Many college wrestling fans circled the early-season dual between No. 3 Virginia Tech and No. 7 Ohio State. The Hokies look to have one of their strongest teams in recent memory, and Ohio State has already declared itself as one of the power programs in the sport. The 10 matches could include as many as 17 ranked individual wrestlers. The following is a weight-by-weight preview of the dual.
125: No. 4 Eddie Ventresca (Virginia Tech) vs. Brendan McCrone (Ohio State)
The Hokies are stacked at 125 pounds. Ventresca won a close battle against teammate Cooper Flynn for the spot last year and finished seventh to become an All-American. In the offseason, Flynn won the U23 World Team Trials and represented the country at the World Championships. He lost to the eventual silver medalist and finished one bout short of the bronze medal match. Depth like this is rare in the portal era, and it will likely benefit Virginia Tech this season.
McCrone redshirted last year for Ohio State, but he did step in for the team in a pair of Big Ten duals. Overall he finished with a 15-4 record with the vast majority of his matches coming in open tournaments. In the preseason, he locked down the starting spot in the wrestle-offs. Last weekend, he made his season debut at the Clarion Open where he went 4-2 with losses coming against No. 25 Nick Babin (Columbia) and Tristan Lujan (Michigan State).
On a team loaded with high-level recruits, McCrone does seem to be a bit of an outsider. However, coach Tom Ryan likes him a lot and has not been afraid to put him in the lineup. With that being said, Ventresca is a heavy favorite in this contest. With the three-point takedown, it is hard to see this one not ending with a major decision.
Prediction: Ventresca major decision over McCrone
Dual Score: Virginia Tech 4, Ohio State 0
133: No. 7 Sam Latona (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 14 Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State)
After a disappointing 2022 season ended in the round of 12, Latona moved up to 133 pounds last year and returned to the All-American podium for the first time since his redshirt freshman year. Latona made his season debut at last weekend’s Southeast Open. He took a bit of a head-scratching loss against then-unranked No. 23 Gabe Whisenhunt (Oregon State) in the semifinals and finished third.
Bouzakis was used as a spot starter during his redshirt year a season ago. In fact, he represented the squad for exactly five matches on four dates and maintained his redshirt status. In those five matches, he went 4-1 with his only loss coming in the dual against Virginia Tech. This year, he is expected to hold down the starting job at this weight. He kicked off his season at the Clarion Open and dropped matches against No. 10 Vince Santaniello (Pittsburgh) and No. 11 Angelo Rini (Columbia).
This is an extremely interesting early season bout considering the trajectory of both competitors. They both enter this season with high expectations, but have already suffered some early-season setbacks. This could turn into a close contest that resembles a tournament-type match where one score will decide it. In the end, Latona probably has the better offense at this point so that makes him the favorite. However, this match might be rematched down the road as 133 appears to be a contender for the wackiest weight of the year.
Prediction: Latona decision over Bouzakis
Dual Score: Virginia Tech 7, Ohio State 0
141: Mac Church/Hunter Mason (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 5 Jesse Mendez (Ohio State)
Tech lists four true freshmen at 141 pounds and many expect Church to be the starter this season. The two-time Pennsylvania state champion was a top 50 recruit this past offseason, but he did not wrestle at the Southeast Open last weekend. The other three 141-pound wrestlers for the Hokies did, including Mason, also a top recruit, who went 5-0 to win the freshman/sophomore bracket.
Mendez was one of the top recruits in the country, and he started from the jump at Ohio State last season. He went 19-9 at 133 pounds and finished sixth to become an All-American. For this season, he will bump up to 141 pounds. Mendez got off to a strong start at the Clarion Open where he won the tournament title with a 4-0 record including a fall and three technical falls.
Despite the success last season, there were times when Ohio State fans were hoping for more of an offensive mindset from Mendez. While he did not face the toughest opposition in the Clarion tournament, he was clearly putting points on the board. The Hokies have talent at this weight, but whoever they send out, it will likely be too much too soon.
