Early Look: Ohio State Wrestling Poised for Big 2025-26 Season with Loaded Lineup

The Ohio State Buckeyes are heading into the 2025-26 NCAA wrestling season with momentum and a stacked roster. Coming off a fifth-place finish at the 2025 NCAA Championships, the Buckeyes are bringing back a powerhouse core, including four All-Americans and a total of 13 national qualifiers.

In a rare move, head coach Tom Ryan dipped into the transfer portal to bolster his squad during the offseason. He brought in three high-level transfers: Ethan Stiles from Oregon State, Cody Chittum from Iowa State, and Dylan Fishback out of NC State.

“This was a first for us,” Ryan admitted. “We haven’t relied on the transfer portal before, but given the gaps we needed to fill, it was the fastest and most effective way to add the talent we needed. We had to act quickly to stay competitive.”

Ohio State enters the season with strong internal competition across several weight classes, notably at 125, 133, 157, 165, and 197 pounds. With so much depth, Ryan said some of his top athletes may even change weight classes based on how wrestle-offs shake out in the preseason. One of the most closely watched battles is unfolding at 133 pounds, where two-time NCAA qualifier Nic Bouzakis is competing with freshman phenom Ben Davino for the starting spot.

“We’ve got a solid lineup,” Ryan said. “Every one of these guys has the ability to get on the podium and compete for a national title. The key now is getting them mentally ready to perform their best when it counts—especially in Cleveland.”

Ryan also highlighted improvements in team resources, including expanded scholarship funding now that the NCAA’s 9.9 scholarship cap no longer applies.

“We’re in a great position right now,” Ryan added. “With the increase in scholarship availability, Ohio State has given us the flexibility to build more depth. That means we’re no longer stretched thin. Whether it’s the starter or the next guy up, we trust they can do the job. Every weight class has someone ready to compete at a high level.”

With strong returning talent, impactful transfers, and deeper resources than ever before, the Buckeyes are entering the new season as a legitimate national title contender. The road to Cleveland is shaping up to be an exciting one for Ohio State wrestling fans.

2025-26 Ohio State Wrestling Team Preview: Depth, Talent, and Big Expectations

Head Coach: Tom Ryan (20th year at the helm)
Assistant Coaches: J Jaggers, Bo Jordan, Logan Stieber
2025 NCAA Championships: Tied for 5th place
2025 NCAA Championships Record: 20 wins, 18 losses
Team Points at 2025 NCAA Championships: 51.5
Big Ten Tournament Finish: 6th
Dual Meet Record: 13-3 overall, 5-3 in conference

Returning Firepower
Ohio State returns a powerful core for the 2025-26 season, including 13 national qualifiers and four All-Americans: Jesse Mendez, Ethan Stiles, Carson Kharchla, and Nick Feldman. Mendez, a reigning national champion, leads a squad that’s loaded with postseason experience and new additions from the transfer portal.

Projected Lineup Breakdown

125 pounds: Brendan McCrone (JR) or Vinny Kilkeary (SO)
McCrone, a two-time NCAA qualifier with a 23-11 record last season, brings solid national-level experience. Kilkeary, who’s shown flashes of potential in limited action, will compete for the spot.
Coach Ryan says: “They’re very different stylistically. One dominates from the top; the other is more consistent on his feet. It’ll come down to style matchups and performance.”

133 pounds: Ben Davino (FR) or Nic Bouzakis (JR)
Davino, who had a standout 19-1 freshman campaign, holds an early edge after beating Bouzakis head-to-head. Bouzakis, however, is a two-time NCAA qualifier and made it to the Round of 12 last season.
Coach Ryan says: “Both could easily transfer and get big NIL offers, but they chose to stay. That says a lot. Whoever doesn’t win the spot will likely serve as backup at 133 and 141 before possibly moving up next year.”

141 pounds: Jesse Mendez (SR)
Mendez, coming off his second NCAA title, is chasing history. With another championship, he’ll become just the third Buckeye to win three national titles, joining Logan Stieber and Kyle Snyder.

149 pounds: Ethan Stiles (SO)
Now in his third program in three years, Stiles had a breakout year in 2025, finishing sixth at the NCAA Championships with Oregon State. He brings grit, top control, and scoring versatility.
Coach Ryan says: “Ethan’s proven himself early in his career. He’s tough, talented, and has the chance to grow with our program for the long haul.”

157 pounds: Brandon Cannon (SO) or Cody Chittum (JR)
This is a fluid situation. Cannon wrestled at the NCAAs last year but may be outgrowing the weight. Chittum, a two-time national qualifier, could step in or redshirt depending on how things develop.
Coach Ryan says: “Cannon is still growing, and Chittum has options. It depends on how big the guys get and what weight they can manage. We’ll monitor closely.”

165 pounds: Paddy Gallagher (SR), e’Then Birden (FR), or Brandon Cannon
Gallagher is the likely frontrunner thanks to his two national appearances. But if Cannon moves up in weight, the dynamic could shift.
Coach Ryan says: “One of them might drop back to 157 if we decide to redshirt Chittum. Flexibility will be key.”

174 pounds: Carson Kharchla (SR)
Kharchla is a three-time national qualifier and former All-American (7th in 2022). He could face internal competition from those who don’t win the wrestle-off at 165.
Coach Ryan says: “There’s always movement possible depending on how things shake out during wrestle-offs.”

184 pounds: Dylan Fishback (JR)
Fishback arrives via transfer from NC State, where he twice reached the Round of 12 at nationals. He replaces Rocco Welsh, who transferred to Penn State.
Coach Ryan says: “Losing Rocco hurt, no question. But we’re thrilled to bring Dylan back to Ohio. He’s athletic, motivated, and fits our culture.”

197 pounds: Seth Shumate (JR), Luke Geog (JR), or Ryder Rogotzke (JR)
A highly competitive weight class, all three contenders are NCAA qualifiers. Shumate wrestled at 197 in 2025, Geog at 197 in 2024, and Rogotzke is moving up from 184.
Coach Ryan says: “Rogotzke’s outgrown 184, and Shumate looks more comfortable at 197. All three are in the mix, and we’ll let the competition decide.”

285 pounds: Nick Feldman (JR)
Feldman was an NCAA semifinalist in 2024 and reached the Round of 12 in 2025. He’s a clear anchor for the Buckeyes at heavyweight and one of the most reliable big men in the country.

Season Outlook
With high-end returners, proven transfers, and several intense position battles, Ohio State looks deep and dangerous. They’ll aim to improve on last year’s NCAA finish and chase another team title—something they last captured in 2015. Coach Ryan enters his 20th season with one of his most talented and well-rounded squads in recent memory.