Next Year’s Lineup '26

chasepollard

Heisman
Nov 25, 2005
92,645
13,943
48
Physically being at NCAAs has absolutely nothing to do with evaluating talent or projecting lineups. That’s a lazy appeal to authority, not an argument.

And you’re not even addressing the actual point. No one said seeds go chalk. No one said rosters don’t evolve. You’re shadowboxing.

The question is simple: who is taking Vega’s spot?

Not “who’s exciting,” not “who might be good someday,” but who is actually doing it.

Vega is a proven, current-production guy. He’s #2 in the country right now. No one has gotten to him. That’s what “brings points” looks like in reality, not recruiting hype.

No Freshmen is going to walk in and knock out a made guy like Vega unless they’re Jax-level or better. And as good as the incoming class is, none of them are that. Until someone rips the spot away on the mat, which isn’t happening in real life, this isn’t a debate.
Okay, answer it then…

Lazy appeal? Shadow boxing? Made man?

We have one “made man” in the lineup and that’s it. Even then, if he’d rather hunt than do what it takes to win a Title, he’s out of the lineup too.

We have another “made man” that has been passed by, by two young guns. This guy is a National Champ and he’s MIA.

I never said or thought anything negative of Vega, but he’s not made and his spot will never be safe. Safety depends on the drive followed by results.

Vega is actual a household name in my house. He’s my wife’s favorite and he competes with a smile (which is something I’m working on with my kid.)

But he’s not made yet. I expect it, but he’s never seen an NCAA week.

*I’ll refrain from further negativity
 

mugwamp2

Senior
Sep 15, 2006
294
448
48
Physically being at NCAAs has absolutely nothing to do with evaluating talent or projecting lineups. That’s a lazy appeal to authority, not an argument.

And you’re not even addressing the actual point. No one said seeds go chalk. No one said rosters don’t evolve. You’re shadowboxing.

The question is simple: who is taking Vega’s spot?

Not “who’s exciting,” not “who might be good someday,” but who is actually doing it.

Vega is a proven, current-production guy. He’s #2 in the country right now. No one has gotten to him. That’s what “brings points” looks like in reality, not recruiting hype.

No Freshmen is going to walk in and knock out a made guy like Vega unless they’re Jax-level or better. And as good as the incoming class is, none of them are that. Until someone rips the spot away on the mat, which isn’t happening in real life, this isn’t a debate.
Do you think Vega is a career 141 pounder?
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,743
3,682
113
Nope, but possibly. I also think Jax runs at 3 different weights.

To be an Olympic Champ, he needs to be weighing above/around 150. So I think we see him grow from 61/133 after this next FS season.
His dad was a 157 I believe. Jax has the frame to be a 149 and 65kg down the road. I would be shocked if he's 133 next year. Jax 141 and Vega 149 I see happening soon
 

Travis25

Senior
Jan 14, 2020
284
810
93
Physically being at NCAAs has absolutely nothing to do with evaluating talent or projecting lineups. That’s a lazy appeal to authority, not an argument.

And you’re not even addressing the actual point. No one said seeds go chalk. No one said rosters don’t evolve. You’re shadowboxing.

The question is simple: who is taking Vega’s spot?

Not “who’s exciting,” not “who might be good someday,” but who is actually doing it.

Vega is a proven, current-production guy. He’s #2 in the country right now. No one has gotten to him. That’s what “brings points” looks like in reality, not recruiting hype.

No Freshmen is going to walk in and knock out a made guy like Vega unless they’re Jax-level or better. And as good as the incoming class is, none of them are that. Until someone rips the spot away on the mat, which isn’t happening in real life, this isn’t a debate.
It is a highly competitive atmosphere. All of our freshmen, including the Raneys, are world class talents. Right now, we do not know whether they are the kind of guys who are multi-time All Americans (floor) or four-time national champs (ceiling). Odds are, they are somewhere in the middle. Sergio will have all the opportunity in the world to stake his claim to a spot in the lineup, and I expect that he will.
 

Travis25

Senior
Jan 14, 2020
284
810
93
White, unlike our other freshmen started wrestling late in life. He would benefit tremendously from a redshirt year.

