UNC Wrestling 2025-2026
- Thread starter 81Heel/M1
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Speaking of the future, I have seen on social media that Jipp and Nafshi have signed from the ‘26 class. Still waiting on Gault, Kelly, Littleton-Mascaro, and Sibomana I assume.
Noted that they appear to have 6 in this class, and 6 committed in the ‘27 class. If you assume all wrestlers will stay 5 years with their redshirt year, then 5 classes of 6 hits the roster limit of 30. Any attrition can be addressed in the portal. This last off season shows you can replace really good wrestlers in the portal, though not necessarily the top notch wrestlers. Also, with Scott taking an extra medical redshirt year, it could create an additional wrinkle in roster management. That said, attrition will happen. That was true even before transfer portal, nil, etc.
Our lineup is posted at GoHeels.com. Only change is that it looks like Ogunsanya is not wrestling at 174. Portella will have the unenviable task of wrestling top-10 Danny Wask.
As M1 mentioned, wrestle stat predicts us to win 18-12…6 matches to 4 with no bonus point wins.
Most of Navy lineup is ranked 40-60 range (worst ranking is 84 for the 125 wrestler), whereas Northern Colorado had several at 100+. So should be a tough test for our guys.
Navy has top-10 guys at 174 and 285. They have Intermat ranked guys at 141 and 197 (both ranked 31). The 165 match should also be very good as Hepner will have to wrestle a guy unranked by Intermat but 28 at WS.
3pm Saturday.
As M1 mentioned, wrestle stat predicts us to win 18-12…6 matches to 4 with no bonus point wins.
Most of Navy lineup is ranked 40-60 range (worst ranking is 84 for the 125 wrestler), whereas Northern Colorado had several at 100+. So should be a tough test for our guys.
Navy has top-10 guys at 174 and 285. They have Intermat ranked guys at 141 and 197 (both ranked 31). The 165 match should also be very good as Hepner will have to wrestle a guy unranked by Intermat but 28 at WS.
3pm Saturday.
According to Instagram Gault, Littleton-Mascaro, and Sibomana have all sign their LOI, leaving only Kelly as committed but not yet signed at this point.
Oh man, this is really tough. He looked fine in the No Colorado match. I wonder what happened.
Wonder if we're purposefully punting some points to next year
Don’t think this was planned, as too many wrestlers bumped up to challenge for the 184 spot after wrestling 165/174 the last few years. Now that Dailey seems to have the inside track for 184, I think several may drop back down.
Silver lining for Ogunsanya is that he finishes the season undefeated.
More just saying if it's going to be a mid-February recovery timeline, whether they're just saying, "Eh, call it a season"
That makes sense. A broken bone, or worse a torn ligament, would require 6-8 weeks or more for recovery, putting a return at least early January or later. It didn’t workout well for Darracott joining the team in January, and you really get most of your matches in the pre-conference duals and tournaments.
Based on the announcer’s comments during the match last weekend, the coaches are really high on Ogunsanya’s chances to step up a level and compete for AA. That is not how he put it, and he didn’t get much right about the match, but I assume he was actually repeating what coaches had said. I never did see the 1 headlock he called. Anyway, it would be better to have a full season to make a serious run at a big finish.
We haven’t seen O’Boyle yet this year, but he is listed at 174 along with Tenold, and Carrigan. Portella had already dropped to 174, and I would expect Fea and/or Murabito to drop and compete for this spot as well. The next month could get interesting.
Match day. WS has us winning 18-13, including an upset win over Platt that I don’t understand. I’m hoping for a 10 point win.
For the those that scoffed, YouTubeTV settled within a week of them losing the dozens of dollars from UNC Wrestling fan(s).
For the those that scoffed, YouTubeTV settled within a week of them losing the dozens of dollars from UNC Wrestling fan(s).
The football game just ended, and I should really wait before posting here. Football team couldn’t score a touchdown, and then Wake rubbed our noses in it at the end.
Solid win by the wrestling team, with some really nice wins and some really bad losses. This is what Coach Koll was worried about with young wrestlers. Let’s start with the good.
