Top Seniors Who Haven't Won NCAAs...Yet
Top Seniors Who Haven't Won NCAAs...Yet
Check out a breakdown of the best seniors in the NCAA who are attempting to win their first NCAA title.
It’s time - the last run at an NCAA Title for seniors throughout the country. Take a look below as we outline the best seniors yet to win an NCAA Championship and their potential paths to a title at this year’s tournament.
#5 Austin DeSanto, Iowa - 133
Austin DeSanto has wins over 3 different NCAA Champions but has yet to finish higher than 3rd at NCAAs. As the 5 seed at the NCAA Tournament, DeSanto will likely have to defeat Roman Bravo-Young in the semis to make the finals where Daton Fix will likely be waiting. Of note, DeSanto is 0-2 against RBY this year and lost to Fix in February, 5-3.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 3rd - Lost to Daton Fix
2019 - 5th - Lost to Luke Pletcher and Stevan Micic
2018 - R12 - Lost to Scott DelVecchio and Stevan Micic
Best Career Wins: Seth Gross, Ethan Lizak (2), Roman Bravo-Young, Stevan Micic, Nick Suriano, Jack Mueller, Lucas Byrd (3).
Desanto's win over Nick Suriano from the 2019 Rutgers vs Iowa Dual:
#2 Jaydin Eierman, Iowa - 141
Of any senior competing this year, Jaydin Eierman has the most wins over past NCAA Champions - 5 wins over 4 different NCAA Champs! Already a 4X All-American, Eierman could also accomplish the relatively meaningless (but rare and fun) feat of placing in sequential order. Should he win an NCAA title this year, his placements in order will be 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st.
As the 2 seed, Eierman has a challenging path to the finals with potential matches against Ryan Jack/Kizhan Clarke, Clay Carlson, and Sebastian Rivera. Jack notably pushed Eierman to the limit in their match earlier this season, Carlson is a returning All-American who has put together a fantastic season, and Rivera is of course a three-time All-American. On top of that tough road, Eierman forfeited in the Big 10 finals against Nick Lee and appears to be dealing with a knee injury. Though all of the above is true, Eierman is capable of defeating anyone in the bracket at 141 pounds and winning an NCAA title.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 2nd - Lost to Nick Lee
2019 - 3rd - Lost to Yianni Diakomihalis
2018 - 4th - Lost to Yianni Diakomihalis and Joey McKenna
2017 - 5th - Lost to Bryce Meredith and Dean Heil
Best Career Wins: Yianni Diakomihalis, Nick Lee (2), Chad Red (2), Tariq Wilson, Dom Demas, Mitch McKee, Dean Heil, Anthony Ashnault, Matt Kolodzik, Joey McKenna.
#3 Sebastian Rivera, Rutgers - 141
Sebastian Rivera has put together an incredible season with a 24-0 record and a 100% bonus rate! Despite his success up to this point, Rivera looks to be dealing with a knee injury and might not be 100%. On top of the injury, Rivera will have a tough second-round match against the winner of Chad Red and Dresden Simon before a potential quarterfinal match against the 6 seed, Cole Matthews. Rivera defeated Red at last year’s Big 10 tournament, 4-3 but has never wrestled Simon or Matthews. Should Rivera make it through the quarters, he’ll likely face Jaydin Eierman for the chance to make his first career NCAA finals.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 4th - Lost to Tariq Wilson and Nick Lee
2019 - 3rd - Lost to Jack Mueller
2018 - 6th - Lost to Nathan Tomasello, Darian Cruz and Talor Lamont
Best Career Wins: Spencer Lee (2), Roman Bravo-Young, Seth Gross, Pat Glory, Vito Arujau (2), Chad Red, Zeke Moisey (2), and Ronnie Bresser (2).
Sebastian Rivera's win over Spencer Lee from the 2018 Midlands Championships:
#2 Tariq Wilson, NC State - 149
Tariq Wilson has made the most of his final year of eligibility with a 15-0 record and earning the 2 seed at the NCAA tournament. Wilson should cruise to the quarters where he’ll likely face the winner of Josh Heil and Ridge Lovett. In the semis, it looks like Wilson will meet the hot-handed Austin Gomez. That match is a fascinating one and a bit of a clash of styles.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 3rd - Lost to Jaydin Eierman
2019 - R12 - Lost to John Erneste and Ethan Lizak
2018 - 3rd - Lost to Seth Gross
Best Career Wins: Chad Red, Luke Pletcher, Kaid Brock, John Erneste, Sebastian Rivera
Tariq Wilson's win over Sebastian Rivera for 3rd at the 2021 NCAA Tournament:
#3 Ryan Deakin (Northwestern) - 157
Ryan Deakin has been one of the best 157-pound wrestlers in the country over the past few years but has fallen short in both 2019 and 2021 at the NCAA tournament. Deakin will be a favorite to make the semis but will likely have to get by Wyatt Sheets, Johnny Lovett, and Josh Humphryes on his way there. Deakin should then meet unbeaten Jacori Teemer in a rematch of their third-place bout at last year’s NCAAs. In that match, Deakin won a tight, 1-0 decision that was decided on an escape from Deakin in the second period.
