Great team win, and huge win for Hepner, who has been one of the most fun wrestlers to watch this season, love how aggressive he is in looking to score
UNC Wrestling 2025-2026
- Thread starter 81Heel/M1
- Start date
New Intermat rankings out (+ means favorable move in rankings, NC means no-change):
125: Terukina, 13 (+3)
133: Oakley, 17 (-2)
141: Simcox, 21 (-2)
149: Askew, Unranked (NC)
157: Root, Unranked (was 33)
165: Hepner, 17 (+1)...should have moved up more. The guy he beat went from 8 to 11.
174: Unranked
184: Dailey, 23 (+1)
197: Platt, unranked (NC)
285: Neves, 29 (-1)
Team Dual: 15 (+1) We just switched with N Iowa
Team Tournament: Unranked (NC)
A little disappointed on Hepner, but sometimes it takes a couple weeks to reflect a big win.
125: Terukina, 13 (+3)
133: Oakley, 17 (-2)
141: Simcox, 21 (-2)
149: Askew, Unranked (NC)
157: Root, Unranked (was 33)
165: Hepner, 17 (+1)...should have moved up more. The guy he beat went from 8 to 11.
174: Unranked
184: Dailey, 23 (+1)
197: Platt, unranked (NC)
285: Neves, 29 (-1)
Team Dual: 15 (+1) We just switched with N Iowa
Team Tournament: Unranked (NC)
A little disappointed on Hepner, but sometimes it takes a couple weeks to reflect a big win.
Terukina is the ACC wrestler of the week.
I did a little research on the question asked by @HONKYTONKTARASSOCIATION, and looked at the individual weight rankings for the top 6 teams in the rankings (PSU, tOHSU, Iowa St., Iowa, OK State, and Neb). The top 5 teams do have all 10 wrestlers ranked in the top 33 by Intermat.
Penn St. has 4 #1 wrestlers, only 1 double digit ranking, and an average ranking of #4.
Ohio St. has 1 #1 ranking, only 2 double digit rankings, and an average ranking of #6.
Iowa St. has 1 #1 ranking, only 4 double digit rankings, and an average ranking of #7.8.
Iowa has 1 #1 ranking, only 1 double digit ranking, and an average ranking of 5.6 (not sure why they are 4 and not 3 in the rankings).
Oklahoma St. has no #1 rankings, only 4 double digit rankings, and an average ranking of 9.3.
Nebraska has no #1 rankings, only 3 double digit rankings (including 1 unranked wrestler), and an average ranking of 10.6 (I used a ranking of 40 for the unranked wrestler).
I did a similar look at the ACC schools, using 40 as the ranking for any unranked wrestlers. Without looking closely, as there is time to do this after the Soldier Salute in early January, the average rankings were state - 14.4, Tech - 17.1, Stanford - 22.3, UNC - 28, Pitt -31.6, and UVa - 33.9. I did not include dook, but they would likely run between 37-39 as an average ranking based on a lot of unranked wrestlers.
Penn St. has 4 #1 wrestlers, only 1 double digit ranking, and an average ranking of #4.
Ohio St. has 1 #1 ranking, only 2 double digit rankings, and an average ranking of #6.
Iowa St. has 1 #1 ranking, only 4 double digit rankings, and an average ranking of #7.8.
Iowa has 1 #1 ranking, only 1 double digit ranking, and an average ranking of 5.6 (not sure why they are 4 and not 3 in the rankings).
Oklahoma St. has no #1 rankings, only 4 double digit rankings, and an average ranking of 9.3.
Nebraska has no #1 rankings, only 3 double digit rankings (including 1 unranked wrestler), and an average ranking of 10.6 (I used a ranking of 40 for the unranked wrestler).