Prediction: Mendez decision over Mason
Dual: Virginia Tech 7, Ohio State 3
149: No. 4 Caleb Henson (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 5 Dylan D’Emilio (Ohio State)
Henson started as a true freshman for the Hokies last year and finished fifth at this weight to become an All-American. He announced his presence with authority when he defeated then-second-ranked Sammy Sasso of Ohio State in the last iteration of this dual. Henson returned to action this past weekend and picked up four bonus-point victories and a 5-1 decision over Shannon Hanna (Campbell) at the Southeast Open.
After back-to-back qualifying seasons for D’Emilio, he took the next step last season and finished eighth to become an All-American. This year, he will move up to 149 pounds. His first matches at the new weight came this past weekend at the Clarion Open. D’Emilio won the tournament title with five victories. Along the way, he knocked off ranked wrestlers No. 24 Finn Solomon (Pittsburgh) and No. 33 Zach Price (Gardner-Webb).
Henson might be the more dynamic wrestler in this contest, but D’Emilio can excel in tight and physical bouts. If he can make a difference in the ties he should be able to pull off the slight rankings upset. With that being said, Henson enters this one with a bit of an edge.
Prediction: Henson decision over D’Emilio
Dual: Virginia Tech 10, Ohio State 3
157: No. 6 Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 16 Paddy Gallagher (Ohio State)
Andonian reportedly dealt with injuries during the early part of last season, but he pulled it together in the second semester and finished seventh at the NCAA tournament. It was his first season at 157 pounds, and he is expected back there once again. When in action, Andonian has been one of the most exciting wrestlers in the sport, but It remains to be seen if he will compete. Last year, he did not make his season debut until January, and he did not wrestle at the Southeast Open.
Gallagher joined the starting lineup last season after a redshirt year. He took some lumps in the Big Ten grinder but managed to qualify for the NCAA tournament and finish with a 12-11 record. The former high-level recruit appeared to be in top form at the Clarion Open. There he scored five bonus-point victories on the way to a tournament championship.
This would be a battle between alumni of St. Edward, as the Ohio powerhouse continues to produce top-level talent. At this point, Andonian appears to be a strong favorite, but style does give his opponents’ opportunities. This one might have moments for Gallagher, but Andonian should be able to bring home the victory. If Andonian does not go for Tech, the match swings in favor of Ohio State. Gallagher scored a 14-8 decision over Clayton Ulrey in the dual last year.
Prediction: Andonian major decision over Gallagher
Dual: Virginia Tech 14, Ohio State 3
165: No. 18 Connor Brady (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 19 Bryce Hepner/Isaac Wilcox (Ohio State)
Brady has qualified for three NCAA tournaments in two different weights. Last season was his first at 165 pounds, and he went 15-11. Of those 11 losses, three came in overtime and another three were decided by only a single point. Brady has not competed yet this season.
Hepner was a starter for Ohio State at 157 pounds for the 2022 season. He redshirted last year and won the only tournament he entered, the Cleveland State Open. In that event, he scored an impressive 6-4 victory over No. 3 Cameron Amine (Michigan). Hepner did not enter the Clarion Open last weekend.
These two have a bit of history. During the 2022 season, Brady scored a 3-2 decision in the dual. While it was a one-takedown match, Brady is at his best in that sort of contest. Look for this bout to play out in a similar fashion.
Should Hepner not be able to go the Buckeyes could turn to veteran Isaac Wilcox. Wilcox went 4-1 at the Clarion Open, with his best win coming over Purdue’s Stoney Buell.
Prediction: Brady decision Hepner
Dual: Virginia Tech 17, Ohio State 3
174: No. 3 Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 7 Carson Kharchla (Ohio State)
Lewis burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2019. At the NCAA tournament, he scored victories over Evan Wick, Alex Marinelli, and Vincenzo Joseph and won a national title. Following an Olympic redshirt, Lewis dealt with injuries and eventually moved up to 174 pounds. He has twice returned to the podium with a second-place performance in 2022 and a fourth-place finish last year.
Kharchla showed flashes during his first season in an Ohio State singlet. In 2022, he picked up several key victories and finished seventh at the NCAA tournament to become an All-American. However, he has continually dealt with the injury bug since. Last season, his run came to an end in the Round of 12, and he medically forfeited out of the Clarion Open after winning three matches. If Kharchla does not go for Ohio State, the Buckeyes could turn to Rocco Welsh. The two-time Pennsylvania state champion made his collegiate debut last weekend and won the 165-pound division with a 5-0 record.
