Oklahoma State Bracket Reactions | 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships
The 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships are simply over every week away. Before motion will get underway, try our bracket reactions for all ten Oklahoma State wrestlers who’re headed to Cleveland.
125 lbs: #4 Troy Spratley – #5 Seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – Andrew Binni, Navy
- Rd of 16 – Vincent Robinson, NC State
- Quarters – Sheldon Seymour, Lehigh
- Semis – Luke Lilledahl, Penn State
Troy Spratley didn’t get a simple path on the #5 seed with a possible matchup in opposition to the defending nationwide champion, Vincent Robinson, within the second spherical. This could be a rematch of final 12 months’s NCAA finals the place Spratley misplaced in tiebreakers, 2-1. Beyond that, Spratley is 0-3 in his profession in opposition to Robinson, shedding 7-3 final 12 months in a twin and 3-2 in November on the National Duals.
If Spratley will get by Robinson, he’ll probably have Lehigh’s Sheldon Seymour. The two have by no means wrestled of their collegiate careers, however Seymour notably positioned sixth eventually 12 months’s NCAA Tournament, along with his key victory coming in opposition to Luke Lilledahl. Seymour is undefeated on the 12 months, however he hasn’t wrestled any of the highest 12 seeds within the 125-pound bracket.
The #1 seed Luke Lilledahl looms within the semifinals, and whereas they’ve by no means wrestled of their school careers. Lilledahl has victories this 12 months over Jore Volk, Dean Peterson, Nic Bouzakis, Nico Provo, and several other different ranked wrestlers. Lilledahl ought to be thought of the favourite primarily based on this 12 months, however nobody ought to be stunned if Spratley beats Lilledahl – he simply has to get there first.
Robinson’s win over Spratley at National Duals:
133 lbs: #3 Jax Forrest – #1 Seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #32 Andrew Austin, Central Michigan
- Rd of 16 – #16 Zan Fugitt, Wisconsin
- Quarters – #8 Markel Baker, Northern Illinois
- Semis – #4 Aaron Seidel, Virginia Tech
In what many thought of the shock of the seeds this 12 months, Jax Forrest obtained the highest seed over different contenders like Ben Davino and Marcus Blaze. With the #1 seed, we must always anticipate Forrest to cruise to the semis the place he’ll have a extremely anticipated rematch in opposition to Aaron Seidel. We’ll get to that matchup in a second, but it surely’s price highlighting just a few of Forrest’s early-round opponents first. Forrest ought to roll in his opening spherical match in opposition to Central Michigan’s Andrew Austin. Austin is 20-13 on the 12 months with losses to 4 non-qualifiers.
Forrest’s potential second match is the place issues get barely extra fascinating. He’ll probably have final 12 months’s fourth-place finisher, Zan Fugitt. Despite having such a low seed, Fugitt notably defeated Drake Ayala this 12 months. It’s additionally price noting that Fugitt wrestled unbelievable eventually 12 months’s NCAA Tournament with victories over Braeden Davis, Connor McGonagle, and Nasir Bailey. If Fugitt wrestles his finest, this match might be nearer than many anticipate.
I don’t need to make gentle of Markel Baker – he’s a MAC Champ with a 26-3 report this 12 months. However, his losses to Gabe Whisenhunt, Dylan Shawver, and Trayce Eckman present he’s probably not a risk to Forrest.
Forrest’s semi-final match is the place issues might get fascinating, with a match in opposition to both #4 seed Aaron Seidel or #5 seed Kyler Larkin. Both could be rematches for Forrest – he defeated Larkin 15-2 within the Big 12 Finals and Aaron Seidel in an unbelievable 10-9 match final month. Forrest managed Larkin from begin to end however was pushed to the brink in opposition to Seidel. In that match, Seidel secured 3 takedowns to Forrest’s one. However, the distinction within the match was when Jax transitioned instantly from a takedown to a four-point flip within the second interval. That 7-point sequence propelled Jax to victory, however Seidel was ultra-impressive in defeat. Seidel is perhaps the most important risk to Forrest on this bracket, and in the event that they meet within the semis, we must always anticipate a battle.
