Former Northwestern wrestling All-American Chris Cannon signs with Minnesota

Former Northwestern wrestling All-American Chris Cannon signed with Minnesota, according to a release from the program. Cannon enters his final year of eligibility in 2025-26.

After returning to Northwestern last season, following a year at Michigan, Cannon wrestled just 13 times last year, going 4-19. He was a two-time All-American (7th place both times at 133) with Northwestern in 2021 and ’22.

He’ll finish his career in the Big Ten, where he’s been for the entirety of his collegiate career. Cannon is expected to compete at 133 pounds.

“Adding Chris Cannon to our lineup is a strong addition for our program,” head coach Brandon Eggum said. “He’s a proven competitor, a two-time All-American, and brings the kind of experience and toughness that will look to solidify our 133-pound weight class. Having someone with his resume in the room will benefit all of our lightweights.”

Cannon was plugged into the Wolverines’ lineup at 133 in 2023-24, following four years at Northwestern. But once he was hurt and lost for the season, Dylan Ragusin came in and burned his redshirt. Ragusin went on to become a Big Ten finalist and finished 5th at the NCAA Tournament, becoming an All-American for the first time.

As far as Cannon is concerned, there was speculation he could go 141 at one point, but he stayed at 133. A two-time All-American, Cannon went 20-10 in 2022-23 but went 1-2 at 133 pounds at the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships. However, Cannon finished in 7th place at 133 in back-to-back tournaments in 2021 and ‘22. He is 55-31 in his career after wrestling four varsity seasons with the Wildcats and one match at Michigan.

Cannon plugs right in at 133 pounds for Minnesota, who also added Jore Volk from Wyoming at 125 pounds. The Gophers rebuild the bottom half of their lineup and should be formidable once again.

Minnesota lineup with Chris Cannon

125: Jore Volk (Wyoming), RS-Jr.
133: Chris Cannon (Northwestern), Gr-Sr.
141: Vance Vombaur, Sr.
149: Drew Roberts, Sr.
157: Charlie Millard, RS-Fr.
165: Andrew Sparks, Sr.
174: Clayton Whiting, Jr.
184: Max McEnelly, So.
197: Gavin Nelson, So.
285: Koy Hopke, RS-Fr.