Prediction: Lewis decision over Kharchla
Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 3
184: No. 24 Sam Fisher (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 11 Gavin Hoffman (Ohio State)
Fisher has been a spot starter over the last few seasons for the Hokies. A season ago, he went 23-5 overall and 3-0 in dual meets. It looks like he will get the job of representing the squad at 184 pounds this season. He made the finals of the Southeast Open before dropping an 8-2 decision against No. 3 Trey Munoz (Oregon State).
Hoffman finished sixth at the 2022 NCAA tournament and returned to the event last year. He received a rough draw that saw him face off against Max Dean and No. 3 Tanner Sloan (South Dakota State) in two of his first three matches, and he failed to return to the podium. For this year, he will drop back down to 184 pounds for the first time since his redshirt year in 2019. Considering he has previously sprint time at heavyweight, Hoffman might have a size advantage if he can maintain the weight.
Virginia Tech fans are likely expecting Fisher to take a step forward this season, and that might be in the cards. The potential for development is certainly there, but this will be a tough early match against a veteran competitor. Look for this one to be close early, but Hoffman should be able to pull out the victory.
Prediction: Hoffman decision over Fisher
Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 6
197: No. 14 Andy Smith (Virginia Tech) vs. #19 Luke Geog (Ohio State)
Smith started for Virginia Tech for the first time last season. He finished third in the ACC and qualified for the NCAA tournament. In the previous edition of this dual, Smith dropped a 4-1 decision against Hoffman, who has since dropped down.
Geog was an Ohio state champion on the high school level and redshirted last season for the Buckeyes. During his redshirt year, he won both the Michigan State Open and Blue Raider Open. Geog also filled in for a trio of duals where he scored a decision over Andrew Davison (Northwestern) and dropped matches against No. 7 Silas Allred (Nebraska) and No. 6 Jacob Cardenas (Cornell).
Ohio State will likely need this bout if they are to have any shot at winning this dual. Smith certainly has the experience edge, but neither has really been able to break through with a huge named win to this point. Smith probably deserves to be the favorite after a season of making the NCAA tournament, but Geog has a legitimate shot to shock people and pick up the rankings upset.
Prediction: Geog decision over Smith
Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 9
285: No. 16 Hunter Catka (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 20 Nick Feldman (Ohio State)
Catka returns at heavyweight after his second NCAA qualifying season. He went 19-8 last season. At the ACC tournament, he finished third with his only loss coming against eventual champion No. 8 Owen Trephan (NC State) in overtime. Neither heavyweight on the roster for Virginia Tech wrestled in last weekend’s tournament.
Feldman redshirted last year and did not compete. However, he still had some experience at the collegiate level as he previously entered college open tournaments while still in high school and went 6-1. Feldman came to Ohio State in 2022 as one of the top recruits in the country. He has already represented the U.S. at the Junior World Championships and finished his high school career with a 142-17 record. In his official college debut last weekend, he won the Clarion Open with five victories and four coming via bonus points. The only wrestler to escape without giving up bonus points was No. 31 John Meyers (Clarion).
Feldman has the potential to be one of the best heavyweights in the country during his time at Ohio State. Catka will be the toughest wrestler he has faced in college to date. In a bit of a strange connection, Feldman’s father (Josh) was actually an All-American heavyweight at Virginia Tech back in 1994.
