2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships: Predictions for 1st place matches
The 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships have come to the final round and it’s time to lay out some predictions for the first place matches Sunday.
Plenty of one seeds and favorites could certainly take their weight classes, but there are some underdogs who might have something to say about that. That’s why they wrestle!
Below are the picks based on Sunday’s final matches.
125 lbs.
No. 4 Patrick McKee (Minnesota) vs. No. 6 Braeden Davis (Penn State)
The Pick: Davis. The Penn State freshman has been dynamite in his first Big Ten Tournament. McKee avenged an earlier loss to Rutgers’ Dean Peterson but Davis is wrestling on a different level right now.
133 lbs.
No. 1 Dylan Ragusin (Michigan) vs. No. 2 Dylan Shawver (Rutgers)
The Pick: Ragusin. The Wolverine has been stout this entire tournament but should expect a tough match against Shawver. The two have wrestled pretty close in the past and the Scarlet Knight might be the fastest man at 133 pounds.
141 lbs.
No. 1 Beau Bartlett (Penn State) vs. No. 2 Jesse Mendez (Ohio State)
The Pick: Bartlett. This was the pick prior to the tournament’s start and I’m sticking to it. Mendez is extremely impressive and took down last year’s national finalist Real Woods (Iowa). But Bartlett will remain undefeated.
149 lbs.
No. 1 Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) vs. No. 2 Austin Gomez (Michigan)
The Pick: Gomez. The high flyer has looked pretty impressive this tournament, like Lovett. Sure, Lovett owns the recent part of the series, but Gomez has what it takes to get it done again.
157 lbs.
No. 1 Levi Haines (Penn State) vs. No. 7 Will Lewan (Michigan)
The Pick: Haines. Like Ragusin, Bartlett and Gomez, this was the pick pre-Big Tens. Lewan’s had an impressive run, but it comes to an end against the national title favorite.
165 lbs.
No. 1 Dean Hamiti (Wisconsin) vs. No. 2 Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State)
The Pick: Mesenbrink. This finals matchup was another that was exactly right and Mesenbrink looks unstoppable right now. If there’s a guy to do it, it’s Hamiti, but Mesenbrink might mess around and win a national title as well.
174 lbs.
No. 2 Shane Griffith (Michigan) vs. No. 4 Edmond Ruth (Illinois)
The Pick: Griffith. As long as he’s wrestling, he’ll be the favorite. Ruth got into the finals with a win in overtime and could get the edge if Griffith is still pretty banged up.
184 lbs.
No. 1 Isaiah Salazar (Minnesota) vs. No. 3 Bernie Truax (Penn State)
The Pick: Salazar. The top seed and favorite to win a wide open weight should be able to get it done against a seasoned veteran in Truax.
197 lbs.
No. 1 Aaron Brooks (Penn State) vs. No. 3 Zach Glazier (Iowa)
The Pick: Brooks. Next topic. Glazier’s been the biggest positive for Iowa this season considering he’s never been a full time starter. He could get a pretty high seed at NCAAs, but this is a tall task.
285 lbs.
No. 1 Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) vs. No. 2 Nick Feldman (Ohio State)
The Pick: Kerkvliet. Another Penn State wrestler who is just way too dominant. Feldman is proving why he was one of the best recruits in recent memory at heavyweight, but this is not his time.
How to watch 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships
Fans not in attendance for this year’s Big Ten Tournament have the option of streaming on Fubo TV.
Date: Sunday, March 10th (1st, 3rd and 5th place matches)
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: College Park (M.D) – The University of Maryland
Channel: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)
Fans can click the link above for a free trial of Fubo TV to stream the 2024 Big Ten Wrestling Championships.