No. 24 UNC-Pembroke Too Much For Mount Olive
By: Alex Pearce, Assistant Athletic Communications Director
Story Links Box Score
MOUNT OLIVE – No. 24 UNC Pembroke won the first seven bouts of the dual, including five straight pins, to win 34-12 and pick up another Conference Carolinas dual win Thursday night inside Kornegay Arena. The Braves (13-4, 6-2 CC) moved to 6-0 all-time against the Trojans (5-6, 4-3 CC), including 4-0 in matchups at Mount Olive. The Black & Gold will be back in action January 17 as they host the 2nd Annual Braves Open. Wrestling action is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
#24 UNCP AT MOUNT OLIVE (W, 34-12)
Cooper Davis started the UNCP seven-match winning streak with a decision win at 125 pounds. Fifth-ranked Logan Robinson followed with another decision win in the 133-pound bout to give the Braves a 6-0 lead. … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2026/1/15/wrestling-too-much-for-mount-olive.aspx
And … https://uncpbraves.com/documents/2026/1/15/Wrestling_Box_Score___Mount_Olive_1-15-26.pdf
OSU Alumni Association inducting John W. Smith into the OSU Hall of Fame
STILLWATER, Okla. (Jan. 13, 2026) – John W. Smith of Stillwater, Oklahoma, is one of four honorees being inducted into the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame.
The OSU Alumni Association is hosting the induction ceremony Friday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Induction into the OSU Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the university upon an individual. It recognizes alumni and former students with outstanding lifetime achievements in society and professional life. Smith graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1988.
Over a six-year span that started while he was a student, Smith was the top wrestler in the world. As a competitor, he won six consecutive world championships from 1987-92, including gold medals at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
Smith accepted the head coaching position at OSU in 1992 and led his alma mater to five NCAA team titles in 1994, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, coaching 33 NCAA individual champions.
At the conference level, the Cowboys brought 21 team conference tournament championships, two Big 12 regular season titles and 132 individual conference titles back to Stillwater. He saw his wrestlers earn All-American recognition 153 times with an average of 4.6 All-Americans per year. Additionally, Smith coached a pair of Hodge Trophy recipients … more at … https://owrestle.com/osu-alumni-association-inducting-john-w-smith-into-the-osu-hall-of-fame/
Division I Cabinet adopts new transfer windows in several sports
Panel votes to add championships in acrobatics and tumbling, stunt, put flag football in Emerging Sports for Women program
The Division I Cabinet on Wednesday approved changes to the transfer windows in several sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s wrestling, men’s ice hockey, and men’s and women’s track and field. The changes to the notification-of-transfer windows were recommended by the respective sport oversight committees.
Basketball
At the recommendation of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Oversight Committees, the transfer windows in men’s and women’s basketball will open for a 15-day period the day after the championship game for the respective NCAA tournament. The changes are effective immediately.
When a head coaching change occurs, a 15-day period will open five days after the new head coach is hired or publicly announced. If a new head coach is not announced within 30 days of the previous head coach’s departure — and the 31st day after the head coach’s departure is after the championship game — a 15-day window will open. The additional head coach departure window is available only after the basketball transfer window opens through Jan. 2. In basketball, midyear transfers are not eligible to compete at a second school if they enrolled at an NCAA school during the first academic term, regardless of whether they competed there.
Men’s wrestling
In men’s wrestling, the transfer window will be 30 days, beginning April 1 each year. The previous window, which was 45 days, began after selections for the Division I Men’s Wrestling Championships.
Men’s ice hockey
In men’s ice hockey, the transfer window will be 15 days, starting the Monday after the final of the Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. When a head coaching change occurs, … more at … https://www.ncaa.org/news/2026/1/14/media-center-division-i-cabinet-adopts-new-transfer-windows-in-several-sports.aspx
Seven Champions Crowned at the 2026 NWCA/USMC National Duals
Cedar Falls, IA – As the dust settled inside the UNI-Dome following 261 contested duals at the 2026 NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships, seven team champions were crowned, capping two intense days of competition. Title runs by North Central (NCAA Women) and Roanoke (NCAA Division III Men) highlighted the weekend with dramatic upsets, while championship performances across all divisions underscored the depth of collegiate wrestling.