Prediction: Feldman major decision over Catka
Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 13
St. Joseph's Collegiate
Bennington
Elkhorn
Aztec
St. Charles East
Wayzata
Ponca City
Northern York
We head into week two in college wrestling with a little more meat on the bone. Earl and the rest of the team have covered everything you need to know going in. But here's what I consider can't miss action and/or questions I want answered: 5. Young Wolverines at MSU Open There's still some uncertainty at 141 and 149 for Michigan. On one hand, veterans Dylan Ragusin and Fidel Mayora may start. But Ragusin would be moving up a weight class for the second straight year and he still has a redshirt available and Mayora might not be their best option. Enter prize recruits Sergio Lemley and Dylan Gilcher - both of whom won Super 32 titles. The MSU Open often gives us early litmus results and if those two perform well it could signal new starters for a team in the trophy hunt with six former All-Americans. 4. Pitt-Navy While there aren't a whole lot of superstar showdowns here, if you're a dual meet purist, you'll want to catch this one. There should be several close contests and though many would favor Pitt, Navy looked great last week in a 23-18 upset at Illinois. 3. First Look at the Lions Penn State hits the mats for the first time this season in Journeymen's individual round-robin format. With eight projected Top 3 guys, they are flirting with a team scoring record. It will also be interesting to see the new faces from last year's recruiting class. 2. #1 vs. #2 in the Nation at 125 With NCAA Runner-Up Matt Ramos losing last weekend and falling to #3, Anthony Noto and Richie Figueroa's match in the Lock Haven-ASU dual will be for the #1 spot in America. Figs beat Ramos, 3-2, at CKLV last year. Noto was beaten by ASU starter Brandon Courtney at NCAA's. Also this weekend, Ramos will see NC State's Jakob Camacho who is returning from last year's injury. Very exciting slate for the top guys at 125. 1. #7-Ohio State at #3-Virginia Tech This has become such a great early-season rivalry. Ohio State won the last two meetings 18-15 and 17-13, respectively, with Tech winning a November 2020 tilt 21-15. There's an AA (Latona) and a blue chip Freshman (Bouzakis) at 133 - both of whom took losses last week. Whoever wins this bout gets off the schneid; whoever loses will be under the microscope for another week. 149 pits two AA's - D'Emilio and Henson - in a Top 5 matchup. There's the St. Ed's alum bout at 157 with Bryce Andonian and Paddy Gallagher, which we didn't get to see last year as Andonian was out with an injury. 174 presents the first big test for AA Carson Kharchla at his new weight as he'll see former NCAA Champ Mekhi Lewis. For easy links to catch all the action, you need to hit up the Streaming Guide here.
And just like that, Week 1 is in the books. It may be a new season, but the same old issues of wrestlers being entered and not actually participating seem to have not gone away. But, better to accept it and move on. Don’t dwell on what could have been and start looking to what will be in Week 2. Being that it is only one week that has passed, the Top Week and Overall standings are…well, identical. Obviously as the season rolls on, the Overall Fantasy Wrestler Standings will jumble around many times with surprise appearances into the Top-20, the Top-10, even the Top-5 by wrestlers you probably didn't expect. Once again, the heavyweights are in the Top-5 with Taye Ghadiali (CAMP) and Nathan Taylor (LEH) both wrestling 5 matches and scoring 23 Fpts. Two 184 lbers top the Fantasy Rankings this week, with Redshirt Ryder Rogotzke (OHST) edging out Trey Munoz (ORST) based solely on that Munoz had a win (by major) against a non-D1 opponent so the result does not count. Rogotzke scored 27 Fpts and Munoz score 26. You can find the complete Week 1 & Top-25 Standing on the InterMat Forum Fantasy Wrestling board HERE. On to Week 2: At the time this article was written, there was very little information on entrants to the many tournaments coming up: Bison Open, Michigan State Open, Tiger Style Open, and also the pool breakdowns for Journeymen Classic. Keep the notifications on for @FantasyD1Wrestl as updates will be posted to the InterMat Forum Fantasy Wrestling Board, and don’t forget to listen to the #FCWpodcast each week! A reminder of some important rules: Wrestlers entered at a weight must compete at that weight or else their results will not be counted. Wrestlers in the “Floater” spots can compete at ANY weight and accumulate Fantasy points. A wrestler will LOCK on your roster at 12pm ET on the day of their first competition for the week (refer to the SHP’s Week Preview). Only results against D1 competition (starters, backups, and redshirts) will count towards Fantasy Points. Check your league settings to know how many