The 2026 Offseason Coaching Carousel (5/1/2026)
The coaching carousel heated up late this week as a trio of moves was made public over Thursday and Friday. One of the worst-kept secrets, as far as coaching news goes, was Drake Ayala joining the Iowa State staff.
Earlier this year, Ayala just finished his career at the University of Iowa. While in Iowa City, Ayala earned All-American honors on three occasions. He made the NCAA finals in 2024 and 2025, before taking fifth at 133 lbs in Cleveland.
Hiring Ayala marks the first staffing change for the Cyclones under the leadership of Brent Metcalf. In mid-April, Metcalf was elevated to Iowa State’s head coaching post after Kevin Dresser stepped down to become the Director of Wrestling Operations. Ayala is an Iowa native who was deemed the #4 overall recruit after a career at Fort Dodge High School. His addition should only make the Iowa/Iowa State rivalry more fun going forward.
Sticking with the Big Ten, Maryland announced their latest hire this afternoon, Gavin Hoffman. Hoffman was a 2021 NCAA All-American for Ohio State and qualified for nationals on three occasions for the Buckeyes and Lock Haven. Hoffman was actually on staff for Lock Haven during the 2024-25 campaign and returned to the mat for the second semester.
Hoffman competed collegiately at 197/285 lbs and will … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/the-2026-offseason-coaching-carousel-512026-r100992/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Kokesh Added to Nebraska Staff as Green Steps Away
Wednesday brought us two bits of news regarding coaching at Nebraska. The first item was that James Green confirmed what had been rumored for a few weeks now – that he’s stepping down from his position with the Cornhusker wrestling staff.
Over the weekend, Green won the 74 kg title at the US Open and therefore has clinched a spot in Final X. It will mark the third time that Green has appeared in Final X and he’s seeking to make his eighth world team appearance. Green stated that he will continue training at Nebraska over the summer until his next move is official.
Replacing Green on the Nebraska staff is a familiar face in three-time All-American Robert Kokesh. Kokesh starred for the Cornhuskers from 2012-15 and finished third at the NCAA Championships on two occasions and fourth one time. He also won a pair of Big Ten championships and was the #1 seed at the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
This will be Kokesh’s second stint on the coaching staff at his alma mater. He was previously an assistant from 2019-23. After his graduation, Kokesh also served … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/big-10/kokesh-added-to-nebraska-staff-as-green-steps-away-r100989/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
College wrestling: Ranking the Top 10 transfer additions so far
The college wrestling transfer portal is closed for entries, but the commitments are not done yet. Still, there’s plenty of data to take a look at so far when it comes to the best additions this cycle.
Looking at the landscape of the additions for teams that had needs, previous accolades and more, On3 put together 10 transfers in college wrestling that certainly stand out. Stanford keeping guys like Tyler Knox and Hunter Garvin were not included even after they entered the portal, since they returned to their original institution.
There was plenty of talent that did not make the cut. And we all know how wrestling transfers can be extremely random, especially for the graduate transfers year to year. But, here’s a look, as of May 3rd, at the top college wrestling transfer additions.
1. Vince Robinson, NC State to Nebraska (125 lbs.)
Robinson is the crown jewel among the transfer additions in college wrestling. The 2025 NCAA champion and two-time All-American surprisingly left NC State with two years remaining to head to the Big Ten.
He’ll plug in right away and has a chance to return to the top of the podium in 2027. A loaded college room and RTC, Mark Manning and crew should be a nice refresh for Robinson to end his collegiate career over the next two years. Robinson previously said there was no bad blood with the NC State crew, so it’ll certainly take some getting used to seeing him rock a Huskers singlet.
2. Ryan Crookham, Lehigh to Iowa (133 lbs.)
Crookham had an argument for No. 1 transfer this cycle, but the lack of an NCAA title plus his injury history certainly played a factor. At his best, Crookham is one of the best pound for pound wrestlers in the country.
Injuries derailed his last two seasons after a third place finish at the weight in 2024. He’s 11-1 the last two years but it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be in 2026-27. If he’s like his old form, Crookham is a definite NCAA title threat in a loaded weight class of young bucks.
