I think we can't read too much into this just yet for sure. Doesn't certify at 285 simply mean he is above the threshold for 1.5% weight loss per week back down to weighing 197, not that he is committed to being a Heavy. As he is redshirting it shouldn't be too much of a surprise, however if he plans on wrestling any of the 5 RSF matches or at opens at 197, he will need to start getting closer over the next month.
That qualifier aside and not to beat a dead horse, especially a full year in advance... Looking at the log jam, I would be the least shocked guy on here to see Barr stay at 197 next year and Conner move up. I have already speculated on this possibility from multiple perspectives including; that I believe head to head at 197 Barr beats him. ;-)
Barr back down to 184 also creates lineup challenges. Several are unavoidable no matter what is done, even with redshirts.
I think if Barr moves up, this may help for Ryder coming in and I am struggling with finding any good solution for Seally. Could Levi even balloon up to 184 in 2026 and Ryder goes 174, or visa versa, anything is possible, but Barr coming back down just seems to complicate matters.
Up top, we clearly have a gap post Kerk with no ' True Heavy' in the recruiting pipeline. I see Cole as more of a stop gap low AA at the very best, and quite honestly even if Connor were to move up I am not sure he would do much better unless he can eat enough steak to get over 230 lbs while maintaining his athleticism.