Roar’s Annual Big Ten Seeding Review: 2025
- Thread starter RoarLions1
- Start date
I don't think the math says much. Assuming Iowa does not crap the bed, ala NC State last year, and they are in a tight race for second the most likely competition for that spot is OK State. The B1G dropping a qualifier has no meaningful effect there. The most likely in conference challenge comes from the three headed monster of Nebraska, Minnesota, and Ohio State (they are cheek by jowl in my projections). With those three teams holding #2, #3, and #5 in Roars seeds it is certainly possible that one of them could fail to qualify a wrestler in a reduced B1G allocation scenario. But the odds of two or more not qualifying seems meaningfully tiny.
Footnote: The British choice of maths makes sense if you squint. Sure we call physics physics. Fine. But it used to drive me bonkers when they would say Goldmans or Merrills when referring to Goldman Sachs or Merrill Lynch. There is only one of each. And now there isn't even that.
If Pinto or Kharchla finish outside the qualifying spot they will almost assuredly get at-large bids. Whiting not 100% sure but would have a good chance depending on what happens at other conference tournaments.
1. If Brands goes in the postseason, then yes.
2. At B10s? Nobody cares.
At NCAAs, this could hurt Iowa -- Brands would get a low seed with a tough opener. Certainly a much worse draw than Kennedy would get.
Remember, they can't switch names after B10s.
3. Lol
Such a move only makes sense if Iowa thinks Brands - who scores no bonus -- can go deeper into NCAAs than Kennedy despite a much lower seed.
Brands could make a 2 match run on the back side.
Yeah, the caring is that the cannot switch names. I bet Gabe cares. And there is the Ryan-son strategery to drop to the consolation bracket immediately, where bonus could help make up for lesser advancement points.
We'll all see how it plays out, and any fall out in a few weeks.
Iowa fans clamoring for Brands are basing it on 2023 when he finished 5th. He beat Faison from NC State in the first round and then beat 6 seed Ethan Smith of Ohio St to make the quarters. Lost to Mekhi Lewis and then beat Ed Ruth and Peyton Mocco, lost to Chris Foca and then beat Plott for 5th. I don't see him making a run like that again. Also, I see Kennedy as a far better bonus option, especially on the back side. I guess we will see.
To momentarily take Brands 174 Postaeason seriously: he would be a real outlier for NCAA seeding:
- Low/no ranking
- Win % around 65% after the conference tourney
- No RPI
- No regular season Quality Wins
- TBD conference placement but he's not making the finals
These guys happen very infrequently.
In 2024, the only somewhat comparable was Missouri 133 Kade Moore, who was 11-5 and thus did have an RPI. He went 1-2 at B12s but beat Latona and Basile in the regular season. He was the 26 seed.
The only 2023 comparable was Teske: 9-4, no regular seaaon QWs, 7th at B10s. He got the 23.
Meanwhile, Kennedy would likely be around the 8 seed. He's 8th in the poll, projected 10th RPI, and has about 5 QWs so far.
- Low/no ranking
- Win % around 65% after the conference tourney
- No RPI
- No regular season Quality Wins
- TBD conference placement but he's not making the finals
These guys happen very infrequently.
In 2024, the only somewhat comparable was Missouri 133 Kade Moore, who was 11-5 and thus did have an RPI. He went 1-2 at B12s but beat Latona and Basile in the regular season. He was the 26 seed.
The only 2023 comparable was Teske: 9-4, no regular seaaon QWs, 7th at B10s. He got the 23.
Meanwhile, Kennedy would likely be around the 8 seed. He's 8th in the poll, projected 10th RPI, and has about 5 QWs so far.
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