2025-26 pre-season discussions

[dicemen99]

(Mod - moved some posts out of the OK ST Iowa thread)

Caliendo did major Paddy and had a close one with Sparks at the salute but teched Sparks at the dual. He had a closer match with Minto. Not sure what rankings you like but Intermat has Minto 8 Paddy 9 and Sparks 11. Amine is #6 he will be the highest ranked guy he's seen minus Mitchell

Mesenbrink





Caliendo
Amine
Barraclough
Hall
Maybe, Ramirez if he rounds back into shape
Maybe, Garvin if he shows up




Everybody else
Why the hell did Brignola RS this year? If ever there was a path to AA, it was this year.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

Mesenbrink



Caliendo
Amine
Barraclough
Hall
Maybe, Ramirez if he rounds back into shape
Maybe, Garvin if he shows up







Everybody else
Why the hell did Brignola RS this year? If ever there was a path to AA, it was this year.

On your Brignola point; Amine, Bearclaw, Hall and Ramirez all graduate this year. I could see next year being an even clearer path for him in his last season.

 

[dicemen99]

On your Brignola point; Amine, Bearclaw, Hall and Ramirez all graduate this year. I could see next year being an even clearer path for him in his last season.

That's really not a daunting group to backfill. I would have taken my chances this year.

 

[El-Jefe]

That's really not a daunting group to backfill. I would have taken my chances this year.

Lehigh probably tbinks Brignola could be a finalist next year.

It might be a little optimistic, but given who's left next year -- Mesenbrink, Caliendo, and 30 jabronies -- the 3 seed isn't terribly far fetched.

 

[jmadden1998]

Lehigh probably tbinks Brignola could be a finalist next year.

It might be a little optimistic, but given who's left next year -- Mesenbrink, Caliendo, and 30 jabronies -- the 3 seed isn't terribly far fetched.

Based on current Intermat rankings, returnees other than Mesenbrink and Caliendo are:

7 Will Miller, App St
8 Christopher Minto, Nebraska
9 Paddy Gallagher, Ohio St
10 Beau Mantanona, Michigan
12 Drake Rhoads, SDSU
13 Hunter Garvin, Stanford
14 Braeden Scoles, Illinois
15 Cam Steed, Missouri
16 Nico Ruiz, Arizona St
17 Gunner Filipowicz, Army
19 Tyler Lillard, Indiana

 

[Cali_Nittany]

Lehigh probably tbinks Brignola could be a finalist next year.

It might be a little optimistic, but given who's left next year -- Mesenbrink, Caliendo, and 30 jabronies -- the 3 seed isn't terribly far fetched.

Perhaps. But some of the younger guys like Minto and Mantanona may jump a level next season.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

Lehigh probably tbinks Brignola could be a finalist next year.

It might be a little optimistic, but given who's left next year -- Mesenbrink, Caliendo, and 30 jabronies -- the 3 seed isn't terribly far fetched.

Also there is the really small chance Caliendo sucks down to 157 for his last year because he is tired of getting dominated by Mitch

 

[El-Jefe]

Perhaps. But some of the younger guys like Minto and Mantanona may jump a level next season.

True, aomebody might step up. IMO Garvin and Ruiz are the most likely.

Mantanona will probably step up to 174 so his brother can come off shirt at 165. Brignola beat the younger tbis year.

Either way, if I'm Lehigh, I'm thinking minimum national semis in 2026.

 

[slushhead]

Also there is the really small chance Caliendo sucks down to 157 for his last year because he is tired of getting dominated by Mitch

I’d agree with really small chance. He experienced all he needed to last season to figure out which weight to wrestle. All that has changed since is that the discussion of where to put Arnold has become even more annoying.

 

[DeadHead11]

Iowa also brought in Teemer this year at 157. Neither MM or MC look huge at 165 but sometimes looks are deceiving…especially from far away.

I think LL needs to stay down at 125 for at least one more year. I can’t see him ever being a full-sized 65 kg, but who knows. Can’t see Barr leaving 197, would hate to lose that 50 gallon gas tank.

Can’t see Pitt closing ground on VT, NCST, and UNC with Koll which is depressing

 

[west2east]

Iowa also brought in Teemer this year at 157. Neither MM or MC look huge at 165 but sometimes looks are deceiving…especially from far away.

I think LL needs to stay down at 125 for at least one more year. I can’t see him ever being a full-sized 65 kg, but who knows. Can’t see Barr leaving 197, would hate to lose that 50 gallon gas tank.

Can’t see Pitt closing ground on VT, NCST, and UNC with Koll which is depressing

Caliendo certed 157 last year . He's not a big 165 at all.

 

[El-Jefe]

Also there is the really small chance Caliendo sucks down to 157 for his last year because he is tired of getting dominated by Mitch

Really small chance considering 157 is Chittum's weight ... wait, Fredo came, never mind.

Seriously, on the off chance it happens, he'll be trading places with Estrada. Or Kennedy sucks down to 165. No other options on the bench, and no incoming freahmen at that weight range.