add/drops are permitted per week. Wrestlers I Like This Week Wrestler (School)- competition for the week [Proj Score] *organized by tournament name first, then by school name* 125: Noah Surtin (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Vinny Kilkeary (OHST)- Michigan State Open Eric Barnett (WISC)- Michigan State Open Jett Strickenberger (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+12] Colton Camacho (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+10] Kysen Terukina (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+5] Brayden Palmer (CHAT)- @ Ohio [+4] Troy Spratley (OKST)- Vs Bucknell [+4] Eli Griffin (CBU)- @ Wyoming [+3] Caleb Smith (NEB)- Vs Campbell [+3] 133: Mason Leiphart (F&M)- Journeymen Classic Andre Gonzalez (OHST)- Michigan State Open Zan Fugitt (WISC)- Michigan State Open Zeke Seltzer (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Evan Frost (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+5] Daton Fix (OKST)- Vs Bucknell [+4] 141: Josh Edmond (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Mosha Schwartz (OU)- @ Central Michigan, Michigan State Open [+4]* Cole Matthews (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+11] Jesse Mendez (OHST)- @ Virginia Tech, @ Edinboro [+9] Gabe Willochell (WYO)- @ CSU Bakersfield, @ California Baptist [+9] Ryan Jack (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+6] Jordan Titus (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+6] Jacob Frost (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+5] 149: Joseph Zargo (WISC)- Michigan State Open Ty Watters (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+12] Finn Solomon (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+11] Jackson Arrington (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+7] Trae McDaniel (ARMY)- Vs Purdue, Vs Lock Haven [+6] Kyle Parco (ASU)- Vs North Carolina, Vs Lock Haven, Journeymen Classic [+6]* Anthony Echemendia (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+5] Dylan Chappell (BUCK)- @ Oklahoma State [+3] Ridge Lovett (NEB)- vs Campbell [+3] 157: Brock Mauller (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Jared Keslar (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+13] Caleb Dowling (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+13] Alejandro Herrera (CLAR)- @ George Mason, Vs The Citadel, Vs American [+9] Jacori Teemer (ASU)- Vs North Carolina, Vs Lock Haven, Journeymen Classic [+8]* Ed Scott (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+8] Peyton Robb (NEB)- Vs Campbell [+5] Jason Kraisser (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+5] Peyten Kellar (OHIO)- Vs Chattanooga [+4] 165: Keegan O’Toole (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Dean Hamiti (WISC)- Michigan State Open Peyton Hall (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+12] David Carr (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+6] AJ Kovacs (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+6] Derek Gilcher (IND)- Vs Rider [+4] Antrell Taylor (NEB)- vs Campbell [+3] Garrett Thompson (OHIO)- Vs Chattanooga [+3] 174: Peyton Mocco (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Brody Conley (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+10] John Worthing (CLAR)- @ George Mason, Vs The Citadel, Vs American [+9] Alex Faison (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+7] Mekhi Lewis (VT)- Vs Ohio State, Vs American [+7] MJ Gaitan (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+4] Sal Perrine (OHIO)- Vs Chattanooga [+4] Austin Murphy (CAMP)- @ Nebraska [+3] Donnell Washington (IND)- Vs Rider [+3] 184: Colton Hawks (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Sean Harman (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Clayton Whiting (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Cameron Pine (CLAR)- @ George Mason, Vs The Citadel, Vs American [+11] Dennis Robin (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+9] Dylan Fishback (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+8] David Key (NAVY)- Vs Pittsburgh, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+5] Reece Heller (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+5] Roman Rogotzke (IND)- Vs Rider [+4] Caleb Helgeson (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+4] Lenny Pinto (NEB)- Vs Campbell [+4] Zayne Lehman (OHIO)- Vs Chattanooga [+4] Nathan Haas (CBU)- @ Wyoming [+3] Dustin Plott (OST)- Vs Bucknell [+3] 197: Stephen Buchanan (OU)- @ Central Michigan, Michigan State Open [+5]* Mac Stout (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+12] Trent Hidlay (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+9] Ben Smith (CSU)- @ West Virginia, Vs Duke [+7] Max Shaw (UNC)- Vs Buffalo, Vs Arizona State [+6] Austin Starr (OHIO)- Vs Chattanooga [+6] Jacob Lucas (NAVY)- Vs Pittsburgh, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+5] Julien