I did a similar look at the ACC schools, using 40 as the ranking for any unranked wrestlers. Without looking closely, as there is time to do this after the Soldier Salute in early January, the average rankings were state - 14.4, Tech - 17.1, Stanford - 22.3, UNC - 28, Pitt -31.6, and UVa - 33.9. I did not include dook, but they would likely run between 37-39 as an average ranking based on a lot of unranked wrestlers.
good research, it shows how concentrated the talent is at the top, hopefully we can start closing the gap on those programs over the next few years, or at least moving up the rankings of the ACC teams. I like the depth we have, we just need to start getting a few of the guys pushing into the All-American rankings.
Saw this instagram post. Brian Tucker added as THWC Director of Camps, Kids Club, and Clinics. He has not been listed as a coach on goheels.
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Before Wednesday night I wanted to look back at 2025, and where we are now. Started out 2025 with a strong conference dual team showing, finishing in a tie for first in the ACC. Those results did not hold up well in the tournaments, with no one really distinguishing themselves or taking a step forward. McNeil was really good, as he always was for us, but others did not take a step forward or even hold the season standard during the tournaments.
After the season came the transfer portal news, with McNeil, Moore, and Lautt leaving. In spite of losing 2 of our best wrestlers, we actually netted positive in the transfer portal based on past results and promise, before losing Ferrari to Nebraska ultimately. Terukina is as close as you could get to an even trade for Moore, and Hepner is better than Lautt but not as good as McNeil. Regardless, I have enjoyed watching Terukina and Hepner wrestle, and I believe they are good for our team.
Before the season started we lost 2 assistant coaches in August/September. As far as I can tell neither has been replaced yet, so we are working with fewer resources than normal.
So far this year we are 7-1, losing only to #6 Nebraska. Though WS predicted that we would lose that one something like 0-34, we actually only lost 9-27. This is not a bad start, and has us currently ranked the #15 Dual Meet team in the Country. But the year has had some bumps. In the first 2 weeks of the season we lost 2 of our most experienced wrestlers in Scott and Ogunsanya for the season. In addition Guantajuato and O'Boyle have not been seen yet, and they both have shown a lot of promise previously. In addition to those losses, Neves, Murabito, and Fea have all appeared to be dealing with injury issues. Hopefully the holiday break has allowed some of these to mend, as we particularly need Neves at heavyweight, and at least 1 of Fea, O'Boyle, or Murabito at 174. Not sure who would help the most, and thankfully Carrigan also has some potential here. We need to get healthy, and stay healthy, as this team has enough challenges with the youth that have stepped into starting spots. Love the youth, and Simcox, Askew, Root, Dailey, Platt, and Levy have all had their moments, but you get the mistakes as well as the energy they sometimes bring to the team.
Before jumping to what comes next, I would like to add some commentary on how teams are evaluated (and I hope @TAHeel reads this for his results thread at the end of the year). Many sports you win as a team and lose as a team in team vs team competition. In wrestling, gymnastics, track, etc. you win as individuals and it contributes to the team scores. This team is top to bottom better than some of Coach Scott's better team, it just doesn't have the marquis wrestler(s) that are likely AA level (much less top 4 level wrestlers or national champions yet). I have proven over and over that I cannot predict the future, and I have no idea how this team will finish out this season, but right now they are a top 15 team that has little chance of finishing anywhere near that high in the tournament. I expect TAHeel to continue to show wrestling/Coach Koll as yellow on his results screen this year, and maybe next year as well. Regardless, the team is a stronger team top to bottom than most of the more highly ranked tournament teams that leaned heavily on a single wrestler (AOC) to finish as a high AA or national champion. Getting off my soap box now.
Next up is the Soldier Salute, which features Iowa, Minnesota, Navy, Wyoming, with other teams like Oklahoma St., Iowa St., Northern Iowa, and Missouri sending wrestlers to participate as well. This is another chance for our young wrestlers to get challenging matches, as we prepare for the ACC slate. Wrestling starts Saturday and concludes on Sunday. The final results don't really matter as much as the experience against quality competition. After this tournament we have nearly 2 weeks to prepare for Virginia.