Loved watching Hepner wrestle tonight. He fought through bad positions to win the scrambles, and stuck his guy to give us a path to win the match. Terukina showed the lightning quick high crotch single leg that I saw in his videos from Iowa State. He and Root stayed aggressive to score major decisions for the team. Without he extra points from these 3 matches we lose the match tonight.
Oakley and Dailey picked up wins, and both were important 1-score wins that were decided by a single takedown that went our way in both matches. Both fought to get the decisive score, but neither wrestler seemed really aggressive in the match. Regardless they both came through when it counted.
Neves and Portella both lost big, but both fought hard under the circumstances. Portella was stepping in for the injured Ogunsanya at the last minute, and faced the highest ranked wrestler in the match in #6 Wask. He gave up a tech fall, but saved a team point by not getting pinned. Neves injured his left ankle early in the match and was visibly struggling to put weight on it during the match. If he defaults or gets pinned the match is tied. Neves gave up a lot of points, and a major decisions to the #12 ranked wrestler on one leg, but fought for the team win.
Less pleased with the other 3 losses. Platt simply came out flat, and got beat on his feet twice by a more aggressive wrestler for the takedowns that decided the match. Simcox controlled most of the match, until he gave up the critical takedown late. He needed an escape and takedown with less than 45 seconds, and couldn’t get either. Askew came out aggressive, and looked really good, until he didn’t. He got 2 first period takedowns, and the got beat the rest of the match. Don’t know if he ran out of gas, got hurt, or just quit, but he looked bad for the final 2 periods.
Kolat had his team focused, aggressive, and ready to wrestle. We did enough to win, but it wasn’t pretty. Sorry, but some of this is collective frustration from wrestling, football, and life as we know it. Hope everyone can enjoy the rest of your weekends.
Solid win by the wrestling team, with some really nice wins and some really bad losses. This is what Coach Koll was worried about with young wrestlers. Let’s start with the good.
Loved watching Hepner wrestle tonight. He fought through bad positions to win the scrambles, and stuck his guy to give us a path to win the match. Terukina showed the lightning quick high crotch single leg that I saw in his videos from Iowa State. He and Root stayed aggressive to score major decisions for the team. Without he extra points from these 3 matches we lose the match tonight.
Oakley and Dailey picked up wins, and both were important 1-score wins that were decided by a single takedown that went our way in both matches. Both fought to get the decisive score, but neither wrestler seemed really aggressive in the match. Regardless they both came through when it counted.
Neves and Portella both lost big, but both fought hard under the circumstances. Portella was stepping in for the injured Ogunsanya at the last minute, and faced the highest ranked wrestler in the match in #6 Wask. He gave up a tech fall, but saved a team point by not getting pinned. Neves injured his left ankle early in the match and was visibly struggling to put weight on it during the match. If he defaults or gets pinned the match is tied. Neves gave up a lot of points, and a major decisions to the #12 ranked wrestler on one leg, but fought for the team win.
Less pleased with the other 3 losses. Platt simply came out flat, and got beat on his feet twice by a more aggressive wrestler for the takedowns that decided the match. Simcox controlled most of the match, until he gave up the critical takedown late. He needed an escape and takedown with less than 45 seconds, and couldn’t get either. Askew came out aggressive, and looked really good, until he didn’t. He got 2 first period takedowns, and the got beat the rest of the match. Don’t know if he ran out of gas, got hurt, or just quit, but he looked bad for the final 2 periods.
Kolat had his team focused, aggressive, and ready to wrestle. We did enough to win, but it wasn’t pretty. Sorry, but some of this is collective frustration from wrestling, football, and life as we know it. Hope everyone can enjoy the rest of your weekends.
I agree on a lot of what you said:
Hepner was the most fun to watch today. He was always trying to score in every scramble, it is not always a bad outcome in a scamble to get a stalemate and reset, but Hepner looked like he was constantly fighting to get more, it led to takedowns and eventually led to the pin
Not sure what Simcox was thinking at the end of his match, he had control and then initiated a throw type of action when all he had to do was push the guy out and reset, then it looked like he got in his own head over that mistake and didn't use the time remaining to make up for it.
Askew came out strong and looked like he was destined for a bonus point win. Then all of the sudden he looked like he had no energy or life to him and was giving up on positions way to quickly.
Appreciate Neves gutting that out for the team, but hate that he got hurt
Hepner was the most fun to watch today. He was always trying to score in every scramble, it is not always a bad outcome in a scamble to get a stalemate and reset, but Hepner looked like he was constantly fighting to get more, it led to takedowns and eventually led to the pin
Not sure what Simcox was thinking at the end of his match, he had control and then initiated a throw type of action when all he had to do was push the guy out and reset, then it looked like he got in his own head over that mistake and didn't use the time remaining to make up for it.
Askew came out strong and looked like he was destined for a bonus point win. Then all of the sudden he looked like he had no energy or life to him and was giving up on positions way to quickly.
Appreciate Neves gutting that out for the team, but hate that he got hurt
Injuries are taking a toll, least young kids getting mat time
In case you missed it on Saturday, the team recognized the family of Nick Vetell. Nick had been the strength and conditioning coach for Olympic sports, prior to his death from an auto accident last May.
New rankings are out. We won’t have much movement in the rankings foe several weeks, I fear. We have 3 matches Friday, UNC Pembrook, Greensboro Collage, and Davidson. Not exactly top notch competition, and I would expect to see maybe 15 or more wrestlers get a match. Then I believe there is a 3 week brake before we wrestle again. Nice that he seems to schedule brakes around the Thanksgiving holiday.
The goheeLe article didn’t stay on the front page long, if at all. For Pembroke and Greensboro several wrestlers will be given a shot, including Tocci, O’Neill, Showalter, Darracott, Portella, Tenold, Schlett, Calcagno, and Levy. For Davidson we plan to use Terukina, Oakley, Simcox, O’Neill/Askew, Root, Hepner/Darracott, Murabito, Dailey, Platt, and Levy. Guessing Meves is still recovering from an ankle sprain in the Navy match. No real surprise that Murabito has dropped to 174 with Ogunsanya out.
goheels.com
Carolina Duals Set For Friday Inside Carmichael Arena - University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina will meet UNC Pembroke, Greensboro College and Davidson inside Carmichael Arena.
Nice to see us getting multiple guys some experience in matches that wouldn't otherwise be the toughest challenge
Should be a nice look at some younger guys. Chance for Neves to get healthy, hopefully.
They get an extended break that should take them through Thanksgiving and exams. I think their next match is 12/12, give or take.
I like the way they set up the schedule this year with an extended break before 3 tough duals against WVU, Nebraska, and N Iowa.
Going back to the Navy dual, agree with the comments above. Simcox made a big freshman mistake by trying a really risky move with 45 seconds left and while winning the match. It happens and he will likely learn from it, but it very nearly cost us the dual. The Neves match was one of the strangest I’ve seen with Neves trying to gift the Tech Fall and his opponent not taking it because Navy needed a pin.
Hepner looks like a guy on a mission. Which makes sense after a couple years of not being able to crack the Ohio State lineup. Root also looks better than I expected, although M1 called it last year.
Going back to the Navy dual, agree with the comments above. Simcox made a big freshman mistake by trying a really risky move with 45 seconds left and while winning the match. It happens and he will likely learn from it, but it very nearly cost us the dual. The Neves match was one of the strangest I’ve seen with Neves trying to gift the Tech Fall and his opponent not taking it because Navy needed a pin.
Hepner looks like a guy on a mission. Which makes sense after a couple years of not being able to crack the Ohio State lineup. Root also looks better than I expected, although M1 called it last year.
Some serious curb-stomping going on at Carmichael. Through first two matches we won all 20 with 19 bonus point wins. Against Greensboro, we had 6 pins, 3 tech falls, and a forfeit. 57-0. I think only two matches made it to the second period.
Not much to learn from these matches, except Jacob Levy is a dangerous dude at 285. And our depth definitely is better than years past.
Not much to learn from these matches, except Jacob Levy is a dangerous dude at 285. And our depth definitely is better than years past.
Three matches won by a combined score of 153-0. Clearly the competition was a big step down, but wrestled a lot of backups in the first 2 matches. Overall I thought they got the message to be more aggressive. NYH92 is correct that Levy is “a dangerous dude”. Thought he looked good in his matches, and when he needed a score to get a tech fall he dropped the guy straight onto his back for the pin. Hate that Root only got to take a forfeit and not wrestle. The biggest win of the day may go to Murabito. He dropped to 174 for the first time this season, and beat a top 37 wrestler per WS. Davidson bumped him up trying to get a win. Good effort, and now they can enjoy the holiday.
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While the competition wasn't the strongest and that limits the take aways, it is always good to see guys do what they are supposed to do and take care of business. Hopefully we can rest up over this break and be ready to go when the competition gets much stiffer next month
Ha! I just came on to post that. Really like what I see with Levy.
Looks like a group of wrestlers are in Boone for an open tournament today.
133-Botello, Hickey, Tocci, 141-O’Neill, 157-Kane, Showalter, 165-Darracott, Sipes, 174-Alvarez, Murabito, Portella, Tenold, 184-Carrigan, Fea, Schlett, Tenold, 197-Calcogno, 285, Levy
Note that O’Neill dropped to 141 for this event.
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133-Botello, Hickey, Tocci, 141-O’Neill, 157-Kane, Showalter, 165-Darracott, Sipes, 174-Alvarez, Murabito, Portella, Tenold, 184-Carrigan, Fea, Schlett, Tenold, 197-Calcogno, 285, Levy
Note that O’Neill dropped to 141 for this event.
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From the brackets it looks like we had 4 champions (Botello, O’Neill, Darracott, and Murabito), 2 finished 2nd (Fea and Levy), 3 finished 3rd (174 Cade Tenold, Carrigan, and Calcagno), and 4 finished 4th (Tocci, Showalter, Portella, and Carson Tenold).
Botello was seeded 3rd, and beat Hohman (WS #32 from state) in the finals. That should help his 115 WS ranking. O’Neill was not seeded, and beat the number 2, 3, and 1 seeds to win the tournament. With multiple wrestlers at 174 and 184 we dominated the podium. While the competition was not consistently top notch, there were some solidly good (top 50-60 ranked wrestlers), and our largely young wrestlers showed out well. Also, while O’Neill dropped down to wrestle 141, several wrestlers were bumped up a weight.
Botello was seeded 3rd, and beat Hohman (WS #32 from state) in the finals. That should help his 115 WS ranking. O’Neill was not seeded, and beat the number 2, 3, and 1 seeds to win the tournament. With multiple wrestlers at 174 and 184 we dominated the podium. While the competition was not consistently top notch, there were some solidly good (top 50-60 ranked wrestlers), and our largely young wrestlers showed out well. Also, while O’Neill dropped down to wrestle 141, several wrestlers were bumped up a weight.
I followed the results pretty closely yesterday and agree with the points above. We had young, non-starters with multiple wins against wrestlers ranked in the 50's...and a good number of wins against NC State subs which also is a positive sign for depth and competition in the wrestling room that makes the starters better. Best win was true freshman Botello beating Hohman from State who is pretty highly-ranked and very experienced. We'll need a good 133 next year after Oakley is out of eligibility and looks like he could be a good one. Congrats to O'Neill, Daracott and Murabito for the 1st place finishes. Too bad Fea and Levy couldn't close the deal but was good to see them pick up multiple wins as well.
Agree, NYH92. It’s been awhile since we saw our backups have gone to an in season event and dominated. Also been awhile since we have collected pins with any regularity. Per the link below 4 vs Pembroke, 6 vs Greensboro, 3 vs Davidson, and 14 yesterday at the App State Open. All this with one of our top backups mia, as Guanajuato has not been wrestling.
Also, I finally saw a social media post that Brody Kelly signed, so our recruiting class is set most likely.
Also, I finally saw a social media post that Brody Kelly signed, so our recruiting class is set most likely.
Just a few quick observation about our WS rankings, most of which are dropping from what they were a few weeks ago.
Ogunsanya is our highest ranked wrestler currently, at 15.
Oakley dropped to 27, just 4 spots above Guanajuato at 31. The 1 clear climber on our team is Botello, now up to 35 and putting a strong grouping for our 133 weight class.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Ogunsanya is our highest ranked wrestler currently, at 15.
Oakley dropped to 27, just 4 spots above Guanajuato at 31. The 1 clear climber on our team is Botello, now up to 35 and putting a strong grouping for our 133 weight class.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
NCAAs not looking good at all for this season at the moment.
Definitely agree. Ogunsanya being out for the year takes away one of our All-American possibles. To me, we have Terukina, Oakley, Hepner as guys that I wouldn't be shocked if they AA'd, but still long-shots.
This year is about building for the future. And doing well in duals as we are a MUCH better dual team than tournament points team this year.
This year is about building for the future. And doing well in duals as we are a MUCH better dual team than tournament points team this year.
The challenges for this years team at tournament time will be significant, and as NYH92 pointed out we lost 1 of 4 wrestlers that we might have thought had a possibility to make AA with a strong finish to their season/careers. There is still the possibility of a strong run by 1 of the redshirt freshmen that will be a surprise, but it is not obvious yet that any will be ready for that run. Each has taken some lumps in the first month of the season, and they are all about to be tested at a higher level. Still, the first month has not been without some highlights.
Going in a different direction for a minute, I was inspired by Don Callahan's article on numbers for the FB team to take a look at the numbers for Wrestling. We currently have 36 wrestlers on the roster, meaning that there are presumably 6 that are classified as designated student athletes. At the end of the year, 4 wrestlers will have used up their eligibility (it will be 5 if Ogunsanya is not granted a medical redshirt to allow him to return). With 6 recruits now signed to come in next year, that means 2 wrestlers not listed as designated student athletes will have to leave the program. We all know that attrition happens normally, and it is likely that the coaching staff will not have to make the call to dismiss someone from the team. That said there is a possibility that we will want to create an extra spot or 2 for any potential recruiting additions or transfers that could be brought in next year. There are a number of redshirt juniors that may graduate/move on, or decide to try their luck to get a starting spot elsewhere.
If I were looking to add another recruit to the class, I might look at the high school 215 pounders for workout partners at either 197 or 285. Because there is no comparable weight in college, there are some highly ranked wrestlers still available in this group. We only have 2 wrestlers at 197 and 285, so backup help and workout partners might be good. The other spot I might look at for recruit or transfer is 157-165 area, given that we will be losing both Hepner and Darracott from 165. We have a lot of talent and flexibility at most all the other weights, with the possible exception of 125. If Hickey is not able to make 125 next year, then either Stinson needs to be ready to start or we may need a transfer again for this spot. Not saying he will not be ready, but clearly we did not turn the spot over to him this year.
Going in a different direction for a minute, I was inspired by Don Callahan's article on numbers for the FB team to take a look at the numbers for Wrestling. We currently have 36 wrestlers on the roster, meaning that there are presumably 6 that are classified as designated student athletes. At the end of the year, 4 wrestlers will have used up their eligibility (it will be 5 if Ogunsanya is not granted a medical redshirt to allow him to return). With 6 recruits now signed to come in next year, that means 2 wrestlers not listed as designated student athletes will have to leave the program. We all know that attrition happens normally, and it is likely that the coaching staff will not have to make the call to dismiss someone from the team. That said there is a possibility that we will want to create an extra spot or 2 for any potential recruiting additions or transfers that could be brought in next year. There are a number of redshirt juniors that may graduate/move on, or decide to try their luck to get a starting spot elsewhere.
If I were looking to add another recruit to the class, I might look at the high school 215 pounders for workout partners at either 197 or 285. Because there is no comparable weight in college, there are some highly ranked wrestlers still available in this group. We only have 2 wrestlers at 197 and 285, so backup help and workout partners might be good. The other spot I might look at for recruit or transfer is 157-165 area, given that we will be losing both Hepner and Darracott from 165. We have a lot of talent and flexibility at most all the other weights, with the possible exception of 125. If Hickey is not able to make 125 next year, then either Stinson needs to be ready to start or we may need a transfer again for this spot. Not saying he will not be ready, but clearly we did not turn the spot over to him this year.