The 2026 national champions included Grand View (NAIA Men), Life (NAIA Women), Northern Iowa (NCAA DI Men), Central Oklahoma (NCAA DII Men), Roanoke (NCAA DIII Men), North Central (NCAA Women), and Wartburg (NCAA DIII Women). … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/1/10/national-wrestling-coaches-association-seven-champions-crowned-at-the-2026-nwca-usmc-national-duals.aspx
What to know about the Bill Dies, Top Gun and Maumee Bay tournaments
The busiest weekend in January for high school wrestling is just a few hours away.
The Bill Dies Memorial Tournament, Top Gun and Maumee Bay Classic all take place this weekend.
Here’s what to know from each tournament:
Bill Dies Memorial Tournament
Where: Firestone High SchoolNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
When: 4 p.m. Friday – two championship and consolation rounds; Saturday – quarterfinals, 9 a.m; finals, 2 p.m.
Teams: Barberton, Brunswick, Brush, McKinley, Chippewa, Conneaut, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Dalton, Firestone, Garaway, Garfield, GlenOak, Green, Grove City, Archbishop Hoban, John Glenn, … more at … https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2026/01/15/ohio-high-school-wrestling-bill-dies-maumee-bay-top-gun-tournament-schedule/88090715007/
Southern Virginia University Men’s Wrestling Shine on Senior Night With Dual Win Over Randolph
Buena Vista, VA – The Southern Virginia University men’s wrestling team put together a dominant Senior Night performance, rolling past Randolph College 39–15 in Knight Arena.
Before the dual, the Knights honored seniors Porter Kinne and Lincoln Trapp, recognizing their leadership through the years and academic excellence as members of the ODAC All-Academic Team.
Southern Virginia jumped out to an early advantage as Jaton Wellington and Talon Whicker both earned wins by forfeit, giving the Knights quick momentum. Senior Porter Kinne followed with a gritty performance at 141 pounds, escaping late and applying constant pressure to secure an 8–6 decision in front of the home crowd, pushing the Knights ahead 15–0.
Randolph responded with wins at 149, 157, and 165 pounds. Adon Overstreet picked up a fall at 149, Matthew Garland earned a pin over Kyler North at 157, and Theodore Piluso claimed a 7–0 decision at 165 despite a hard-fought effort from Wyatt Kinne. The Knights regained control of the dual when Tanner Giatras earned a forfeit win at 174, setting the stage for a dominant run in the upper weights.
At 184 pounds, Harrison Hoopes delivered a quick pin in under a minute, igniting the crowd. Tradyn Henderson continued his impressive season at 197, securing a first-period pin to improve to 6–1 on the year. Marc Richardson concluded the team victory at heavyweight, earning his third straight win with a second-period pin at 285 bringing the crowd to their feet. Southern Virginia also showcased depth … more at … https://knightathletics.com/news/2026/1/14/southern-virginia-university-mens-wrestling-shine-on-senior-night-with-dual-win-over-randolph.aspx
Belmont-Abbey Earns Third Straight Conference Win with Victory over Ferrum
BELMONT, N.C. — Caleb Moore and Kyle Simpson each earned a pin and four other Belmont Abbey wrestlers won by tech fall as the Crusaders defeated Ferrum 38-12 Wednesday evening at the Wheeler Center.
After falling behind early in the opening bout at 157, the Crusaders rallied starting with Austin Marry getting the Crusaders on the board at 165. Christian Arrington followed that with a win by tech fall at 174 followed a 6-0 decision by Kyler Pickard (184) and capped with a pin from Moore in just 14 seconds.