I think you're right. But the retort to that is that he is already beating high-level guys despite his late start, and will probably jump levels further and faster than most elite recruits since he hasn't already had the benefit of decades of great coaching.
 

mugwamp2

Senior
Sep 15, 2006
294
448
48
His dad was a 157 I believe. Jax has the frame to be a 149 and 65kg down the road. I would be shocked if he's 133 next year. Jax 141 and Vega 149 I see happening soon
Man...what a great problem to have, but that is quite a log jam if Jax is 41 and Vega 49. opens the door for Cael Hughes/Ramirez/Raney at 33 but pushes Swiderski/Jamison out of the lineup at 41/49 and makes it tough for the other Raney to find a spot. then it depends on if Robideaux can hold 57 since it sounds like Dee is a multi year 65.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bwel9339 and Corby2

JAY45

Heisman
Jul 19, 2002
17,626
14,429
112
It is a highly competitive atmosphere. All of our freshmen, including the Raneys, are world class talents. Right now, we do not know whether they are the kind of guys who are multi-time All Americans (floor) or four-time national champs (ceiling). Odds are, they are somewhere in the middle. Sergio will have all the opportunity in the world to stake his claim to a spot in the lineup, and I expect that he will.
Don’t disagree at all with what you are saying.

It feels like Vega might be slightly discounted in this scenario.

A different way to frame it: take every other #2 at every other weight class. It would sound crazy to argue that someone is going to come in and take away any of the other nine’s spots unless we are talking about someone at Forrest, Bassett, Blaze, or Duke’s level. They Raneys are close. Don’t see anyone knocking Vega off.
 

glorycowboy

All-Conference
Jun 10, 2021
653
1,540
78
Feel like Robideaux might be career 157 as well from his built. Only question might be who is our 184 next year and if Ross takes a RS, who will be our HWT?

We have plenty of options for other weights.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SEKPoke

Cowboy1989

All-Conference
Dec 1, 2009
550
1,405
93
I think you're right. But the retort to that is that he is already beating high-level guys despite his late start, and will probably jump levels further and faster than most elite recruits since he hasn't already had the benefit of decades of great coaching.
I agree. Both can be true.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Travis25

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,743
3,682
113
Man...what a great problem to have, but that is quite a log jam if Jax is 41 and Vega 49. opens the door for Cael Hughes/Ramirez/Raney at 33 but pushes Swiderski/Jamison out of the lineup at 41/49 and makes it tough for the other Raney to find a spot. then it depends on if Robideaux can hold 57 since it sounds like Dee is a multi year 65.
Good problems to have . And with NIL Go being a thing losing guys to the portal won't be as much of a thing as it has been.
 

CentralPoke

Heisman
Jun 14, 2005
146,916
56,209
95
His dad was a 157 I believe. Jax has the frame to be a 149 and 65kg down the road. I would be shocked if he's 133 next year. Jax 141 and Vega 149 I see happening soon
Unfortunately I was specifically scolded for saying he could use some muscle and weight reach his full potential
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Corby2

PoOsKuEs

Freshman
Nov 15, 2025
32
68
18
Feel like Robideaux might be career 157 as well from his built. Only question might be who is our 184 next year and if Ross takes a RS, who will be our HWT?

We have plenty of options for other weights.
Agree on Robideaux.

Robb potentially at184. He's made some pretty big strides this year.

White looks like a special type of talent. Can't rule him out based on his improvement in a short amount of time.

Zack Ryder's no slouch. I'm not ready to give up on him yet.

Call me crazy but I think Ross could be Champ next year at HWT.
 
Last edited:

Travis25

Senior
Jan 14, 2020
284
810
93
Chase, you crack me up my man. National Title contender Vega’s spot is not secured, scoring points is important, and you’ve been to NCAAs…but Ryder has 184 locked up next year no questions asked? 👌

Seems like a weight where a more competitive situation should, and would bet will be created.
Anyone with eyes can see what is happening at 184. Anyone telling you that they know who is going at that weight next year is yanking your chain. I understand why Chase would say that, and don't fault him too much for it.
 

chasepollard

Heisman
Nov 25, 2005
92,645
13,943
48
Chase, you crack me up my man. National Title contender Vega’s spot is not secured, scoring points is important, and you’ve been to NCAAs…but Ryder has 184 locked up next year no questions asked? 👌

Seems like a weight where a more competitive situation should, and would bet will be created.
Haha, bless your heart.

Currently, Ryder is the guy. That can change.