Next week we get the first of 3 matches that should help us see where we really stand as a team. UNC is currently ranked the #22 dual team by WS, but we will be wrestling WVU - #16, Northern Iowa - #11, and Nebraska - #5. On paper we lose all 3, but fortunately they don't wrestle on paper. First up is WVU, and WS's predictor shows us losing 6 matches and winning 4 to finish the match 13-20. There are opportunities for a few wrestlers to get big wins that will help their individual rankings. WVU has 5 top 20 wrestlers, and currently we have none on WS's rankings (technically Ogunsanya is ranked #15, but as we know he is out of the year).
Our 4 wins are predicted to be Oakley, Simcox, Hepner, and Neves, all of whom have mid-level wrestlers ranked in the 50s and 70s by WS. We need to win all of these matches, and it would be great to get bonus point wins in more than just the 165 match predicted by WS. Winning these matches won't significantly impact our rankings at these weights, but losing them might. The swing match is 149, where their wrestler is ranked #46 by WS. This is an opportunity for Askew to start moving up, but based on results against common opponents he is clearly expected to lose this match.
I am not sure we can expect to beat any of their ranked wrestlers, though only 1 or 2 matches would likely be considered a huge upset. I have 3 matches as big opportunities for an eye opening win possibility, including Terukina vs Strickenberger (WS #10 and IM #13), Dailey vs Bush (WS 15 and IM 19), and Platt vs Lawrence (WS 20 and IM 21). It would have to be considered a huge win for Murabito (WS 55) to beat Conley (WS 13 and IM 19). Finally, it would be a really huge win for Root to beat Ty Waters (WS5 and IM 1).
Losing the WVU match, and really all 3 of these matches is what is expected, but how we wrestle against top competition will tell us a lot about where this team can be at the end of the year. The young wrestlers have made mistakes that have hurt their rankings, but mistakes are not unusual for young wrestlers. Sometime young wrestlers also pull off upsets as they start to showcase their talent. More likely is the probability that they may wrestle well and keep things close, avoiding bonus point losses that hurt the team. It is going to be a tough stretch, but it should be fun to see how they respond to this level of competition. Hoping exams go well and they are able to focus on wrestling for these matches.
Our 4 wins are predicted to be Oakley, Simcox, Hepner, and Neves, all of whom have mid-level wrestlers ranked in the 50s and 70s by WS. We need to win all of these matches, and it would be great to get bonus point wins in more than just the 165 match predicted by WS. Winning these matches won't significantly impact our rankings at these weights, but losing them might. The swing match is 149, where their wrestler is ranked #46 by WS. This is an opportunity for Askew to start moving up, but based on results against common opponents he is clearly expected to lose this match.
I am not sure we can expect to beat any of their ranked wrestlers, though only 1 or 2 matches would likely be considered a huge upset. I have 3 matches as big opportunities for an eye opening win possibility, including Terukina vs Strickenberger (WS #10 and IM #13), Dailey vs Bush (WS 15 and IM 19), and Platt vs Lawrence (WS 20 and IM 21). It would have to be considered a huge win for Murabito (WS 55) to beat Conley (WS 13 and IM 19). Finally, it would be a really huge win for Root to beat Ty Waters (WS5 and IM 1).
Losing the WVU match, and really all 3 of these matches is what is expected, but how we wrestle against top competition will tell us a lot about where this team can be at the end of the year. The young wrestlers have made mistakes that have hurt their rankings, but mistakes are not unusual for young wrestlers. Sometime young wrestlers also pull off upsets as they start to showcase their talent. More likely is the probability that they may wrestle well and keep things close, avoiding bonus point losses that hurt the team. It is going to be a tough stretch, but it should be fun to see how they respond to this level of competition. Hoping exams go well and they are able to focus on wrestling for these matches.
Intermat‘s weekly ranking update is out. Terukina 16, Oakley 16, Simcox 19, Root 33, Hepner 18, and Neves 28.