After the Panthers won by pin in the next bout, Simpson (125) answered with a pin of his own in 1:48. The Crusaders concluded the match with tech fall wins from Elijah Carrington (133), Luke Kunath (141) and Skyler Caban (149). With Wednesday’s results, Belmont Abbey improves to 6-4 …. more at … https://abbeyathletics.com/news/2026/1/14/wrestling-abbey-earns-third-straight-conference-win-with-victory-over-ferrum.aspx
Penn State vs Iowa Wrestling Dual Preview & Prediction
A full preview with predictions for the upcoming wrestling dual between Penn State and Iowa.
#4 Iowa will welcome #1 Penn State to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday night in the most highly anticipated dual of the weekend. Wrestling starts at 7:00 pm (ET) on the Big Ten Network, but before the action goes down, check out a full preview for this rivalry dual in the article below.
Probable lineups:
125: #2 Luke Lilledahl, Penn State vs #7 Dean Peterson, Iowa
133: #6 Marcus Blaze, Penn State vs #11 Drake Ayala, Iowa
141: #8 Braeden Davis, Penn State vs #15 Nasir Bailey, Iowa
149: #1 Shayne Van Ness, Penn State vs #10 Ryder Block, Iowa
157: #2 PJ Duke Penn, State vs #11 Jordan Williams, Iowa
165: #1 Mitchell Mesenbrink, Penn State vs #3 Michael Caliendo, Iowa
174: #1 Levi Haines Penn, State vs #3 Patrick Kennedy, Iowa
184: #4 Rocco Welsh, Penn State vs #1 Angelo Ferrari, Iowa
197: #1 Josh Barr, Penn State vs Harvey Ludington/Gabe Arnold/Brody Sampson
285: #12 Cole Mirasola, Penn State vs #5 Ben Kueter, Iowa
125: #2 Luke Lilledahl, Penn State vs #7 Dean Peterson, Iowa
Lilledahl and Peterson will meet for the second time in their college careers on Friday night. Peterson won their meeting last year in a one takedown, 4-1 decision. I expect a similar close match in this meeting and would be surprised if we see either wrestler light up the scoreboard.
Both wrestlers have had similar seasons, with Lilledahl boasting a 9-1 record and Peterson with a 7-1 record. Lilledahl’s lone loss was to his teammate Nate Desmond, but he boasts ranked wins over #32 Ayden Smith, #13 Nico Provo, #19 Ezekiel Witt, and #27 Conrad Hendriksen. Peterson suffered a loss to #5 Nic Bouzakis at the National Duals Inviational but holds ranked wins over #15 Spencer Moore, #8 Troy Spratley, #27 Tyler Chappell, #25 Cooper Flynn, and #30 Bridger Ricks. Though Peterson won the last match, we haven’t seen him wrestle in over a month. Is Peterson healthy? Will there be any mat rust? Because of those questions, I give a slight edge to Lilledahl in their meeting on Friday.
Prediction: Lilledahl wins by decision
Team score prediction: Penn State 3, Iowa 0 … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/15179310-penn-state-vs-iowa-wrestling-dual-preview-prediction
NCAA DI Rankings Updated (1/13/2026)
We mentioned yesterday in our recap, that this was unexpectedly a great weekend of wrestling. What ensued were lots of high-profile changes in the rankings. Here’s a weight-by-weight look at some of the more notable changes: Surprisingly, 125 lbs was a weight where there were very few changes this week. Typically, this weight is full of chaos, but it was relatively normal for a week. Drexel’s Desmond Pleasant makes his debut after a 4-0 weekend at the National Duals and two ranked wins.
Ryan Crookham returns and slots in at #5. Based on his past body of work, it could be higher; however, he had been away for over a year and hasn’t had any massive wins over the weekend. We decided to rank Jax Forrest for Oklahoma State. Ultimately, I think that’s where David Taylor will turn. #15 is conservative. We know his results on the freestyle scene domestically and abroad. Let’s see it on the collegiate mat. His only win thus far is over a non-starter. Inserting those two bumps almost everyone down a spot or two, so that’s why the rest of the weight might look wonky and guys may drop despite winning.