I will conclude with the reminder that this team is young and has been fun to watch through their ups and downs. Fortunately the team has normally come out on top when it mattered. Hope everyone has had a good holiday season, and I wish you a happy New Year.
After the season came the transfer portal news, with McNeil, Moore, and Lautt leaving. In spite of losing 2 of our best wrestlers, we actually netted positive in the transfer portal based on past results and promise, before losing Ferrari to Nebraska ultimately. Terukina is as close as you could get to an even trade for Moore, and Hepner is better than Lautt but not as good as McNeil. Regardless, I have enjoyed watching Terukina and Hepner wrestle, and I believe they are good for our team.
Before the season started we lost 2 assistant coaches in August/September. As far as I can tell neither has been replaced yet, so we are working with fewer resources than normal.
So far this year we are 7-1, losing only to #6 Nebraska. Though WS predicted that we would lose that one something like 0-34, we actually only lost 9-27. This is not a bad start, and has us currently ranked the #15 Dual Meet team in the Country. But the year has had some bumps. In the first 2 weeks of the season we lost 2 of our most experienced wrestlers in Scott and Ogunsanya for the season. In addition Guantajuato and O'Boyle have not been seen yet, and they both have shown a lot of promise previously. In addition to those losses, Neves, Murabito, and Fea have all appeared to be dealing with injury issues. Hopefully the holiday break has allowed some of these to mend, as we particularly need Neves at heavyweight, and at least 1 of Fea, O'Boyle, or Murabito at 174. Not sure who would help the most, and thankfully Carrigan also has some potential here. We need to get healthy, and stay healthy, as this team has enough challenges with the youth that have stepped into starting spots. Love the youth, and Simcox, Askew, Root, Dailey, Platt, and Levy have all had their moments, but you get the mistakes as well as the energy they sometimes bring to the team.
Before jumping to what comes next, I would like to add some commentary on how teams are evaluated (and I hope @TAHeel reads this for his results thread at the end of the year). Many sports you win as a team and lose as a team in team vs team competition. In wrestling, gymnastics, track, etc. you win as individuals and it contributes to the team scores. This team is top to bottom better than some of Coach Scott's better team, it just doesn't have the marquis wrestler(s) that are likely AA level (much less top 4 level wrestlers or national champions yet). I have proven over and over that I cannot predict the future, and I have no idea how this team will finish out this season, but right now they are a top 15 team that has little chance of finishing anywhere near that high in the tournament. I expect TAHeel to continue to show wrestling/Coach Koll as yellow on his results screen this year, and maybe next year as well. Regardless, the team is a stronger team top to bottom than most of the more highly ranked tournament teams that leaned heavily on a single wrestler (AOC) to finish as a high AA or national champion. Getting off my soap box now.
Next up is the Soldier Salute, which features Iowa, Minnesota, Navy, Wyoming, with other teams like Oklahoma St., Iowa St., Northern Iowa, and Missouri sending wrestlers to participate as well. This is another chance for our young wrestlers to get challenging matches, as we prepare for the ACC slate. Wrestling starts Saturday and concludes on Sunday. The final results don't really matter as much as the experience against quality competition. After this tournament we have nearly 2 weeks to prepare for Virginia.
I will conclude with the reminder that this team is young and has been fun to watch through their ups and downs. Fortunately the team has normally come out on top when it mattered. Hope everyone has had a good holiday season, and I wish you a happy New Year.
Adding some commentary on this: Knox was a top 4 recruit nationally last year (#1 at 126), and committed to Cornell. Because of the Ivy League rules against redshirting, he took this year as a grey shirt (not enrolled, but working out with the Cornell training center). He recently de-committed from Cornell and is looking for a new school. He would be a huge pick up if we can get him.