That or Slumlord Bob jacks up the rent again.

 

[west2east]

I can see Iowa getting a portal guy for 157 next year

 

[slushhead]

Iowa also brought in Teemer this year at 157. Neither MM or MC look huge at 165 but sometimes looks are deceiving…especially from far away

Right. The same discussion about Caliendo at 165 forcing both Kennedy and Arnold up a weight happened last year, too. If Caliendo could have gone 157, there would not have been a need to go buy Teemer this year. Caliendo at 157 is not happening, IMO.

I’ve been waiting for stuff to play out, but I’ve wondered whether Iowa will regret the Franek-Caliendo package deal they took 2 years ago. Franek didn’t meet expectations, Caliendo had the bad luck of inheriting a freak-of-nature opponent, Mini Bull is not so strong forced up a weight, and Arnold pushed up to 184 has been like a Spike & Chester bit — all bark and no bite. Heck, at least Nelson bit.

 

[FatWoodchuck]

Perhaps. But some of the younger guys like Minto and Mantanona may jump a level next season.

I think Mantanona is the real deal.

Who has UM since Bormet has been head coach jumped levels other than Paris? I really don't know.

 

[Random4598375]

I think Mantanona is the real deal.

Who has UM since Bormet has been head coach jumped levels other than Paris? I really don't know.

Amine jumped up levels getting away from Bormet for DT. LOL. I can't really think of anyone. Suriano won a championship in pretty dominant fashion, but did he jump levels since he was a champ at Rutgers, too? Gomez & Davison both improved marginally last year, but I don't know about "jumped levels".

I like what I've seen from Mantanona, though. He has definitely jumped a couple levels from his RS year last year, so at least there's that. It remains to be seen if he can continue that progress.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

I think Mantanona is the real deal.

Who has UM since Bormet has been head coach jumped levels other than Paris? I really don't know.

Fair question. The only one that comes to mind is Ragusin.

 

[El-Jefe]

I think Mantanona is the real deal.

Who has UM since Bormet has been head coach jumped levels other than Paris? I really don't know.

Myles Amine became an undergrad world medalist.

Could make a case for Panteleo too. DNP as a freshman, then had good finishes after that in the same weights as Zain and Jason.

But yeah, not that many.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

Really small chance considering 157 is Chittum's weight ... wait, Fredo came, never mind.

Seriously, on the off chance it happens, he'll be trading places with Estrada. Or Kennedy sucks down to 165. No other options on the bench, and no incoming freahmen at that weight range.

That or Slumlord Bob jacks up the rent again.

Iowa board thinks Estrada is the 149 for them next year

 

[zzs006]

Iowa board thinks Estrada is the 149 for them next year

Out of everyone on that team he’s impressed me the most. I didn’t expect him to be as good as he has been. I’m not sure that he will ever be a title contender but I see him AA’ing a couple times

 

[El-Jefe]

Iowa board thinks Estrada is the 149 for them next year

They're gonna need to attach Ryder Block to a vacuum sealer, if they think he's making 141.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

They're gonna need to attach Ryder Block to a vacuum sealer, if they think he's making 141.

I think their idea is Block bulk up and challenge Estrada or try for 157, get a portal guy at 141 (and maybe 157 also).

 

[wrestlingfan22]

Out of everyone on that team he’s impressed me the most. I didn’t expect him to be as good as he has been. I’m not sure that he will ever be a title contender but I see him AA’ing a couple times

I agree, he keeps his matches very close, he has not allowed more than 5 points in a match all year and every loss has been within one takedown. He doesn't have any wins that jump out but considering most of his work has been done up a weight I could see him flipping some of those one takedown matches at 149 next year.

 

[west2east]

Out of everyone on that team he’s impressed me the most. I didn’t expect him to be as good as he has been. I’m not sure that he will ever be a title contender but I see him AA’ing a couple times

He did lose to Kael Voinivich at the salute at 149

 

[Random4598375]

He did lose to Kael Voinivich at the salute at 149

That was a long time ago at this point. Estrada has looked better and better each time out as he gains confidence at this level.

 

[west2east]

That was a long time ago at this point. Estrada has looked better and better each time out as he gains confidence at this level.

Yes he has. My point was I wouldn't pencil him in as the guy at 149 just yet. Rathjen, Block and Voinivich will also be in the mix

 

[wrestlingfan22]

That was a long time ago at this point. Estrada has looked better and better each time out as he gains confidence at this level.

I also disregard most teammate on teammate results outside of being a slight indicator for who starts at the beginning of the year. Estrada will have competition for 149 next year but based on this year’s results against guys not in that room he is the favorite

 

[Random4598375]

Yes he has. My point was I wouldn't pencil him in as the guy at 149 just yet. Rathjen, Block and Voinivich will also be in the mix

If they don't get a 157 in the portal, my guess is that Estrada will be 149 and Block 157. The Voino brothers are a wild card. No idea what's going on with VV3. He seems to have dropped off a cliff since portaling last year.

