All-Americans in the Portal During the Portal/NIL Era

June 21st, 2021 is a day that will live in infamy for some wrestling fans and, perhaps, coaches. On the other hand, it’s also a day that student-athletes will appreciate. That was the day that the United States Supreme Court ruled that the NCAA can’t limit education-related benefits for student-athletes. Basically, collegiate athletes would be allowed to earn money based on their name, image, and likeness (NIL), which was previously a no-no. 

The NIL ruling, along with the pre-existing transfer portal, completely changed the landscape of college athletics - some for the better, and in a lot of ways, it turned out to be opening Pandora's box. 

Earlier today, we reported that 2023 NCAA Champion, Andrew Alirez, has entered the transfer portal. With a year of eligibility remaining and a likely high NCAA finish looming, Alirez should have no shortage of possible suitors and draw interest from some of the highest-profile schools in the country. 

With Alirez’s name in portal, we’re taking a look at some of the notable wrestlers that had already earned All-American honors before entering the portal. 

The wrestlers have been grouped by their first year at their transfer destination. 
 

2024-25

Jacob Cardenas (Cornell/Michigan)

Pre-Transfer: 2x All-American (4,8), 2023 EIWA Champion

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