Luke Stanich and Braeden Davis have been inserted here. Stanich gets a higher ranking initially because of his win over a top ten opponent in his debut. Davis has slightly more of a body of work this year, but no wins of the caliber of Stanich, yet.
With Kaleb Larkin moving up to 157 and more upsets this week, we basically started from scratch at 149. Caleb Tyus is the big beneficiary. He’s officially unbeaten and has wins over Ethan Stiles and Casey Swiderski, so he slides into that #3 slot. It looks like Virginia Tech will be going with Collin Gaj at 149 and Ethen Miller at 157. Remember, only four of Gaj’s seven losses have come at 149 lbs.
We have a new #1. It’s probably could have been either Brandon Cannon or Kaleb Larkin, but we went with Cannon. He is still officially undefeated and all of his wins have included bonus points – even one over returning champion Antrell Taylor. Larkin starts off his time at 157 with wins over the previous #1 and #3. PJ Duke doesn’t necessarily have the high-caliber wins like Cannon/Larkin, but is lurking at #3.
There’s always a question about how we handle injury defaults. The answer is on a case-by-case basis, with more of a lean towards ignoring the result. That was the case with Charlie Millard’s win over Kannon Webster. It was actually quite a scary situation as Webster appeared to be knocked out on his feet.
Ethen Miller reappears at #16 after his win over Dylan Evans. That area is consistent with his prior work at this weight. Kai Owen makes his debut in the 157 lb rankings after pinning DJ McGee.
There wasn’t much work needed at 165 lbs. There was some shuffling after Brock Woodcock’s win over Ryan Burgos and a loss from Cesar Alvan at the F&M Open. With his win in the Bedlam dual over CKLV champion Carter Shubert, Alex Facundo moves into the top ten. His only losses this year have come to opponents in the top six and he’s generally wrestled a tough schedule. Garrett Thompson is reinserted after his perfect weekend at the National Duals. … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/ncaa-di-rankings-updated-1132026-r100754/
Lehigh surges into Top 10; Forrest makes collegiate debut for OSU
NEWTON, Iowa — As programs nationwide brace for the start of their respective conference dual-meet slates, WIN has an updated batch of Tournament Power Index (TPI) rankings, Top-20 dual-meet teams and individual rankings.
Ohio State (96.5) reclaimed the No. 2 slot in this week’s updated TPI, sliding ahead of Iowa State (94) and Iowa (86.5), while Oklahoma State (77.5) added eight points to its total count to maintain its grasp on the No. 5 slot. Penn State remains No. 1 with 138.5 TPI points.
Lehigh made a surge into the Top 10 of the TPI after welcoming back past All-Americans Ryan Crookham and Luke Stanich over the weekend. WIN’s TPI projects where programs could finish at the 2026 NCAA Division I Championships, which will be held March 19-21 in Cleveland.
The following is a breakdown of those individual TPI points per ranking: 20 for 1st, 16 for 2nd, 13.5 for 3rd, 12.5 for 4th, 10 for 5th, 9 for 6th, 6.5 for 7th and 5.5 for 8th. Wrestlers ranked 9-12 earn two points each, followed by one and a half points for wrestlers ranked 13-16 and one point for those ranked 17-20.
Penn State features five top-ranked wrestlers with Nittany Lions Shayne Van Ness (149), PJ Duke (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165), Levi Haines (174) and Josh Barr (197) headlining their respective weight classes. Also ranked No. 1 are three defending national champions in Vincent Robinson of NC State (125), Lucas Byrd of Illinois (133), and Jesse Mendez … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2026/01/13/lehigh-surges-into-top-10-forrest-makes-collegiate-debut-for-osu/
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 