Im simply saying and have been saying, no spot is safe. If you don’t want to live the life, they’ll be looking for someone else. If you aren’t getting it done, you will see if someone else can.

I don’t see Vegas leaving the lineup until it’s to like for a RS/shirt. I was only saying, he’s not a made man yet as far as March production. That is the watermark. Go to NCAAs and swamp a 0-2 and the entire season was for naught.

The hungry dog hunts! It is literally that simple. I don’t see Vega not being a “made man” or falling into the BT/Figs trap. You were touting him as a finalist. I don’t disagree that it’s on the table and even betting odds likely. My NCAA comment was simply, it’s a wild event with tons of unexpected turns. You should go! I’ll even buy you a few drinks and we will have fun. March never goes chalk, ever.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bwel9339

glorycowboy

All-Conference
Jun 10, 2021
653
1,540
78
Agree on Robideaux.

Robb potentially at184. He's made some pretty big strides this year.

White looks like a special type of talent. Can't rule him out based on his improvement in a short amount of time.

Zack Ryder's no slouch. I'm not ready to give up on him yet.

Call me crazy but I think Ross could be Champ next year at HWT.
I personally think White will take RS with limited wrestling experience. Ross main adversary will be Mirasola, unless Ross gets bigger and better in OSU room faster than we think he would. But he will be top 5 as soon as he steps on the mat. Along AJ, Amos, Mirasola, Nic.
 

JAY45

Heisman
Jul 19, 2002
17,626
14,429
112
Haha, bless your heart.

Currently, Ryder is the guy. That can change.

Im simply saying and have been saying, no spot is safe. If you don’t want to live the life, they’ll be looking for someone else. If you aren’t getting it done, you will see if someone else can.

I don’t see Vegas leaving the lineup until it’s to like for a RS/shirt. I was only saying, he’s not a made man yet as far as March production. That is the watermark. Go to NCAAs and swamp a 0-2 and the entire season was for naught.

The hungry dog hunts! It is literally that simple. I don’t see Vega not being a “made man” or falling into the BT/Figs trap. You were touting him as a finalist. I don’t disagree that it’s on the table and even betting odds likely. My NCAA comment was simply, it’s a wild event with tons of unexpected turns. You should go! I’ll even buy you a few drinks and we will have fun. March never goes chalk, ever.
I’ve been. 😉😊
 

Pouncey8082

Junior
Aug 18, 2013
290
326
63
New to the wrestling forum. Who are the stud freshman that will fit into next years lineup and are we expected to be a better nationals team next season?
 

okokzach

All-Conference
Dec 18, 2024
822
2,169
93
New to the wrestling forum. Who are the stud freshman that will fit into next years lineup and are we expected to be a better nationals team next season?

Incoming freshman are:
  • Rocklin Zinkin - plans to redshirt then start at 125
  • Jayden Raney - most likely 133 initially
  • Jax Forrest - the rascal couldn't wait
  • Jordyn Raney - most likely 149. Could possibly make 141
  • Luke Hamiti - 165 or 174
  • Mikey White - 184 or 197
  • Dreshaun Ross - heavyweight but currently a bit small (230 lbs)
Dreshaun and Jayden Raney are the most likely to start right away. Dreshaun because we won't have another option at 285 unless we bring in a transfer for a year. My opinion is a redshirt year is good for virtually every heavyweight but especially one on the lighter side. Jayden because many think Jax outgrows 133 after this season. That would have him competing with Ronnie and Rin for the spot.

Jordyn would potentially be competing with Jax, Vega, Swiderski, Tagen, and Hughes for either 141 or 149. I feel confident in saying he would AA if he starts next year, but earning the spot could be very difficult if our current guys perform well this March.

Mikey White has only wrestled for a few years so he could use more development time. However, despite his lack of experience, he won Ironman at 190 lbs, which earned him the #1 ranking at the weight.

Rocklin is a stud and would be an AA contender out of the gate as well. But with Spratley being a senior next year, he is content to redshirt.

Hamiti wrestles very similarly to his older brother but hasn't had quite the success just yet. That said he's had some good performances in tournaments and has earned a national ranking.

As for whether we will be a better tournament team next year, we certainly should be. With us only losing Doucet from our current starters, our improvement should come primarily from development rather than roster upgrades. Exciting times ahead!
 
Last edited: