It's here!  The biggest early test for many teams has arrived with the CKLV.  I'll give you the pre-seeds, the bracket breakdown, my predictions and more!  Let's get rollin'.

125
1. #2-Nahshon Garrett, Cornell
2. #4-Joey Dance, Virginia Tech
3. #6-Dylan Peters, Northern Iowa
4. #8-Josh Martinez, Air Force
5. #7-David Terao, American
6. #11-Nathan Tomasello, Ohio State
7. #15-Josh Rodriguez, North Dakota State
8. #10-Tim Lambert, Nebraska
9. #17-Paul Petrov, Bucknell
10. #16-Sam Brancale, Minnesota
11. #20-Zeke Moisey, West Virginia

Right out the gate we’ve got a CRAZY field at 125 pounds. The 1/4s alone are going to be borderline mindblowing.

Top Side: Nahshon Garrett enters as the #2 guy in the country, and despite the loaded field, he’s the man to beat and I don’t see anyone making it close either. Nahshon is the most complete wrestler here. Nobody can hang with him on his feet and he’s probably the best mat wrestler here. Nahshon takes it. He’ll have to go through both Tim Lambert and Josh Martinez to make the finals. Don’t see him struggling or being slowed at any point.

Bottom Side: The juice is in the bottom half of the bracket where Dance, Peters, Tomasello all should be slated. We will likely have a quarterfinal matchup between Peters and Tomasello. I love the matchup for Tomasello. I just don’t see the path to victory here for Peters. He’s more/less indifferent from the top position, and we’ve seen Nathan pick him apart from neutral before. It’s two bulls butting heads, but one has elite leg attacks. Nathan by a couple. That will set up a rematch for Tomasello v. Dance. There’s a few ways to look at this one: Nathan did everything but win the match at the Dual a few weeks ago. However, Dance found a way. Do you see Dance getting another turn? I do not. Do you see Tomasello getting multiple TD’s again? I do. The question for Joey is will he get to the legs more than once? He had the one opportunity and seized it, but can he do it multiple times against a revenge-minded Tomasello? I don’t think so. It’s tough to pick against Joey, but I think Tomasello gets it done here, setting up a Nahshon v. Tomasello final!

Wrestlebacks: I like Joey to find a way to get third over Peters, though I view that match as a relative toss-up. Martinez has dominated Terao traditionally, so I see that trend continuing. It is of note that Terao beat Dance last year (albeit early). Keep that in mind when they may potentially hit in the wrestle backs. Terao is a tricky matchup for most.

Finals: Tomasello hasn’t felt the kind of heat from top like he’s going to feel from Nahshon. In your face hammers (i.e. Nico) haven’t been a real problem for Nahshon before. I think Nathan’s forward pressure works against him and Nahshon finds his way to a few TD’s. I like Nahshon by a few over the impressive Tomasello.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Nahshon Garrett-Cornell
2. Nathan Tomasello-Ohio State
3. Joey Dance-VT
4. Dylan Peters-UNI
5. Josh Martinez-Air Force
6. David Terao-American

133
1. #2-Chris Dardanes, Minnesota
2. #6-Johnni DiJulius, Ohio State
3. #9-Rossi Bruno, Michigan
4. #13-George DiCamillo, Virginia
5. #11-Earl Hall, Iowa State
6. Josh Terao, American
7. Kevin Norstrem, Virginia Tech
8. #18-Levi Wolfensperger, Northern Iowa

Back down at the weight probably best suited for himself, Chris Dardanes is looking to make a statement here at 133. Head and shoulders above the field in terms of credentials, Dardanes is looking to erase the sting of last years NCAA disappointment.

Top Side: Dardanes cruises to the semi’s where he will await the winner of George DiCamillo v. Earl Hall. From an arsenal perspective Hall has it all over George. However, if DiCamillo can get in close, tie up the wrists and make this match about pace, I think DiCamillo can get the win. Don’t be surprised to see Hall jump out early, but George crawl back to a win late. Dardanes should have little issues dispelling of either winner. As good of a hand-fighter DiCamillo is, Dardanes is better. HIs physicality, pace and attacks will lead him to a decision over George.

Bottom Side: Last year Johnni DiJulius had an amazing Vegas run beating Colon and Brewer. I think he matches up well in his quarter and semi against Norstrem and Terao in the semi’s. So yes, I like Terao to pull the upset in the 1/4s against Bruno. If Bruno should win it sets up an interesting JDJ/Bruno semi with Rossi having the most recent win over Johnni in their dual (The two split last year). The safe pick to make it to the finals is Johnni out of the bottom, but he is prone to big swings and upsets. I’m not sure what to think but I’m going JDJ to hit the finals.

Wrestlebacks: I like DiCamillo to wrestle back for 3rd here. Not a great feeling about it as I think Bruno, Hall, DiCam and Terao are all very close.

Finals: I think there’s strong evidence this match will be all Dardanes. JDJ wants to get in close, edge Dardanes. JDJ is comfortable being in your front headlock, edge Dardanes. I think when Johnni ends up underneath he feels a whole different world than he’s been feeling this year. I see Dardanes finding a way to the angle and scoring. You always worry about Dardanes underneath, but at worst JDJ gets the rideout, I don’t see a turn. Dardanes is superior enough on his feet to overcome that.

CP’s Predictions
1. Chris Dardanes-Minnesota
2. Johnni DiJulius-Ohio State
3. George DiCamillo-UVA
4. Earl Hall-ISU
5. Josh Terao-American
6. Rossi Bruno-MIchigan

141
1. #1-Logan Stieber, Ohio State
2. #3-Devin Carter, Virginia Tech
3. #4-Nick Dardanes, Minnesota
4. #8-Joe Spisak, Virginia
5. #10-Mark Grey, Cornell
6. #11-Todd Preston, Harvard
7. #13-Anthony Abidin, Nebraska
8. #14-Anthony Ashnault, Rutgers
9. #15-Jamel Hudson, Hofstra
10. #16-Sam Speno, North Carolina State
11. Mitch Bengtson, North Dakota State

Maybe the most anticipated weight of the tournament? A potential NCAA finals rematch? Young talent throughout. Yeah, this will be a good one.

Top Side: A quarter I really want to see is Logan Stieber v. Anthony Ashnault. What a great measuring stick for the Jersey Hammer. It’s Logan all day there, but the idea of AA making it interesting is intriguing. Mark Grey v. Joe Spisak will be entertaining as well. Having watched both a fair amount this year, I think Spisak is competing at a higher level right now. Grey is coming off a loss to Mike Morales as well as a close call against Sam Speno at Northeast Duals. I like Spisak to take it in a funky, scrambly fashion. That sets up Spisak v. Stieber in the semi’s. Last time around it was a 1st period pin for Logan. Probably won’t be too different here. Logie by smash.

Bottom Side: I don’t see anyone preventing the Carter v. Dardanes semi (now if Ashnault somehow wound up on the bottom…). Carter should handle Abidin or Hudson whoever emerges into that quarter. I like Dardanes over Preston as well. In this semi between Carter and Dardanes it will be an absolute brawl between two ferocious hand fighters. Devin may not have the top game to exploit Dardanes bottom weaknesses, but I think he’ll be able to manage a few takedowns. I really don’t have the best feeling on how this one will play out. Carters upright stance could lead to some easy attacks for Dardanes and his double. It’s really an interesting matchup. I’ll take Carter by 1.

Wrestlebacks: I’ve made no secret I’m crazy high on Ashnault this year. I think he has the potential to place high right away. I love his neutral game, his hustle and how he carries himself. I think he’s got a shot at pushing Dardanes. I’m feeling ambitious and am going to say Ashnault wrestles back for 3rd. Completely ready to look like a moron here.

Finals: In a rematch of the NCAA Finals we’ll see Stieber take on Carter once again. It’s just not a great matchup for Carter. I think he puts up a better fight being completely healthy, but from all 3 positions Stieber has proven to be superior. Logan takes this one comfortably.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Logan Stieber-Ohio State
2. Devin Carter-VT
3. Anthony Ashnault-Rutgers
4. Nick Dardanes-Minnesota
5. Joe Spisak-UVA
6. Mark Grey-Cornell


149
1. #6-Chris Villalonga, Cornell
2. #10-Sal Mastriani, Virginia Tech
3. #17-Cody Ruggirello, Hofstra
4. #18-Ken Theobold, Rutgers
5. #19-Gabe Moreno, Iowa State

There’s a TON of talent left out of the pre-seeds: Jake Short, Alec Pantaleo, Justin Arthur, Randy Languis and Chris Castillo are all high quality guys. Shoot, if Jake Short is on the bottom side he may have a shot at the finals. Bracketing/seeding are huge in this weight where we are lacking the proven talent.

As far as a top side/bottom side breakdown goes, it’s tough. So I’m just going to give my rundown of the best 6 guys and the things to watch out for. Despite a disappointing NCAA’s Chris Villalonga had a fine season last year. Wins over Maple, Sakaguchi, Minotti and Sueflohn there’s little question that he’s the most accomplished in this field. I like Villalonga to roll here. The battle for 2nd will come down to a few guys. I like Mastriani a lot, but Jake Short is an interesting prospect as well. Both guys are brawlers with good d, but can struggle offensively to get attacks off. Short gave Kindig a good run, if he’s on the bottom side there’s a good chance he can make the finals. If not, it looks like Mastriani’s spot to lose. Alec Pantaleo is a real darkhorse here. I like his game and am excited to see what he can do. I’ll say this, from the 2 seed on, there are no real “upsets” regardless of the result. It’s about 10 different guys who are all on a similar level in my opinion.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Chris Villalonga-Cornell
2. Jake Short-Minnesota
3. Sal Mastriani-VT
4. Justin Arthur-Nebraska
5. Cody Rugirello-Hofstra
6. Alec Pantaleo-Michigan

157
1. #1-Dylan Ness, Minnesota
2. #2-James Green, Nebraska
3. #4-Brian Realbuto, Cornell (Not wrestling)
4. #5-Nick Brascetta, Virginia Tech(Not wrestling)
5. #8-Anthony Perrotti, Rutgers
6. #9-Brian Murphy, Michigan
7. #12-Markus Schieidel, Columbia
8. #20-Justin Staudenmayer, Brown

Despite being in the pre-seeds we won’t be seeing Brascetta or Realbuto here. Too bad, but at least we have all but guaranteed the Ness v. Green final, right? #SilverLining

Top Side: Though I sound presumptuous about Ness and Green making the final, we mustn’t forget Brian Murphy. Him being on the top side has to make the Gopher faithful just a little nervous. Murphy upset Ness last year in their dual meet. The fact is Ness is a guy who is prone to lapses occasionally. That was one of those matches. I think he is able to hold it down against a scrappy Murphy. I like Ness to breeze to the finals despite the tough matchup with Murphy.

Bottom Side: There’s no secret about it, James Green is one of my favorites in the game today. I’ve loved watching him for years. I’m a fan, what can I say? I’d love to see the All-Jersey semi between he and Perrotti from Rutgers. Perrotti is a brawler through and through, but I don’t know if he can keep Green at bay for 7 minutes. I like Green by a few against Perrotti.

Wrestlebacks: Perrotti, despite coming off a loss to DeAngelis looks like the best shot at 3rd place of this field. While I’ve always been high on Schiedel, I haven’t seen the development I’d hoped for at this point. Murphy is always a factor, but will he have the offense when he needs it? He is so counter-reliant that it’s hard to predict that outcome. That being said, I like Murphy and am going to call the ever-so-slight upset of him knocking off Perrotti for 3rd.

Finals: The most anticipated rubber-match of the year? I think so. Green had his way at Big 10’s, but Ness had the answer with his iconic fall over Green in the quarters last year. In my pound for pound rankings, I’ve let you know where I stand. Give me Green to get the TD’s avoid the dangerous situations and win by a few. The Ness big move will loom over this match until the final seconds run out. This could be the biggest treat of the tournament to watch.

