has the potential to find his way to the podium and put Rutgers in a position to score valuable team points.

Nico Provo, Stanford, 125 pounds
Stanford’s Nico Provo made waves at last year’s Cliff Keen Invitational with victories over top-ranked athletes like Matt Ramos and Jore Volk. His season, however, ended without an All-American finish. This year, Provo remains a key figure in Stanford’s pursuit of team success. As Stanford continues to face tough schedules, Provo will have plenty of opportunities to prove his mettle and secure a coveted All-American title alongside his teammates.

Nic Bouzakis, Ohio State, 133 pounds
Ohio State’s Nic Bouzakis entered college with a high profile and demonstrated his potential with a strong freshman year. Despite falling short of All-American honors, he recorded notable wins, including a pin over All-American Kai Orine. Bouzakis starts this season ranked No. 15, with several key matchups in his weight class that could serve as springboards for success. If he can string together high-caliber wins, Bouzakis could be a vital asset for Ohio State in both individual and team performances.

Connor McGonagle, Virginia Tech, 133 pounds
Connor McGonagle has had an unconventional path but has consistently displayed All-American potential. After spending five years at Lehigh and dealing with injuries, McGonagle now joins Virginia Tech’s lineup, which includes several standout wrestlers. With a full year of training in a competitive room, McGonagle has the talent and the environment to make his final season a memorable one and achieve his first All-American status.

Cael Happel, UNI, 141 pounds
Northern Iowa’s Cael Happel is entering his third year with high hopes after two solid regular seasons that ended just short of the podium. Last season, Happel came close to breaking through but lost in the Blood Round. This year, Happel is ranked No. 7 and is determined to not only reach the podium but also challenge for a title. His confidence and experience make him a top contender in his weight class.

Sergio Lemley, Michigan, 141 pounds
Michigan’s Sergio Lemley burst onto the scene last season, recording significant wins over All-American opponents. Although his NCAA tournament performance did not go as planned, Lemley has demonstrated the ability to compete with the best in the country. With another year of experience and opportunities to challenge top-ranked opponents in the Big Ten, Lemley is primed for an All-American finish this season.

Jackson Arrington, N.C. State, 149 pounds
Arrington has shown he has what it takes to compete at the highest level, with an ACC title win over NCAA champion Caleb Henson. Despite two narrow misses in the Blood Round, Arrington remains a dangerous competitor. With another year of maturity and the tough schedule that N.C. State provides, Arrington will have plenty of opportunities to secure his spot on the podium.

Terrell Barraclough, Utah Valley, 165 pounds
After spending much of his career as a backup at Penn State, Barraclough transferred to Utah Valley, where he’ll finally get his chance to shine. Ranked No. 7 heading into the season, Barraclough’s experience training with some of the nation’s best wrestlers will pay off as he competes for his first All-American title.

Gabe Arnold, Iowa, 174 pounds
Gabe Arnold is unique in that he has yet to officially wrestle a varsity season, but his redshirt year was full of promise. Arnold recorded multiple wins over All-Americans while wrestling up a weight class. Now entering his first varsity season at 174 pounds, Arnold is ready to make an immediate impact and challenge for a top finish.

The remaining athletes on this list, including Silas Allred and Zach Glazier, each have unique paths and impressive skill sets that make them serious contenders for their first All-American titles. These athletes have demonstrated grit, determination, and the ability to compete with the nation’s best. As the season unfolds, each of these wrestlers will have opportunities to make their mark on the sport and achieve a lifelong goal.