3. Zan Fugitt, Wisconsin to Missouri (133/141 lbs.)
Fugitt was an All-American for Chris Bono and the Badgers in 2025. However, he missed the podium in March and elected to hit the portal to return closer to home for his final two years.
He’s been 133 his whole career but could go 141 as well. Brian Smith knows Fugitt is a welcome addition down low in the Tigers’ lineup as they bolster the lightweights. With Fugitt and another transfer on this list, Missouri looks pretty darn strong next … more at … https://www.on3.com/news/college-wrestling-ranking-the-top-10-transfer-additions-so-far/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Wolverines Add Zepeda from Transfer Portal with Four Years of Eligibility
By: Leah Howard
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan Ron Weiser Head Wrestling Coach Sean Bormet announced Thursday (April 30) the addition of transfer Daniel Zepeda to the Wolverine program. Zepeda, who spent his first collegiate season at North Carolina State, has four years of eligibility remaining and projects at 149 or 157 pounds.
“Daniel is exactly the kind of competitor we want at Michigan — tough, disciplined and still rising,” said Bormet. “He comes out of an outstanding high school program and one of the toughest wrestling landscapes in the country in California. He’s proven himself in elite competition and brings an exceptional mentality that fits our room. I know he and Moses [Mendoza] are thrilled to be together again, and we’re thrilled to have another incredible brother combo in our program.”
Zepeda posted a 9-1 record for the Wolfpack this past season, taking first place at the Reno Tournament of Champions and second at the Southern Scuffle — both at 157 pounds — before a knee injury prematurely ended his season. He earned bonus points in seven of his nine wins, including five falls.
A native of Gilroy, Calif., Zepeda was a three-time California state champion for Gilroy High School and head coach Daniel Cormier. He posted a career prep record of 149-7, including a perfect 52-0 record as a senior. In freestyle competition, Zepeda was a 2024 junior national champion at 144 pounds and a three-time Fargo All-American. … more at … https://mgoblue.com/news/2026/4/30/wrestling-wolverines-add-zepeda-from-transfer-portal-with-four-years-of-eligibility?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
2026 National Duals Invitational Field Released
Today, the National Duals Invitational announced that the field has been set for their 2026 tournament. Half the field had been public prior to the day’s announcement.
Arizona State, Little Rock, Maryland, NC State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers round out the field of 16. Iowa State, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Virginia Tech, and Wyoming had already declared their intentions to compete in the event.
The 2026 field features six of the top ten teams from the 2026 NCAA Championships (#2 Oklahoma State, #5 Ohio State, #6 Stanford, #8 Iowa State, #9 Minnesota, and #10 NC State). Virginia Tech (#11), Wyoming (#12), Arizona State (#13), and Missouri (#14) are other teams that finished in the top 15.
This will be the second straight year that the National Duals Invitational takes place. Ohio State defeated Iowa to win the inaugural title – along with a $200k prize. 1.2 million dollars will be awarded to teams in 2026.
The event is a 16-team dual tournament … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/2026-national-duals-invitational-field-released-r101013/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Transfer Portal Update (4/28/2026)
For most of the last week, our attention was focused on the US Open and all of the action in freestyle in Greco-Roman. With that tournament in the review mirror, we can turn our attention back to one of the underlying topics of the entire offseason, the transfer portal.
The portal is only open for the month of April (barring a coaching change), so we might get a late run on wrestlers entering within the next few days. There’s rumors of a couple notable wrestlers who intend on entering the portal, but we’ll wait until they’re actually in there.
While we were occupied with the Open, there were plenty of announcements – none of the Ryan Crookham/Meyer Shapiro level, but ones that will be useful to their new teams.
Maryland was a team that benefited significantly during the recent commitments. They’ve picked up definite starters in Nicolar Rivera (125) and Carson Thomas (184), along with potential starters in Latrell Schaefer (157) and Julian George (165).
There’s been a lot of movement amongst 184 lbers. … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/transfer-portal-update-4282026-r100986/
UNCPembroke’s Davis Named Super Region 2 Rookie Of The Year
By: Alex Pearce, Assistant Athletic Communications Director
NWCA Release
MANHEIM, PA. – 125 pounder Cooper Davis capped off his impressive redshirt-freshman season by being named the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division 2 Super Region II Rookie of the Year, the organization announced.
