Fireworks, Upsets, and Unforgettable Matches: The Thrilling Start to College Wrestling Season

The college wrestling season kicked off in electrifying fashion this past weekend, delivering everything fans could hope for—stunning upsets, high-stakes individual bouts, and teams pushing the boundaries of the sport. From a rodeo-inspired dual to dramatic victories from rising stars, this opening week set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season.

Wyoming vs. Campbell: Wrestling Meets Wild West Showmanship

One of the most talked-about events was the Wyoming vs. Campbell dual, held in a rodeo venue that combined the gritty charm of the Wild West with the intensity of elite wrestling. The unique setting was matched by the quality of the matches, making this dual a standout for more than just its atmosphere.

Wyoming’s Stockton O’Brien claimed “Wrestler of the Dual” honors with a pin against Campbell’s No. 18 Domenic Zaccone, while Campbell’s Anthony Molton put up a valiant fight against Wyoming All-American Jore Volk in a narrow 2-0 loss at 125 pounds. The dual also saw two sudden victory matches, with Cole Brooks and Jared Hill securing wins for Wyoming at 141 and 157 pounds, respectively. Wyoming ultimately reversed last year’s result, triumphing 28-12 over Campbell in a dual that showcased the sport’s potential for creativity and excitement.

Iowa’s Lineup Debut Shines in Victory Over Oregon State

Meanwhile, in Corvallis, Iowa launched its season with a dominant 30-7 victory over Oregon State. The Hawkeyes introduced a largely new lineup, with fresh faces stepping up to the challenge. Among the highlights was a marquee win from former Oklahoma All-American Stephen Buchanan, who defeated Oregon State’s All-American Trey Munoz 9-5 at 197 pounds.

Other notable performances included Gabe Arnold’s commanding tech fall at 184 pounds and Drake Ayala’s successful transition to 133 pounds, where he also delivered a tech fall. All-American Mikey Caliendo and Nelson Brands, both returning veterans, earned wins as well, with Caliendo securing a technical fall at 165 pounds and Brands grinding out a 2-1 victory at 174. Iowa’s strong start was a testament to its depth and adaptability, even with several wrestlers competing at new weights.

Dominant Starts for Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and More

While Iowa secured the weekend’s most high-profile win, several other ranked teams delivered emphatic victories over unranked opponents. Virginia Tech rolled to a 37-6 win over UT-Chattanooga, featuring standout performances from new additions and rising stars. Transfer Connor McGonagle and big-time recruit Jimmy Mullen made splashy debuts, both notching pins, while All-American Sam Latona impressed at his new weight of 141 pounds.

Pittsburgh, fresh off a disappointing result against Navy last season, flipped the script this year with a 35-3 blowout over the Midshipmen. Nick Babin’s pin and tech falls from Vinnie Santaniello and Dayton Pitzer highlighted the Panthers’ dominance, showing that they’re ready to make a statement this season.

Missouri faced a tougher test against Northern Colorado but managed to pull out a 25-14 victory, with national champions Keegan O’Toole and Andrew Alirez putting on a show. Both wrestlers earned bonus-point victories, further solidifying their positions as two of the best in the nation.

West Coast Highlights: Little Rock, Stanford, and Individual Breakouts

On the West Coast, No. 18 Little Rock and No. 20 Stanford both enjoyed undefeated weekends. Little Rock cruised past Central Michigan and Nebraska-Kearney, led by All-American Nasir Bailey, who secured back-to-back tech falls at 133 pounds. Stanford similarly delivered dominant wins against CSU-Bakersfield and Utah Valley, with 174-pounder Lorenzo Norman and 149-pounder Jaden Abas leading the charge.

Stanford’s duals also featured two standout individual performances. Utah Valley’s Terrell Barraclough pulled off a stunning upset at 165 pounds, defeating Stanford All-American Hunter Garvin 11-9. Meanwhile, CSU Bakersfield’s AJ Ferrari, a transfer making his second appearance as a Roadrunner, shut out Stanford’s Nick Stemmet 5-0 in a performance that signaled his readiness for a big season.

Open Tournaments Spotlight Rising Stars

The weekend wasn’t just about dual meets; open tournaments also provided a stage for breakout performances. Returning NCAA finalist Jesse Mendez turned heads at the Clarion Open, dismantling All-American Luke Stanich 14-3 in a dominant display of offense. Meanwhile, West Virginia’s Ty Watters edged North Carolina’s Lachlan McNeil 4-1 in sudden victory at the Southeast Open, showcasing the kind of grit and determination that make early-season ranked matchups so compelling.

Setting the Stage for the Season Ahead

The opening weekend of college wrestling not only delivered thrilling matches but also highlighted the depth and talent across the sport. With established powerhouses like Iowa and Missouri making statements, and rising programs like Wyoming and Little Rock showing their potential, the stage is set for an unpredictable and exciting season. Individual stars, from returning champions to breakout newcomers, also gave fans plenty to look forward to.

If this weekend is any indication, college wrestling is in for a season of unforgettable moments, intense rivalries, and the kind of fireworks that keep fans on the edge of their seats. The only question now is, what’s next? With so much talent and excitement on display, the possibilities are endless.