The end of August means the start of school, and it also means the offseason will soon give way to October and the official start of practice.

The beautiful thing about college wrestling is that all debates are settled at the end of the season with the NCAA tournament, and then arguments for next season begin all over again. Part of that conversation is always, who will place and win next year? Who will be back to place higher or defend their title?

Next up in our series of returning All-Americans, is 133 pounds, where we again are making some guesses about guys going up in weight. For example, Nick Suriano did not appear in the returning 125 AAs, but will show up in this article below. Suriano may still end up as Rutgers starter at 125lbs.

This weigh returns a national champ and six All-Americans, four of whom have placed twice. Excluded from this tally is Kaid Brock, who finished fifth the past two years but who may be moving up to 141. Also not appearing is Tariq Wilson, who may move up if Sean Fausz bumps into 133.

Seth Gross, South Dakota State: DNP, 2, 1, ?

It’s immensely impressive that Gross has become a national title favorite and Hodge contender at South Dakota State. After not placing as a freshman 141, he dropped to 133 and made the NCAA finals in 2017. Some people questioned if he could repeat such a season when assistant AJ Schopp left for Purdue that summer, but Gross was one of the most dominant wrestlers in the country. Now with Damion Hahn replacing Chris Bono, the question is can Gross still finish out his career as two-time national champ? I'd still peg him as the favorite going into the 2018-19 season.

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Stevan Micic, Michigan: 4, 2, ?, ?

Although Micic graduated high school in 2014, he still has two years of eligibility remaining. The Indiana native is probably the only one with a realistic shot of knocking off Gross this year, especially if Tariq Wilson moves up to 141. Now a senior level European bronze medalist, Micic is hoping to replicate that performance by ending his season on a win.

Ethan Lizak, Minnesota: DNP, 2, 4, ?

Lizak is moving up to 133 for his senior season, something that likely would’ve happened whether or not Sean Russell transferred to Minnesota. If he can maintain the same dominance on top that he had at 125, he should be an All-American once again, even in a weight as tough as this one.

Nick Suriano, Rutgers: DNW, 2, ?, ?

To reiterate, it's still possible Suriano stays at 125, and he was viewed as such in the initial Big Ten conference rankings. But the coaching staff seems high on true freshman Nico Aguilar at 125, and the graduation of All-American Scott DelVecchio means they do have a hole to fill at this weight. The junior projects about roughly the same at either weight, so it really becomes a matter of preference for Suriano.

Luke Pletcher, Ohio State: DNP, 4, ?, ?

Without the benefit of a redshirt and wrestling up a weight, Pletcher still made the Round of 16 as a true freshman. His 2018 season including a win over Stevan Micic and no bad losses outside of Wilson, which will probably look far more understandable as Wilson’s career goes on.

Scotty Parker, Lehigh: DNP, 8, 7, ?

It’s interesting to see 125 have fewer AAs than 133, but they only had one multiple time placer. Parker is one of four guys at 133 to be on the podium more than once. With Darian Cruz graduating, Parker could take on the senior leadership role, along with 184 Ryan Preisch, looking to take his first steps on the podium in his final year of eligibility.

Montorie Bridges, Wyoming: 8, ?, ?, ?

Though he is one weight below Bryce Meredith, Bridges is another lightweight for Cowboys fans to get pumped about for the next three years. He will probably be the premier draw in Laramie this year, and hopefully get some more Big 12 battles with Seth Gross and Kaid Brock (or another Oklahoma State stud). Bridges had wins last year over both Brock and Tariq Wilson.