For full disclosure there was a legal issue at the end of his high school career, involving an altercation that included his father and him. He was charged with simple assault related to a brawl at a tournament. That issue is still working through the legal process, but should be resolved before he would enroll at his chosen school. He was actually suspended from participating in the regionals and states, before a judge ruled that he could participate. He did, and won his 4th NJ championship.
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I remember that situation with the kid, lost track of what happened to him after that, interesting development. He is obviously very talented, if the coaching staff has fully vetted him and are comfortable with him I would be happy to add his talent to our roster
The charges are for simple assault. I am not a lawyer, but it seems a 17-18 year old kid that got caught up in the moment would be able to come out of the situation with no more than a misdemeanor level violation on his record. Hopefully his attorney is able to work the system to a reasonable outcome for a first time offender, and it is just a lesson learned.
Obviously this is not a done deal, and the teams competing are significant. Hopefully VT has already spent their available money on what will be possibly the top recruiting class. Maybe the Koll connection with Cornell will help.
Obviously this is not a done deal, and the teams competing are significant. Hopefully VT has already spent their available money on what will be possibly the top recruiting class. Maybe the Koll connection with Cornell will help.
The goheels article on the Soldier Salute is up, and it looks like they are taking 19 wrestlers. The lineup doesn't include Neves or Murabito, and there is still no sign of Guanajuato or O'Boyle. In addition to the normal starters, they are taking Stinson - 125, Botello - 133, O'Neill - 141, Showalter - 157, Darracott - 165, Carrigan/Fea/Cade Tenold - 174, Schlett - 184, Calcagno - 197, and Levy - Hwt. Good to see Fea in the lineup, and this is likely going to help identify the starter at 174 pending a return to action by Murabito. Someone needs to step up.
goheels.com
Also, the pre-seedings are up on InterMat for the Solder Salute. Terukina, Oakley, and Hepner are all #1 seeds. Simcox is the 2 seed, Dailey/Botello are 3 seeds, and Fea is the 4 seed. Root and Platt are both 5 seeds, with Askew getting the 6 seed. Darracott and Calcagno both picked up the 7seed, while O'Neill and Levy are both seeded 8th for the tournament. There will be pressure on the 1 seeds to perform, and the opportunity for everyone else to climb the rankings.
goheels.com
No. 13 Wrestling Opens 2026 At Soldier Salute - University of North Carolina Athletics
The 13th-ranked North Carolina wrestling team opens the 2026 calendar year this weekend, bringing 19 wrestlers to the two-day Soldier Salute.
Also, the pre-seedings are up on InterMat for the Solder Salute. Terukina, Oakley, and Hepner are all #1 seeds. Simcox is the 2 seed, Dailey/Botello are 3 seeds, and Fea is the 4 seed. Root and Platt are both 5 seeds, with Askew getting the 6 seed. Darracott and Calcagno both picked up the 7seed, while O'Neill and Levy are both seeded 8th for the tournament. There will be pressure on the 1 seeds to perform, and the opportunity for everyone else to climb the rankings.
No. 13 Wrestling Opens 2026 At Soldier Salute - University of North Carolina Athletics
The 13th-ranked North Carolina wrestling team opens the 2026 calendar year this weekend, bringing 19 wrestlers to the two-day Soldier Salute.
Knox supposedly will do an official to UNC and we have decent chance.
Julian Tagg will be at Soldier’s for SDSU
Julian Tagg will be at Soldier’s for SDSU
First round had a lot of byes. Terukina, O’Neill, Showalter, Hepner and Fea all had MD wins. Darracott also won. Stinson and Nafshi (recruit) both lost close matches. Showalter won big over the 6th seed.
After 2 rounds Missouri leads with 32, and UNC IS IN 2Md with 27. In this round Oakley, O’Neill, Showalter, Hepner and Fea all won by fall. Botello and Bailey had a tech falls, while Root and Levy won with major decisions. Terukina and Simcox also won to reach the quarters. Platt got a second bye. Askew, Darracott, Tenold and Schlett all took loses.