Broderson (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+4] Luke Surber (OKST)- Vs Bucknell [+4] Austin Cooley (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+4] Silas Allred (NEB)- Vs Campbell [+3] 285: Zach Elam (MIZZ)- Tiger Style Invite Michael Wolfgram (WVU)- Vs Cleveland State, Vs Kent State, Vs Duke [+12] Dayton Pitzer (PITT)- @ Navy, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+10] Nick Feldman (OHST)- @ Virginia Tech , @ Edinboro [+8] Grady Griess (NAVY)- Vs Pittsburgh, Vs Morgan State, Vs VMI [+6] Owen Trephan (NCST)- Vs Bloomsburg, Vs Purdue [+6] Taye Ghadiali (CAMP)- @ Nebraska [+5] Yonger Bastida (ISU)- Vs Davidson [+5] Konner Doucet (OKST)- Vs Bucknell [+3]
Many college wrestling fans circled the early-season dual between No. 3 Virginia Tech and No. 7 Ohio State. The Hokies look to have one of their strongest teams in recent memory, and Ohio State has already declared itself as one of the power programs in the sport. The 10 matches could include as many as 17 ranked individual wrestlers. The following is a weight-by-weight preview of the dual. 125: No. 4 Eddie Ventresca (Virginia Tech) vs. Brendan McCrone (Ohio State) The Hokies are stacked at 125 pounds. Ventresca won a close battle against teammate Cooper Flynn for the spot last year and finished seventh to become an All-American. In the offseason, Flynn won the U23 World Team Trials and represented the country at the World Championships. He lost to the eventual silver medalist and finished one bout short of the bronze medal match. Depth like this is rare in the portal era, and it will likely benefit Virginia Tech this season. McCrone redshirted last year for Ohio State, but he did step in for the team in a pair of Big Ten duals. Overall he finished with a 15-4 record with the vast majority of his matches coming in open tournaments. In the preseason, he locked down the starting spot in the wrestle-offs. Last weekend, he made his season debut at the Clarion Open where he went 4-2 with losses coming against No. 25 Nick Babin (Columbia) and Tristan Lujan (Michigan State). On a team loaded with high-level recruits, McCrone does seem to be a bit of an outsider. However, coach Tom Ryan likes him a lot and has not been afraid to put him in the lineup. With that being said, Ventresca is a heavy favorite in this contest. With the three-point takedown, it is hard to see this one not ending with a major decision. Prediction: Ventresca major decision over McCrone Dual Score: Virginia Tech 4, Ohio State 0 133: No. 7 Sam Latona (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 14 Nic Bouzakis (Ohio State) After a disappointing 2022 season ended in the round of 12, Latona moved up to 133 pounds last year and returned to the All-American podium for the first time since his redshirt freshman year. Latona made his season debut at last weekend’s Southeast Open. He took a bit of a head-scratching loss against then-unranked No. 23 Gabe Whisenhunt (Oregon State) in the semifinals and finished third. Bouzakis was used as a spot starter during his redshirt year a season ago. In fact, he represented the squad for exactly five matches on four dates and maintained his redshirt status. In those five matches, he went 4-1 with his only loss coming in the dual against Virginia Tech. This year, he is expected to hold down the starting job at this weight. He kicked off his season at the Clarion Open and dropped matches against No. 10 Vince Santaniello (Pittsburgh) and No. 11 Angelo Rini (Columbia). This is an extremely interesting early season bout considering the trajectory of both competitors. They both enter this season with high expectations, but have already suffered some early-season setbacks. This could turn into a close contest that resembles a tournament-type match where one score will decide it. In the end, Latona probably has the better offense at this point so that makes him the favorite. However, this match might be rematched down the road as 133 appears to be a contender for the wackiest weight of the year. Prediction: Latona decision over Bouzakis Dual Score: Virginia Tech 7, Ohio State 0 141: Mac Church/Hunter Mason (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 5 Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) Tech lists four true freshmen at 141 pounds and many expect Church to be the starter this season. The two-time Pennsylvania state champion was a top 50 recruit this past offseason, but he did not wrestle at the Southeast Open last weekend. The other three 141-pound wrestlers for the Hokies did, including Mason, also a top recruit, who went 5-0 to win the freshman/sophomore bracket. Mendez was one of the top recruits in the country, and he started from the jump at Ohio State last season. He went 19-9 at 133 pounds and finished sixth to become an All-American. For this season, he