Forrest’s win over Seidel:
141 lbs: #2 Sergio Vega – #2 Seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #31 Billy DeKraker, Northwestern
- Rd of 16 – #15 Elijah Griffin, Rider
- Quarters – #7 Nasir Bailey, Iowa
- Semis – #3 Brock Hardy, Nebraska
Sergio Vega earned the #2 seed after an ideal 19-0 report with a 52.6% bonus charge. Vega’s efficiency throughout the 12 months means that he ought to cruise to the quarterfinals the place he’ll probably face Iowa’s Nasir Bailey. Vega and Bailey had a really shut match in November on the National Duals Invitational, with Vega successful in additional time (3-0). Vega and Bailey’s seasons have gone in very totally different instructions since that match. Bailey is simply 11-6 since wrestling Vega, and Bailey dipped all the best way to #15 within the rankings in January. Despite that, Bailey had a fantastic Big 10 event with notable victories over Dylan Ragusin, Joey Olivieri, and Vance VomBaur. Bailey might make issues fascinating in opposition to Vega, however Vega ought to nonetheless be thought of the heavy favourite.
If Vega makes the semis, he’ll probably see a well-recognized opponent in Brock Hardy. Vega is 2-0 on the 12 months with 2 bonus level victories. The two first wrestled on the National Duals Invitational, the place Vega recorded his first assertion win – a 13-2 main determination. Then, simply over a month later, Vega proved that consequence wasn’t a fluke by pinning Hardy within the first interval. Defeating an opponent as high-level as Hardy 3 times in a single 12 months will probably be a problem, however with the previous outcomes, Vega is the favourite to succeed in the finals reverse Jesse Mendez.
Vega’s win over Nasir Bailey:
149 lbs: #6 Casey Swiderski – #8 Seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #25 Michael Gioffre, Illinois
- Rd of 16 – #9 David Evans, Utah Valley
- Quarters – #1 Shayne Van Ness, Penn State
- Semis – #4 Collin Gaj, Virginia Tech
After a 4-5 begin to the 12 months, Casey Swiderski closed out his season with 10 straight wins capped off by a Big 12 title. Swiderski ought to be thought of a big favourite in his opening spherical match in opposition to a troublesome Michael Gioffre. Gioffre completed sixth at Big Tens with losses to Joseph Zargo, Lachlan McNeil, and Ryder Block however wins over Drew Roberts and Clayton Jones.
Swiderski ought to be examined by Utah Valley’s David Evans within the second spherical. Evans positioned third at Big 12’s, defeating Benji Alanis, Hunter Hollingsworth, Willie McDougald, Max Petersen, and Jacob Frost whereas solely shedding to Caleb Rathjen (4-1 in additional time). Evans and Swiderski have by no means wrestled of their school careers, however all the things means that this ought to be a detailed one that can probably be determined by a takedown or much less.
As the #8 seed, Swiderski’s greatest impediment to creating the finals is the #1 seed Shayne Van Ness. Van Ness is undefeated on the 12 months at 21-0 and a bonus charge of 77.3%. Even with that dominance, Van Ness has proven indicators of weak point with come from behind victories over Ryder Block, Lachlan McNeil, and Chance Lamer. Van Ness wrestles exhausting from begin to end and infrequently breaks his opponents within the third interval. If Swiderski hopes to win right here, he’ll must wrestle an entire match and make little to no errors.
157 lbs: #4 Landon Robideau – #5 seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – Gavin Drexler, ND State
- Rd of 16 – #12 Vinny Zerban, Iowa State
- Quarters – #4 Kaleb Larkin, Arizona State
- Semis – #1 PJ Duke, Penn State
Similar to his Cowboy teammates, Robideau didn’t obtain a “favorable” draw even because the #5 seed. Robideau will wrestle 2025 All-American Gavin Drexler in his first match after which both All-American Vinny Zerban or Minnesota’s Charlie Millard second. Even with that robust draw, Cowboy followers ought to anticipate to see Robideau within the quarters the place we’ll probably see a rematch of the Big 12 finals. In that match in opposition to Kaleb Larkin, Robideau misplaced 4-3 whereas surrendering a takedown and rideout within the first interval. Robideau secured a takedown of his personal within the second interval however was unable to search out one other takedown to propel him to victory. The greatest problem for Robideau on this match will probably be breaking by way of Larkin’s unbelievable single-leg protection.