 

[Nitlion1986]

If they don't get a 157 in the portal, my guess is that Estrada will be 149 and Block 157. The Voino brothers are a wild card. No idea what's going on with VV3. He seems to have dropped off a cliff since portaling last year.

Bob is already packing money bags and Larry is practicing his "I can arrange a meeting" speil. The two will have the act down pat by Tuesday before nationsls.

 

[west2east]

If they don't get a 157 in the portal, my guess is that Estrada will be 149 and Block 157. The Voino brothers are a wild card. No idea what's going on with VV3. He seems to have dropped off a cliff since portaling last year.

I believe he had surgery and will look for a medical. He's gotten big and will be a 157 . Saw a video of him doing some rehab and his size shocked me

 

[west2east]

Bob is already packing money bags and Larry is practicing his "I can arrange a meeting" speil. The two will have the act down pat by Tuesday before nationsls.

The Stanford kid Cardenas was at the Salute at 157 and Stanford was at Midlands. He's also from Colorado. Might just be me thinking too much but it was odd to me he was at the salute. Not many kids are willing to leave Stanford before they get that degree. I don't believe he will graduate from Stanford until next year though.

 

[GableBeer]

im ready for the posts on team returning points and who slots where

I’m most curious on the lineup battle between Kasak/Duke and whether Barr wants to drop down to 184. 197 is light next year with basically just AJF as the primary competitor, 184 is going to be stacked with youth.

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

I’m most curious on the lineup battle between Kasak/Duke and whether Barr wants to drop down to 184. 197 is light next year with basically just AJF as the primary competitor, 184 is going to stacked with youth.

Im hoping he stays put, put a few more pounds of muscle on and take Ferarri out for good.

 

[El-Jefe]

I’m most curious on the lineup battle between Kasak/Duke and whether Barr wants to drop down to 184. 197 is light next year with basically just AJF as the primary competitor, 184 is going to be stacked with youth.

Cael has let his top guys pick their weights, and everybody else fills in.

IMO Barr earned the right to pick his weight. He was up to 202 in the offseason. He shouldn't want to cut back to 184, and his energy is better spent on technique than hunger.

 

[slushhead]

Cael has let his top guys pick their weights, and everybody else fills in.

IMO Barr earned the right to pick his weight. He was up to 202 in the offseason. He shouldn't want to cut back to 184, and his energy is better spent on technique than hunger.

I’d like to see Barr at 197 if he can put on a some more mass. Being undersized really seemed to be his only limitation this year (and he still almost won it all).

 

[El-Jefe]

I’m most curious on the lineup battle between Kasak/Duke and whether Barr wants to drop down to 184. 197 is light next year with basically just AJF as the primary competitor, 184 is going to be stacked with youth.

Elam too, if he can stay healthy.

Can't ignore Little, Stout, Novak, and Merrill, but they're a step back from Ferrari and Elam.

The thing about Ferrari is: we've now seen in multiple years how he's going to wrestle -- against the top guys, he's going to do as little as possible on feet in regulation, and try to muscle up guys from top without actually trying to score. He's trying to win by grinding guys to death.

Barr will need to be better on bottom to beat that strategy. He's good on bottom, but can't let Ferrari top stall you into the oxygen tent.

 

[eddy line]

I’m most curious on the lineup battle between Kasak/Duke and whether Barr wants to drop down to 184. 197 is light next year with basically just AJF as the primary competitor, 184 is going to be stacked with youth.

Can the kid from Minny hold 184? He looked big to me.

 

[PAgeologist]

Elam too, if he can stay healthy.

Can't ignore Little, Stout, Novak, and Merrill, but they're a step back from Ferrari and Elam.

The thing about Ferrari is: we've now seen in multiple years how he's going to wrestle -- against the top guys, he's going to do as little as possible on feet in regulation, and try to muscle up guys from top without actually trying to score. He's trying to win by grinding guys to death.

Barr will need to be better on bottom to beat that strategy. He's good on bottom, but can't let Ferrari top stall you into the oxygen tent.

Going under Buchanan last night took a lot out of Barr. I won't go as far as it cost him the match, but it definitely hurt his chances. He can obviously improve his technique, but getting an early TD might prove more beneficial so he doesn't need to go under.

 

[GableBeer]

Elam too, if he can stay healthy.

Can't ignore Little, Stout, Novak, and Merrill, but they're a step back from Ferrari and Elam.

The thing about Ferrari is: we've now seen in multiple years how he's going to wrestle -- against the top guys, he's going to do as little as possible on feet in regulation, and try to muscle up guys from top without actually trying to score. He's trying to win by grinding guys to death.

Barr will need to be better on bottom to beat that strategy. He's good on bottom, but can't let Ferrari top stall you into the oxygen tent.

Elams a good wrestler, but I’m not banking on a senior coming off injury to make noise. Barr vs. AJF would be a good match, we know Barr will go after Ferrari, and Ferrari’s counter blast double is his best shot. I think there’s a great chance next year they’re on a collision course at 197.

 

[west2east]

Can the kid from Minny hold 184? He looked big to me.

He will be 184