will bump up to 141 pounds. Mendez got off to a strong start at the Clarion Open where he won the tournament title with a 4-0 record including a fall and three technical falls. Despite the success last season, there were times when Ohio State fans were hoping for more of an offensive mindset from Mendez. While he did not face the toughest opposition in the Clarion tournament, he was clearly putting points on the board. The Hokies have talent at this weight, but whoever they send out, it will likely be too much too soon. Prediction: Mendez decision over Mason Dual: Virginia Tech 7, Ohio State 3 149: No. 4 Caleb Henson (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 5 Dylan D’Emilio (Ohio State) Henson started as a true freshman for the Hokies last year and finished fifth at this weight to become an All-American. He announced his presence with authority when he defeated then-second-ranked Sammy Sasso of Ohio State in the last iteration of this dual. Henson returned to action this past weekend and picked up four bonus-point victories and a 5-1 decision over Shannon Hanna (Campbell) at the Southeast Open. After back-to-back qualifying seasons for D’Emilio, he took the next step last season and finished eighth to become an All-American. This year, he will move up to 149 pounds. His first matches at the new weight came this past weekend at the Clarion Open. D’Emilio won the tournament title with five victories. Along the way, he knocked off ranked wrestlers No. 24 Finn Solomon (Pittsburgh) and No. 33 Zach Price (Gardner-Webb). Henson might be the more dynamic wrestler in this contest, but D’Emilio can excel in tight and physical bouts. If he can make a difference in the ties he should be able to pull off the slight rankings upset. With that being said, Henson enters this one with a bit of an edge. Prediction: Henson decision over D’Emilio Dual: Virginia Tech 10, Ohio State 3 157: No. 6 Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 16 Paddy Gallagher (Ohio State) Andonian reportedly dealt with injuries during the early part of last season, but he pulled it together in the second semester and finished seventh at the NCAA tournament. It was his first season at 157 pounds, and he is expected back there once again. When in action, Andonian has been one of the most exciting wrestlers in the sport, but It remains to be seen if he will compete. Last year, he did not make his season debut until January, and he did not wrestle at the Southeast Open. Gallagher joined the starting lineup last season after a redshirt year. He took some lumps in the Big Ten grinder but managed to qualify for the NCAA tournament and finish with a 12-11 record. The former high-level recruit appeared to be in top form at the Clarion Open. There he scored five bonus-point victories on the way to a tournament championship. This would be a battle between alumni of St. Edward, as the Ohio powerhouse continues to produce top-level talent. At this point, Andonian appears to be a strong favorite, but style does give his opponents’ opportunities. This one might have moments for Gallagher, but Andonian should be able to bring home the victory. If Andonian does not go for Tech, the match swings in favor of Ohio State. Gallagher scored a 14-8 decision over Clayton Ulrey in the dual last year. Prediction: Andonian major decision over Gallagher Dual: Virginia Tech 14, Ohio State 3 165: No. 18 Connor Brady (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 19 Bryce Hepner/Isaac Wilcox (Ohio State) Brady has qualified for three NCAA tournaments in two different weights. Last season was his first at 165 pounds, and he went 15-11. Of those 11 losses, three came in overtime and another three were decided by only a single point. Brady has not competed yet this season. Hepner was a starter for Ohio State at 157 pounds for the 2022 season. He redshirted last year and won the only tournament he entered, the Cleveland State Open. In that event, he scored an impressive 6-4 victory over No. 3 Cameron Amine (Michigan). Hepner did not enter the Clarion Open last weekend. These two have a bit of history. During the 2022 season, Brady scored a 3-2 decision in the dual. While it was a one-takedown match, Brady is at his best in that sort of contest. Look for this bout to play out in a similar fashion. Should Hepner not be able to go the Buckeyes could turn to veteran Isaac Wilcox. Wilcox went 4-1 at the Clarion Open, with his best win coming over Purdue’s Stoney Buell. Prediction: Brady decision Hepner Dual: Virginia Tech 17, Ohio State 3 174: No. 3 Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 7 Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) Lewis burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2019. At the NCAA tournament, he scored victories over Evan Wick, Alex Marinelli, and Vincenzo Joseph and won a national title. Following