2020 Crystal Ball Rankings - NCAA DI

Penn State...Again

"Rankings aren't predictions," as the old saying goes. And that's correct; every reputable rankings since the beginning of time has been based on results, not projections.

Well times, they are a-changin'.

Not really. These aren't rankings, per se. But rather my projections which will be updated regularly throughout the season.

Every new year brings uncertainty. Wrestlers graduate. Wrestlers emerge. Some jump levels. Some level off.

But this year — perhaps more than any other in the history of college wrestling — is in flux due to the amount of Olympic redshirts which may or may not be taken.

It should also be noted that the most important thing you'll find as the season plays out, that because these are predictive (and not entirely subjective and reactive) in nature, you'll see guys lose and yet often remain in the same position. In other words, a loss doesn't mean someone will drop. 

Penn State leads my list with 132 points (that does not include bonus). It seems a little high, but in both my rankings here and in the regular weight class rankings, the Nittany Lions have four guys ranked #1 or #2. The major difference between Penn State here and Penn State in the regular rankings are that I have both RBY and Shak taking third where Flo has them both sixth for a nine-point net gain.

Iowa is the only team that I have with all reps in the top 12. Ohio State is very interesting as I have nine Buckeyes in the top 12 — 75.5 points here vs fourth place and 49.5 in regular rankings. A big chunk of that is Kerkvliet. 

My last podium team is Nebraska with eight in the top 12. Regular rankings have them in ninth with 23 fewer points. The difference comes in my projected placement of true freshmen Ridge Lovett and Blood Round finish for Kevon Davenport. I also have Venz in the finals. 

It's nothing scientific, but it's another look and one that gives predictions and projections and that beholden to strict wins and losses and waiting for youngsters to "prove it."

For feedback and inquiries feel free to email me at willie@flosports.tv.