CP’s Predictions:
1. James Green-Nebraska
2. Dylan Ness-Minnesota
3. Brian Murphy-Michigan
4. Anthony Perrotti-Rutgers
5. Marcus Schiedel-Columbia
6. Justin Staudenmeyer-Brown

165
1. #2-Nick Sulzer, Virginia
2. #3-Michael Moreno, Iowa State
3. #4-Dylan Palacio, Cornell (not wrestling)
4. #9-Taylor Walsh, Indiana
5. #8-Taylor Massa, Michigan
6. #13-Cooper Moore, Northern Iowa
7. #17-Nick Wanzek, Minnesota
8. #14-Jesse Stafford, Air Force
9. #15-Austin Wilson, Nebraska

Much like 157, despite being listed in the pre-seeds we won’t be seeing Dylan Palacio here. Regardless this is a very tough and deep field that seems to be on a collision course for the same final we had a year ago.

Top Side: Sulzer should have no trouble making the semi’s over Austin Wilson or someone of that nature. The quarter to watch out for is Taylor Massa v. Cooper Moore. I like Massa a lot this year and think he finds a way here against Cooper to set up a very intriguing semi between Taylor Massa and Nick Sulzer. Both of these guys rely on tremendous physical strength in their wrestling. Massa is great out of upper body ties, short offense and countering attacks. Many of his leg attacks are high-level where his knees don’t even hit the mat. Those are great if you can get in deep on them. I’m not sure Massa will be able to. Sulzer has a great single leg as well as a left side high crotch. I am often concerned with how horse-power reliant some of his finishes appear to be as well as how low his head can be on these attacks. I wonder if Massa may punish those attacks and turn them into his own points. I’m sticking with what I believe to be a slightly more proven commodity in Sulzer. I see him getting out on bottom and getting the takedown necessary for the win.

Bottom Side: The potential quarter between Nick Wanzek and Taylor Walsh should excite fans from all over. We get to see what we REALLY have with Nick Wanzek, and Taylor Walsh always makes things interesting with his ability to pin from just about everywhere. I’m going with Walsh here, but I must admit, what i’ve seen over Wanzek so far, I’ve really liked. Upset potential looming here. I don’t see anyone stopping Moreno here, however. I came away thoroughly impressed by his performance against Nick Moore. I think he cruises to the finals over Taylor Walsh (though you have to respect the homerun threat Walsh brings).

Wrestlebacks: The loser of the Massa/Sulzer semi takes third here. I think that will be Massa. We will likely have a battle of the Taylor’s for 3rd as I think Walsh finds a way to the consolation finals as well. I think Massa will be too much from a strength perspective against Walsh. I look for physical domination here in a fairly close match, if that makes sense? Keep an eye on Nick Wanzek and Cooper Moore. If anyone is going to crash the consolation finals party, it’s probably them.

Finals: We’ve seen Nick Sulzer and Mike Moreno tangle before, and I don’t see much of a reason to predict a different outcome. Sulzer is just a touch better on his feet, and that’s the difference here. I see him getting in and finishing shots. Moreno could get in, but I see him struggling to get the finish.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Nick Sulzer-UVA
2. Mike Moreno-ISU
3. Taylor Massa-Michigan
4. Taylor Walsh-Indiana
5. Nick Wanzek-Minnesota
6. Cooper Moore-UNI

174
1. #1-Logan Storley, Minnesota
2. #2-Robert Kokesh, Nebraska
3. #6-Tanner Weatherman, Iowa State
4. #12-Bryce Hammond, CSU Bakersfield
5. #7-Blaise Butler, Virginia
6. #8-Zach Epperly, Virginia Tech
7. #14-Mark Martin, Ohio State
8. #18-Davonte Mahomes, Michigan
9. Duke Pickett, Cornell
10. #10-Kurtis Julson, North Dakota State
11. Pete Renda, North Carolina State
12. #16-Nate Jackson, Indiana
13. #20-Ray Waters, Arizona State

NCAA Finals preview? Very possibly. Apart from the Storley/Kokesh dynamic there’s a lot of storylines to consider in this field.