If Robideau does avenge the loss to Larkin within the quarters, he’ll probably have top-seeded PJ Duke within the semis. Duke seemed higher than ever on the Big Ten Championships with consecutive victories over Kannon Webster (4-2), Brandon Cannon (20-7), and Antrell Taylor (12-4). It’s additionally price noting that Duke defeated Robideau 3 times in freestyle over the Summer throughout the U20 World Team Trials course of – 9-4, 7-0, and 8-3. Duke would be the favourite in Cleveland, and this can be a rematch many have been desirous to see for the reason that begin of the school season.
Larkin’s win ver Robideau:
165 lbs: #5 LaDarion Lockett – #5 seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #28 Cody Goebel, Wisconsin
- Rd of 16 – #12 Cesar Alvan, Columbia
- Quarters – #4 Nicco Ruiz, Arizona State
- Semis – #1 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State
After shedding within the Big 12 finals to Nicco Ruiz, Dee Lockett dropped to the #5 seed and is high facet with NCAA Champion Mitchell Mesenbrink and Nicco Ruiz. Lockett will probably be an enormous favourite in his first two matches to arrange a possible rematch in opposition to Ruiz. In their Big 12 closing, Lockett was unable to takedown Ruiz and in the end misplaced in tiebreakers (2-1). Lockett will must be extra offensive this time round if he hopes to defeat Ruiz.
If Lockett will get previous Ruiz and makes the semis, NCAA champ and high seed Mitchell Mesenbrink will probably be ready there. Mesenbrink is at the moment 22-0 on the 12 months with a 100% bonus charge. Lockett has a whole lot of instruments in his recreation which may be capable to sluggish Mesenbrink down, however nobody will predict the upset right here. Obviously, this can be a robust highway for Lockett to get to the finals, and he’ll probably must wrestle again for third within the comfort rounds.
Ruiz’s win over Lockett:
174 lbs: #8 Alex Facundo – #8 Seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #25 Sergio Desiante, Virginia Tech
- Rd of 16 – #9 Beau Mantanona, Michigan
- Quarters – #1 Levi Haines, Penn State
- Semis – #4 Carson Kharchla, Ohio State
After shedding within the Big 12 finals to Cam Steed, Facundo dropped to the #8 seed and could have a troublesome highway on the highest facet. He drew Virginia Tech’s Sergio Desiante within the first spherical, and whereas Desiante had a curler coaster 12 months, Facundo solely defeated him 4-1 final month with a late, third-period takedown. It’s definitely not a really perfect first-round match, and if Facundo wins, he’ll wrestle Michigan freshman Brock Mantanona. Mantanona is harmful and has ranked wins this 12 months over Chris Moore, Shane Cartagena-Walsh, Dylan Fisbhack, Tomas Brooker, Caesar Garza, Brian Soldano, and Silas Allred. As most #8 vs #9 matchups are, this can be a toss-up, and Facundo must wrestle his finest to defeat Mantanona.
Should Facundo make the quarters, we’ll probably see him in opposition to the highest seed and Facundo’s former Nittany Lion teammate Levi Haines. The two have by no means wrestled of their school careers, however Facundo did notably defeat Haines in freestyle on the 2024 Olympic Trials (6-0). A variety of time has handed since then, and Haines has had significantly better folkstyle outcomes than Facundo. Still, the familiarity might play a job on this match, and this is likely one of the extra fascinating potential quarterfinals of the event.