The Davidson native earned the honor after finishing his season 24-10 overall with 19 bonus point victories (Eight pins, ten technical falls, one major decision). Davis brought home a third-place finish at the NCAA Super Region II Tournament to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships, where he went 1-2 with a win via technical fall. Davis becomes the second UNCP wrestler … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2026/4/29/wrestling-davis-named-super-region-2-rookie-of-the-year.aspx
Michael Macchiavello Hired as Army Wrestling Associate Head Coach
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Army West Point Class of 1972 Head Men’s Wrestling Coach Troy Nickerson has announced the hiring of Michael Macchiavello as the program’s associate head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Macchiavello comes to West Point from the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Regional Training Center, where he spent three seasons working in conjunction with the Lehigh wrestling program.
“We are thrilled to add Michael to our coaching staff,” said Nickerson. “He provides a wealth of knowledge and is a great fit for our program. His name speaks for itself and his personality is infectious. This hire is a huge win for Army West Point wrestling.”
At the Lehigh Valley Wrestling RTC, Macchiavello trained, created and participated in the development of Lehigh’s student athletes. He trained with the team across individual practice sessions and built relationships to create a productive working environment for prospective student athletes. The Mountain Hawks won two EIWA championships with Macchiavello in the wrestling room, while producing four NCAA All-Americans.
Macchiavello also represented the RTC as an athlete in domestic and international competitions, making world wrestling and Olympic teams. As a wrestler, Macchiavello won two gold medals at the US Open … more at … https://goarmywestpoint.com/news/2026/5/1/michael-macchiavello-hired-as-wrestling-associate-head-coach?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
North Carolina University To Compete In 2026 National Duals Invitational
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The National Duals Invitational, a groundbreaking $1 million collegiate wrestling event sponsored by Paycom, has announced the 16-team field for the 2026 edition of the premier event.
Carolina, one of 16 teams announced for the event, will compete in the two-day event taking place Dec. 12-13 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla.
Defending National Duals Invitational champion Ohio State will be joined in the field by Arizona State, Arkansas-Little Rock, Iowa State, Minnesota, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Stanford, Virginia Tech and Wyoming. Together, the 16 programs represent some of the most storied traditions in collegiate wrestling, combining for 54 NCAA team titles and over 400 individual titles.
“Seeing this caliber of programs commit so quickly reinforces what we’re building in Tulsa,” said Matt Surber, tournament director. “The National Duals Invitational is bringing together some of the most historic programs to compete for significant prize money in the exciting duals format. We expect this tournament to continue elevating the sport of college wrestling.”
Topping $1,230,000, the 2026 prize purse will represent one of the most significant financial contributions in college wrestling. … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2026/5/12/wrestling-to-compete-in-2026-national-duals-invitational?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Carolina Beach Nationals return to Carolina Beach, N.C., May 9, the qualifier for U.S. age-group Beach World Teams
Apr 30, 2026, 4:58 PM EDT
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
The 2026 Beach Wrestling season has begun! Wrestlers of all ages are preparing for the 2026 Carolina Beach National Championships, which return to Carolina Beach, N.C., on Saturday, May 9.
The 2026 U.S. Nationals in Carolina Beach is the qualifier for the 2026 U17 and U20 U.S. Beach World Teams, and part of the qualifying process for the U.S. Senior Beach World Series teams.
For the first time since UWW began holding age-group Beach World Championships, the U17 and U20 Beach World Championships will be held in different locations. The 2026 U17 Beach Wrestling World Championships are set for August 28-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 2026 U20 Beach World Championships are set for September 25 in Katerini, Greece.
A U15 age group has been added to the Carolina Beach Nationals this year for both boys and girls. Although it is not a qualifying event, participants in this tournament will be highly encouraged to also attend the 2026 U15 Beach Wrestling Pan American Championships in Mexico City, Mexico, on July 26.
The 2026 UWW Senior Beach World Series will be held in five locations this year. The 2026 Carolina Beach Nationals is one of the qualifying events for U.S. teams competing in the Beach World Series. The Beach World Series stops in … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/april/30/carolina-beach-nationals-return-to-carolina-beach-n-c-may-9-the-qualifier-for-u-s-age-group-beach-world-teams?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
Takedown Report 