Top Side: Storley could be matched against Mahomes in what I think will be an exciting but potentially lopsided win for Storley if Mahomes struggles from underneath. Storley will tilt you up in a minute. Hammond v. Butler could be a great quarter but the trajectories of these guys are going in different directions in my opinion. I truly feel Butler is the favorite, though he’s been prone to down performances as well. That sets up a Storley v. Butler semi, and I like Storley to take that one without much issue.

Bottom Side; Epperly v. Weatherman will be a great quarter if we get it. Weatherman is more offensive and aggressive but Epperly has already shown a great ability to manage the match and wrestle his pace. I can see Weatherman making a key mistake and losing it to the stingy Epperly. Weatherman could have better wins, but Epperly is more consistent (albeit over a shorter period of time). I’m taking Epperly close in a toss up. Storley is going to roll to the finals no matter who is in his path. I think he beats Martin and Epperly with no issues.

Wrestlebacks: I think Epperly and Butler are the two best. Maybe I’m selling Hammond and Weatherman a bit short. Who knows. There could be a variety of combinations for the 3-6 spots that should surprise nobody.

Finals: Storley has had Kokesh’s number for the most part. In this 174 class Kokesh may be the most consistent, but getting over the hump with Storley has been tough for Robert to do. Kokesh a little more offensive with more frequent leg attacks, but the hips of Storley (maybe some of the best in the game?) find a way to play a factor typically. I like Kokesh more, but the mounting evidence and wins in Storley’s favor cause me to go against what my eyes say. Storley takes it.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Logan Storley-Minnesota
2. Robert Kokesh-Nebraska
3. Blaise Butler-UVA
4. Zach Epperly-VT
5. Tanner Weatherman-ISU
6. Bryce Hammond-CSU Bakersfield


184
1. #1-Gabe Dean, Cornell
2. #8-Kenny Courts, Ohio State
3. #9-Blake Stauffer, Arizona State
4. #10-Taylor Meeks, Oregon State
5. #7-Dominic Abounader, Michigan
6. #20-Ophir Bertnstein, Brown
7. #13-Hayden Zillmer, North Dakota State
8. #15-Brent Pfarr, Minnesota
9. #14-T.J. Dudley, Nebraska
10. #16-Lelund Weatherspoon, Iowa State

Is this one the race for second? It’s possible However, there are some absolute hammers here that can’t be discounted.

Top Side: Gabe Dean will have Brett Pfarr or TJ Dudley in the quarters. I’m guessing Pfarr. It is of note that Pfarr knocked off Dean at FILA Jrs. I’m not getting too wrapped up in that, however. All Dean there and I like him over the winner of Abounader v. Meeks in what will be a VERY interesting quarter. I’ll go Meeks and I think his size and defense could make him a real challenge. The caveat is that Dean could wear him out and it could get ugly. I just don’t know what we have in Taylor Meeks yet.

Bottom Side: Blake Stauffer should beat the struggling Ophir Bernstein to land in the semi’s where he’ll likely face Kenny Courts. Both of these guys are real talents with real consistency issues. I think Courts has a bit more offense, so I’ll go with him. Cautiously.

Wrestlebacks: I love Abounader a ton. Maybe I sold him short in his match with Meeks. I see guys like Pfarr, Meeks, Stauffer and Abounader all separated by a very small margin. It’s possible I”m selling Stauffer a bit short in all of this as well.

Finals: Dean’s toughest match will be his semi-final. I feel very strongly about that. Gabe Dean rolls over Courts who will 100% struggle to keep up with Dean’s pace.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Gabe Dean-Cornell
2. Kenny Courts-Ohio State
3. Blake Stauffer-Arizona State
4. Taylor Meeks-Oregon State
5. Domenic Abounader-Michigan
6. Brett Pfarr-Minnesota

197
1. #1-Scott Schiller, Minnesota
2. #3-Kyven Gadson, Iowa State
3. #7-Kyle Snyder, Ohio State
4. #14-Max Huntley, Michigan
5. #20-Jace Bennett, Cornell
6. Luke Sheridan, Indiana
7. #18-James Fox, Harvard
8. Bryce Barnes, Army

The Big 3, the good #4 and we fall off a cliff in my opinion. To the top side!