Defending national champion David Carr will be the favorite to meet Deakin in the finals. Deakin is notably the only wrestler to defeat Carr when he won 9-3 at the 2019 CKLV. Since that loss, Carr has rattled off 54 straight wins and appears to have made great improvements.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 3rd - Lost to Jesse Dellavecchia
2019 - 6th - Lost to Kaleb Young, Hayden Hidlay, and Kaleb Young
2018 - R16 - Lost to Brandon Sorenson and Jason Tsirtsis
Best Career Wins: Jacori Teemer (2), Brayton Lee, Kaleb Young (2), Hayden Hidlay, David Carr, Alec Pantaleo, Pat Lugo, Jason Tsirtsis
Ryan Deakin's win over David Carr from the 2019 CKLV Tournament:
#3 Alex Marinelli, Iowa - 165
Alex Marinelli’s regular seasons have been outstanding but he has faded slightly in his three postseasons. As this year’s 3 seed, Marinelli should dominate to the quarters will he will likely have a rematch with his Big 10 finals opponent, Cam Amine. Marinelli won a tight, 2-1 decision over Amine two weeks ago where he controlled the hand fight and was never in danger of giving up a takedown. Marinelli should then face Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole in the semis for a chance to make his first NCAA finals. O’Toole presents a unique challenge in that he can generate offense from every position and is a prolific scrambler. Marinelli will have to execute a perfect game plan to take make the finals where #1 seed Evan Wick is the favorite to meet him there. While Wick is the #1 seed, Marinelli holds the head-to-head series lead, 4-1.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - R12 - Lost to Shane Griffith and Cam Amine - 2-1
2019 - 7th - Lost to Chance Marsteller and Mekhi Lewis - 4-2
2018 - 6th - Lost to Evan Wick, David McFadden, and Isaiah Martinez - 3-3
Best Career Wins: Vincenzo Joseph (3), David McFadden, Isaiah White (2), Evan Wick (4), Logan Massa (2), Joe Smith, Josh Shields.
Hear Alex Marinelli's thoughts heading into NCAAs after winning his 4th Big 10 title:
#4 Evan Wick, Cal Poly - 165
Because of the covid year, and because he chose to redshirt last year, Evan Wick will only wrestle in 3 NCAA Tournaments during his college career. Wick has made the most of his tournaments up to this point putting together a third and fourth-place finish.
Evan Wick has also put together a fantastic year earning the #1 seed with an 18-0 record and 11 bonus point victories. On top of that, Wick has three wins over the defending National Champion, Shane Griffith. Either Griffith or standout freshman Dean Hamiti are Wick's likely semi-final opponents standing in the way of Wick reaching his first NCAA finals.
The favorites to reach Wick in the finals from the bottom side of the bracket are Alex Marinelli and Keegan O’Toole. The two couldn’t be more different wrestlers to game plan for but each presents a challenging matchup for Wick. As mentioned earlier, Marinelli has controlled their head-to-head match series. O’Toole, though much younger, might be the only wrestler in the country who can match Wick’s scrambling ability. Whoever he meets in the finals, Wick will need to be on the top of his game to end his career as a national champion.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2019 - 4th - Lost to Chance Marsteller and Mekhi Lewis
2018 - 3rd - Lost to David McFadden
Best Career Wins: Shane Griffith (3), Anthony Valencia, Cam Amine, Isaiah White (5), Alex Marinelli, Chance Marsteller (2), Logan Massa (3)
Evan Wick's win over Shane Griffith from the 2021 CKLV:
#2 Logan Massa, Michigan - 174
Logan Massa returned for his fifth year of eligibility and looks to be wrestling as good as ever. Massa earned the 3 seed after compiling a 16-2 record with his only losses coming to returning NCAA Champion Carter Starocci. Massa should reach the semi-finals and face Mekhi Lewis there. Massa and Lewis have never met in their collegiate careers but have met three times on the freestyle scene with Massa winning the most recent two. If Massa makes the finals, Carter Starocci will likely be waiting for him. Starocci is a puzzle Massa has yet to solve in his career and is currently 0-3 against the Nittany Lion.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 5th - Lost to Bernie Truax (twice)
2019 - R12 - Lost to Alex Marinelli and Bryce Steiert
2018 - DNP - Lost to Chandler Rogers and Evan Wick
2017 - 3rd - Lost to Vincenzo Joseph
Best Career Wins: Isaac Jordan (4), Anthony Valencia (4), Alex Marinelli (2), Evan Wick (2), Isaiah White (3), Mikey Labriola (3)
#4 Hayden Hidlay, NC State - 174
Hayden Hidlay proved this year that he’s just as good of a wrestler up at 174 as he was down at 157. Hidlay is the 4 seed at the NCAA tournament and took out the 3 seed, national champion Mekhi Lewis earlier this year. Though Hidlay dropped the rematch at the ACC tournament, he’s still a threat to win it all in Detroit.
