From what Ive seen, VV is very good defensively and could likely hang in there with most anyone at 49 but can he string 3 wins against great competition in the Nattys? Wrestle off at Soldier Salute is good but It would be nice to get some of these guys in the Southern Scuffle to see what they look like in a very good tournament.
The same can be said for Estrada. He wrestled close matches with the few highly ranked guys he wrestled but showed 0 offensive output. He has no notable wins. And lost to KV. Victor is a national qualifier. Unless any of them make a jump national qualifier may be the expectation. Block is a bit of a wild card though.
Who on this board is high about VV? I don’t think I’ve seen much positive about him, just that he and Estrada are fighting for 149/157
I believe we recruited him fairly heavily out of high school and we were really hoping to land him before he went to Okie state. He may be the most experience of the guys fighting for the 149 or 157 weight.
I remember when VV, as a RS freshman, wrestled Murin tough; he went onto to qualify for the tourney and made the round of 12 I believe. Vic is very tough on top, though it's more of a Nagao jujitsu ride vs a ride that gets back points. His issue has always been scoring / finishing shots.
Have Harvey who can wrestle 5 at 197. In a pinch my guess is it would be Gabe . My guess is he certs at 174 but it would shock me if he made 174 for competition
I think Block will figure it out on bottom. I have seen his work ethic and heart coming up at many workouts and I believe he will be fine
He does, but I don't think he wants to redshirt.
Estrada may not have a notable win (although Kraisser was a decent win at the time) but he also doesn't have any terrible losses. His 5 losses last year as a true freshman: Lachlan McNeil 5-2, Kael Voinovich 4-1, Ethen Miller 4-2, Antrell Taylor 4-2, Trevor Chumbley SV 4-1. The Kael Voinovich loss is the only one that may raise a flag and Kael's not bad and there's a familiarity there. The concern about Estrada is scoring vs better competition.
I was under the impression that redshirts were gone now and under a new rule it's 5 years of eligibility, regardless.
I know that was the talk, but I'm not sure if it is implemented as of yet?! I hope so.
I also remember his dad saying he will be 174 in college. Will take some discipline, but he can do it.
Outstanding preview, Tanner…thank you!!Just published my men's lineup projection on the site a few minutes ago - to go along with yesterday's women's preview:
Projecting the lineup: 2025-26 Iowa men's wrestling - On3
Projecting the lineup: 2025-26 Iowa women's wrestling - On3
Glad I went with Arnold at 174, despite the speculation that he could be headed to 197
It's not that he can't it's will he. I hope he does but I have to see it to believe it.
And I need to see some offense when/if he can make it there next year.
Just published my men's lineup projection on the site a few minutes ago - to go along with yesterday's women's preview:
Projecting the lineup: 2025-26 Iowa men's wrestling - On3
Projecting the lineup: 2025-26 Iowa women's wrestling - On3
Glad I went with Arnold at 174, despite the speculation that he could be headed to 197
excellent work tanner informative and entertaining, we are lucky to have youJust published my men's lineup projection on the site a few minutes ago - to go along with yesterday's women's preview:
Projecting the lineup: 2025-26 Iowa men's wrestling - On3
Projecting the lineup: 2025-26 Iowa women's wrestling - On3
Glad I went with Arnold at 174, despite the speculation that he could be headed to 197
He was over 184 for certs recently what's lean to you
Per Iowa’s SID, coaches had to submit a two-deep for the event - not a ‘probable lineup.’
I hope he makes 174 and is held accountable if he doesn't. He's a 174
Gabe will and there will be no need to hold him accountable
He doesn’t even have great length for 174, but most of the excess fat should be off, and should be a power house at 174. Should be confident that if he gets in on any shot, he can power through to finish it. Problem with guys wrestling too far above their ideal weight, is they have trouble getting over powered and reversed when they get in on shots, then get gun shy and lose their offense. Nelson Brands is a good example. I don’t want this to permanently set in with Gabe. Going 197 would be a disaster for his future.
Agree he's a 174 and if he makes it then he won't be a 184. If Gabe is the backup 184 he's probably the 2nd best 197 as well thats why in the past I said he could be backup 197 in a pinch