Top Side: Schiller will roll to the semis where he will likely tangle with Max Huntley. Huntley has been solid all year and could keep it close, but Schiller has too much Offense. He gets it done without much issue.

Bottom Side: Maybe the juiciest semi-final of them all! You guys know I’m all in on Kyle Snyder this year. Well here’s his shot. I know he didn’t look great against Jared Haught, but he found a way to get it done. I think he really has a shot against Kyven Gadson in this semi. He doesn’t have that early quick strike ability. So if Gadson wants to take it, he needs to score early and not be satisfied with hand fighting the entire first period like he was with Iowa’s backup. I think it’s a 1 TD match that belongs to Snyder.

Wrestlebacks: I don’t know who stops the loser of Snyder/Gadson from getting third. Since I’m going Snyder in that semi, I’m going Gadson to get third. Huntley is an easy call at 4th as well I believe.

Finals: I don’t really feel great about this one either, but when you’re in Vegas, you gamble. I’m going Snyder with the upset. This one will be won on their feet. I don’t see either having a mat advantage here. I think Snyder gets in deep and finishes on a takedown. He doesn’t give Schiller those re-attack opportunities he loves so much, and that could be the difference. It will be some very high level wrestling and hand fighting here.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Kyle Snyder-Ohio State
2. Scott Schiller-Minnesota
3. Kyven Gadson-ISU
4. Max Huntley-Michigan
5. Jared Haught-VT
6. James Fox-Harvard


HWT
1. #2-Nick Gwiazdowski, North Carolina State
2. #4-Adam Coon, Michigan
3. #9-Billy Smith, Rutgers
4. #12-Ty Walz, Virginia Tech
5. Evan Knutson, North Dakota State
6. #13-Nick Tavanello, Ohio State
7. #10-Adam Fager, Utah Valley
8. #18-Collin Jensen, Nebraska
9. #17-Blaize Cabell, Northern Iowa
10. #15-Joe Stolfi, Bucknell
11. #19-Michael Kroells, Minnesota

All eyes on the rematch here! Not a bad field beneath the two big dogs either!

Top Side: I think we will have an all ACC semi between Gwiazdowski and Walz. Let’s not waste anybodys time. Gwiaz all day here. Too much offense.

Bottom Side: Adam Coon should roll to the finals as well, but he could potentially meet up with one of the last guys to beat him: Nick Tavanello of Ohio State. I’d love to catch that rematch. I’m excited to see Coon again. Who knows what was up with him at NCAA’s but the kid is unreal. I like him to beat Fager, then Billy Smith of Rutgers (if he’s healthy) in the semi’s.

Wrestlebacks: Lots of tough kids here. Fager may be the most talented of the bunch, but consistency has been an issue. Walz has looked good but struggles to score at a consistent clip. Stolfi has lots of offense but can have some weird, weird results at times. From 3 on this is a very balanced crew much like what we saw from 3 on at 174. I’ll take Walz for 3rd, but I don’t feel great about it.

Finals: We saw it last year in the quarters here I belive. Gwiazdowski v. Coon with Coon taking it late. I didn’t think Gwiaz looked Gwiaz-ish at the All Star. He looked a little flatter than I was used to seeing him. I think he finds a way to get to the legs and finish here. He was scoring at a high clip last week at NE duals. I love both guys a ton, and find them both to be relatively indistinguishable. I think Gwiaz will have learned from his loss, will have a better approach this time around and takes Coon down. Here’s hoping this one is as exciting as the Coon v. Felix final from a year ago.

CP”s Predictions:
1. Nick Gwiazdowki-NC State
2. Adam Coon-Michigan
3. Ty Walz-VT
4. Adam Fager-Utah Valley
5. Joe Stolfi-Bucknell
6. Blaize Cabell-UNI


Team Race: Minnesota is never really pushed here. The big contenders HAVE to be 100% to challenge them and Cornell and Ohio State simply aren’t. The battle for 2nd will be very close coming down to TOSU, Michigan and VT

CP’s Predictions:
1. Minnesota
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. Virginia Tech
5. Cornell
6. UVA
7. ISU
8. Nebraska
9. UNI
10. Rutgers