2023-24 Ohio State Preview

Ohio State - The Ohio State University has been as consistent a presence at the top of the NCAA rankings as they come. Since winning the NCAA Team Title in 2015, they have placed 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, Canceled, 9th, 13th, and last season they placed 4th. They’re cycling in talent, and they tend to develop and produce more than they don’t. This season they have a handful of athletes bumping up weight classes, so the lineup will look similar, but also a little different. They’ll also have a handful of quality guys fighting for their chance in the lineup. It’s a unique situation to have so much roster turnover, and yet not really be too concerned with their ability or potential. Additionally, there is the glaring and unfortunate loss of Sammy Sasso from their lineup. Perspective is key, so he’s not in the lineup, but he’s recovering and that’s what matters. Even where the weight class changes are taking place, the Buckeyes have plenty of studs to step into place. I expect this team to outperform their tournament preseason ranking of 12. An interesting note, this will read a little differently from other previews, since I’m finishing this one up moments after their Wrestle Offs on October 26th, so that’s why. Enjoy!

TOP RETURNERS

Jesse Mendez is a returning All-American from 133 last season, and fresh off of a World Silver Medal at U20s at 65 kgs. Initially, he registered for Senior trials at 61kgs, but his bumping up weights and down in age group makes me believe that this was the right move for him at the time. He looked solid in his wrestle-off and I expect him to fit in well at 141.

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