an Olympic redshirt, Lewis dealt with injuries and eventually moved up to 174 pounds. He has twice returned to the podium with a second-place performance in 2022 and a fourth-place finish last year. Kharchla showed flashes during his first season in an Ohio State singlet. In 2022, he picked up several key victories and finished seventh at the NCAA tournament to become an All-American. However, he has continually dealt with the injury bug since. Last season, his run came to an end in the Round of 12, and he medically forfeited out of the Clarion Open after winning three matches. If Kharchla does not go for Ohio State, the Buckeyes could turn to Rocco Welsh. The two-time Pennsylvania state champion made his collegiate debut last weekend and won the 165-pound division with a 5-0 record. Prediction: Lewis decision over Kharchla Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 3 184: No. 24 Sam Fisher (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 11 Gavin Hoffman (Ohio State) Fisher has been a spot starter over the last few seasons for the Hokies. A season ago, he went 23-5 overall and 3-0 in dual meets. It looks like he will get the job of representing the squad at 184 pounds this season. He made the finals of the Southeast Open before dropping an 8-2 decision against No. 3 Trey Munoz (Oregon State). Hoffman finished sixth at the 2022 NCAA tournament and returned to the event last year. He received a rough draw that saw him face off against Max Dean and No. 3 Tanner Sloan (South Dakota State) in two of his first three matches, and he failed to return to the podium. For this year, he will drop back down to 184 pounds for the first time since his redshirt year in 2019. Considering he has previously sprint time at heavyweight, Hoffman might have a size advantage if he can maintain the weight. Virginia Tech fans are likely expecting Fisher to take a step forward this season, and that might be in the cards. The potential for development is certainly there, but this will be a tough early match against a veteran competitor. Look for this one to be close early, but Hoffman should be able to pull out the victory. Prediction: Hoffman decision over Fisher Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 6 197: No. 14 Andy Smith (Virginia Tech) vs. #19 Luke Geog (Ohio State) Smith started for Virginia Tech for the first time last season. He finished third in the ACC and qualified for the NCAA tournament. In the previous edition of this dual, Smith dropped a 4-1 decision against Hoffman, who has since dropped down. Geog was an Ohio state champion on the high school level and redshirted last season for the Buckeyes. During his redshirt year, he won both the Michigan State Open and Blue Raider Open. Geog also filled in for a trio of duals where he scored a decision over Andrew Davison (Northwestern) and dropped matches against No. 7 Silas Allred (Nebraska) and No. 6 Jacob Cardenas (Cornell). Ohio State will likely need this bout if they are to have any shot at winning this dual. Smith certainly has the experience edge, but neither has really been able to break through with a huge named win to this point. Smith probably deserves to be the favorite after a season of making the NCAA tournament, but Geog has a legitimate shot to shock people and pick up the rankings upset. Prediction: Geog decision over Smith Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 9 285: No. 16 Hunter Catka (Virginia Tech) vs. No. 20 Nick Feldman (Ohio State) Catka returns at heavyweight after his second NCAA qualifying season. He went 19-8 last season. At the ACC tournament, he finished third with his only loss coming against eventual champion No. 8 Owen Trephan (NC State) in overtime. Neither heavyweight on the roster for Virginia Tech wrestled in last weekend’s tournament. Feldman redshirted last year and did not compete. However, he still had some experience at the collegiate level as he previously entered college open tournaments while still in high school and went 6-1. Feldman came to Ohio State in 2022 as one of the top recruits in the country. He has already represented the U.S. at the Junior World Championships and finished his high school career with a 142-17 record. In his official college debut last weekend, he won the Clarion Open with five victories and four coming via bonus points. The only wrestler to escape without giving up bonus points was No. 31 John Meyers (Clarion). Feldman has the potential to be one of the best heavyweights in the country during his time at Ohio State. Catka will be the toughest wrestler he has faced in college to date. In a bit of a strange connection, Feldman’s father (Josh) was actually an All-American heavyweight at Virginia Tech back in 1994. Prediction: Feldman major decision over Catka Dual: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio State 13
Owen J. Roberts
Central Catholic