Hidlay’s tests will start in the quarters with a potential matchup against Iowa’s Michael Kemerer. Hidlay’s and Kemerer’s rivalry dates all the way back to their high school days and through their early years in college at 157. Kemerer has controlled the rivalry but looks to be less than 100% because of injury. If there’s ever a time for Hidlay to get the win, it’s now. If he gets by Kemerer in the quarters, Hidlay should face defending champion Carter Startocci in the semis.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 5th - Lost to Jacori Teemer and David Carr
2019 - 4th - Lost to Jason Nolf and Alec Pantaleo
2018 - 2nd - Lost to Jason Nolf
Best Career Wins: Mekhi Lewis, Brayton Lee, Jesse Dellavecchia, Ryan Deakin, Alec Pantaleo (2), Tyler Berger (2), Micah Jordan, Mitch Finesilver (3), Joey Lavallee
#2 Michael Kemerer, Iowa - 174
In three NCAA tournaments, Michael Kemerer has never finished lower than 4th and has wins over 3 different NCAA Champs throughout his career. Kemerer will need to wrestle his best if he wants to end his career with a national title - especially because of the road he’ll have to travel to make the finals. As the 5 seed, Kemerer will likely face a tough Cade DeVos second round to set up a match against Hayden Hidlay in the quarters. As mentioned, Kemerer has been successful against Hidlay in the past, but they haven’t wrestled since the 2016 Midlands Championships.
Should Kemerer reach the semi-finals, he should face off against the 1 seed, Carter Starocci. The two have wrestled three times in their careers with Starocci holding the series lead, 2-1. Starocci also holds the most recent two wins over Kemerer - an epic, 2-1 overtime win from their dual match this year and a 3-1 overtime victory from last year’s NCAA finals. If Kemerer gets by Starocci, he should face either the 2 or the 3 seed from the bottom half of the bracket - Mekhi Lewis or Logan Massa. Kemerer has never wrestled Lewis in his college career but is 1-0 against Massa - a 4-2 win at last year’s Big 10 tournament.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 2nd - Lost to Carter Starocci
2018 - 4th - Lost to Tyler Berger and Jason Nolf
2017 - 3rd - Lost to Dylan Palacio
Best Career Wins: Carter Starocci, Bernie Truax, Logan Massa, Mark Hall, Devin Skatzka (2), Joe Smith (3), Mikey Labriola, Alec Pantaleo, Joey Lavallee, Josh Shields (2), Micah Jordan, Tyler Berger (3), Hayden Hidlay, and Jason Tsirtsis.
Michael Kemerer's win over Carter Starocci from the 2021 Iowa vs Penn State Dual:
#1 Myles Amine, Michigan - 184
Myles Amine is an Olympic bronze medalist but has never won an NCAA title! Amine looks poised to change that this year coming off his win over defending national champion Aaron Brooks and earning the 1 seed in the bracket. As the 1 seed, Amine should cruise to the semi-finals where he will likely wrestle Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen. Keckeisen placed third at last year’s NCAA tournament and has only 2 official college losses - both to Aaron Brooks (3-2 this year, 6-4 last year). Although Amine should be considered a slight favorite, Keckeisen will certainly present some unique challenges to the Wolverine.
If Amine makes the finals, he should either wrestle Aaron Brooks for the third time this year or take on NC State’s Trent Hidlay. Brooks got the best of Amine in their first match in dual competition when he won 3-1 on a late takedown. Then, in the Big 10 finals, Amine used a late comeback to force overtime and secured the victory in the extra frame, 6-4. The third potential match between Brooks and Amine is sure to be highly competitive and decided by the slimmest of margins.
Trent Hidlay is more than capable of spoiling Brooks’ opportunity for revenge and Amine's bid at an NCAA title. Hidlay lost to Brooks in last year’s NCAA final in a close, 3-2, and was inches away from finishing on the winning takedown late in the third. On top of that close match with Brooks, Hidlay defeated Amine in a freestyle bout in December 2020 at the RTC Cup. Between his time overseas and his storied college career, Amine is battle-tested and will need to use that experience to bring home his first NCAA title.
NCAA Tournament Results and Losses:
2021 - 3rd - Lost to AJ Ferrari
2019 - 3rd - Lost to Mark Hall
2018 - 3rd - Lost to Zahid Valencia
2017 - 4th - Lost to Zahid Valencia twice
Best Career Wins: Aaron Brooks, Jacob Warner (2), Rocky Elam, Michael Beard (2), Mikey Labriola (2), Daniel Lewis (3), Jordan Kutler (3), Bo Jordan (3), Devin Skatzka (2), Kaleb Young, Brian Realbuto, Alex Meyer (2).
Skip ahead to 1:21:45 to see Myles Amine take out Aaron Brooks in the 2022 Big Ten Finals