2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships: Takeaways from Session 1
Session 1 at the 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships is in the books and there was plenty to talk about as Kansas City was just getting warmed up!
It’s too early to tell in the team race until you get to Friday. Plus, every single wrestler in action in Session 1 will wrestle again in Session 2 before some eliminations happen.
Below are some of the standout moments from the first few hours of the most glorious three days in March!
Marlon Yarbrough pulls off upset over Aaron Nagao
Yarbrough used multiple takedowns to advance to the second round as the No. 23 seed. Knocking off Penn State’s Aaron Nagao (No. 10) was no easy task, but he cruised to victory.
It wasn’t the best start for Penn State down low, but Virginia certainly had some buzz throughout session one. It’ll be interesting to see what Yarbrough does as a follow-up in Thursday night’s Session 2.
Jordan Williams wins an old school matchup
Oklahoma State and Iowa have been wrestling since the dawn of time. Well, not really, but something like that. It was a tough matchup for Williams against Iowa’s Caleb Rathjen in the first round at 149 pounds.
However, the No. 20 seed had the decisive takedown late in the third period and locked up a cradle for nearfall points. With the win, Oklahoma State’s trophy aspirations got off to a great start in Session 1. It’s tough to predict team standings through just one round, but it was good to see from the Cowboy.
Carter Starocci makes his return to the mat
The Penn State three-time national champion beat Minnesota’s Andrew Sparks 12-6 in the first round. Sparks actually had the medical default win over Starocci in the Big Ten Championships two weeks ago.
Starocci gave up the opening takedown but poured it on afterwards. He was on his attacks but by no means cruise through this bout. It’ll be fascinating to watch if he gets better through each round or if it gets tighter.
Andy Smith with a stunner for Virginia Tech
No. 26 seed Andy Smith won in sudden victory over No. 7 Zach Glazier of Iowa. Glazier, a Big Ten finalist, was a prime contender for an All-American spot.
The Hawkeye can still wrestle his way back as high as third, but it was an early exit from the championship round. Smith made a statement early for Virginia Tech, which had a great opening round.
How to watch 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships
Fans not in attendance for this year’s NCAA Wrestling Tournament have the option of streaming on Fubo TV. Below is how to watch across all sessions!
Dates: Thursday-Saturday (March 21st to 23rd)
Session 1: 12:00 p.m ET (Thursday)
Session 2: 7:00 p.m. ET (Thursday)
Session 3: 12 p.m. ET (Friday)
Session 4: 8:00 p.m ET (Friday)
Session 5: 12:00 p.m. ET (Saturday)
Session 6: 7:00 p.m. ET (Saturday)
Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, MO)
Channel: ESPN and ESPNU
Live Stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)