If Facundo makes it to the semis, he’ll probably wrestle #4 seed Carson Kharchla or #5 seed Patrick Kennedy. Facundo will probably be an underdog in opposition to both wrestler, contemplating he’s 1-1 in opposition to Kharchla and 0-3 in opposition to Kennedy.
184 lbs: #12 Zack Ryder – #22 seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #11 Shane Cartagena-Walsh, Rutgers
- Rd of 16 – #6 Eddie Neitenbach, Wyoming
- Quarters – #3 Max McEnelly, Minnesota
- Semis – #2 Aeoden Sinclair, Missouri
Zack Ryder is sadly nursing a critical shoulder damage heading into the post-season and needed to forfeit to eighth place on the Big 12 Tournament. Because of that damage, I don’t anticipate a lot from Ryder, and he’ll have a troublesome highway because the #22 seed. Shane Cartagena-Walsh and Eddie Neitenbach are his first two potential opponents, and each have the potential to succeed in the rostrum. Then, title contender Max McEnelly will probably be ready within the quarterfinals. I don’t anticipate Ryder to make it there, and I believe the perfect case situation for Ryder is holding his shoulder intact and dealing his means by way of the comfort bracket.
197 lbs: #6 Cody Merrill – #7 seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #26 Ben Vanadia, Purdue
- Rd of 16 – #10 Mac Stout, Pittsburgh
- Quarters – #2 Rocky Elam, Iowa State
- Semis – #3 Stephen Little, Little Rock
Cody Merrill had a fantastic freshman season with a 17-4 report and a third-place end on the Big 12 Tournament. He’ll be a big favourite in his first spherical match in opposition to Purdue’s Ben Vanadia. However, issues will get robust for him within the second spherical in opposition to 2025 All-American Mac Stout. Stout is 19-4 on the 12 months along with his solely losses coming in opposition to Sonny Sasso (4-1 in OT), Angelo Posada (5-2), Dillon Bechtold (4-1 in OT), and Massoma Endene (5-4). Merrill additionally misplaced to Sasso (2-1) and Endene (4-3) however defeated Angelo Posada (5-3). The Stout-Merrill match ought to be a detailed one, and there’s a fantastic likelihood we see it go to additional time.
If Merrill makes the quarterfinals, he’ll have a rematch in opposition to Iowa State’s Rocky Elam. Their match within the twin was extremely shut, with Elam popping out on high in additional time (4-1). Merrill might want to wrestle his finest in opposition to Elam if he hopes to tug off the upset and make the semifinals.
Elam’s win over Merrill:
285 lbs: #8 Konner Doucet – #7 seed
Path to the finals if seeds maintain:
- Rd of 32 – #26 Luke Luffman, Illinois
- Rd of 16 – #10 David Szuba, Arizona State
- Quarters – #2 Isaac Trumble, NC State
- Semis – #3 Taye Ghadiali, Michigan
Konner Doucet has been rock strong all 12 months lengthy with a 17-3 report, and his solely losses have come in opposition to Yonger Bastida (two) and AJ Ferrari. Still, Doucet has a troublesome draw with a first-round match in opposition to Illinois Luke Luffman, who completed within the spherical of 12 final 12 months. Then, Doucet will probably have Arizona State’s David Szuba. After a sluggish begin to the season, Szuba completed sturdy, successful 13 of his closing 14 matches and inserting third at Big 12s. Doucet is 2-0 in his profession in opposition to Szuba, successful 5-2 earlier this 12 months and 4-0 three years in the past. I anticipate an analogous shut match in Cleveland with Doucet as the favourite.
If Doucet makes the quarters, he’ll probably wrestle #2 seed Isaac Trumbe from NC State. Trumble has been phenomenal this 12 months with a 16-0 report and an 81.25% bonus charge. On high of the report, Trumble has vital victories this 12 months over Dayton Pitzer, Nick Feldman, and Jim Mullen. Trumble and Doucet have by no means wrestled of their school careers, however primarily based on the outcomes from this season, Trumble ought to be thought of the favourite.
Doucet’s win over Szuba from 2023:
