Most of the talent at 149 pounds is set to return, making it a crowded race to the top eight. This group of non-starters and redshirts will certainly add to the mix. 

Michael Kemerer -- Iowa | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt Freshman

Record: 23-2

Regardless of what weight Kemerer decides to wrestle, it’s clear that he’s the safest bet of this bunch. Kemerer had a great showing this year and only dropped two matches: nail-biting losses to Jake Sueflohn and Lenny Richardson at Midlands. This year, the Pennsylvania native knocked off Geo Martinez, Matt Kraus, Fredy Stroker, Max Thomsen, Clay Ream and Dante Rodriguez -- a great showing for a first-year wrestler.

At Iowa, Kemerer has already made strides offensively, attacking legs consistently and at a very high rate. I think his length makes him a suitable candidate to move up to 157 pounds. He’s also solid on the mat, as many Pennsylvanians tend to be. The Hawkeyes will look for serious production from Kemerer this year as Iowa will have a tough lineup -- perhaps their best in years. I think Kemerer will deliver a strong showing and place at nationals as a freshman.

Max Thomsen -- UNI | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt Freshman

Record: 17-4
The Panther train is bringing a tough group of redshirts into the fold for the 2016-2017 year, starting with Max Thomsen. Coming off a perfectly solid year one for Northern Iowa, he's a no-brainer to start this year at 149 pounds.  

Thomsen is tough on top with a claw-and-crab ride and solid positionally, but can be errant with his shots, which could cost him. But he's got a solid single that he can finish at a high rate when he gets in deep.  

Given what I’ve heard about Thomsen’s drive, he could make major jumps at Northern Iowa. They’ve got the partners and coaches to help him develop into an elite 149-pounder. He may be a year away from AA status, but I wouldn’t be too shocked if he snuck in as a freshman.

Fredy Stroker -- Minnesota | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt Freshman

Record: 25-4
Stroker may be one of the most talented guys in this bunch. His redshirt season wasn’t exactly indicative of a elite potential, but I think he’ll be just fine.  Stroker's lone win of note was over Mitch Bengtson. He fell to tough guys in Collica, Cimato, Kemerer and Arthur.  

To me, he stands out because of how he moves. He's athletic, can get to legs incredibly well, and is an excellent finisher. I’m excited to watch him at United World Wrestling Juniors in April. He looked great last year at the Junior World Team Trials, and I’m curious to see his progression through the year in Minnesota's room.

Christian Pagdilao -- Arizona State | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt

Record: 10-2
Pagdilao was a tough, overqualified backup this year. Matt Kraus took the starting spot, and did a great job for Arizona State, so I’m not sure if Pagdilao will be able to wrestle himself back into the lineup. But if he does, he'll prove to be a high-caliber athlete.  

While his wins this year weren’t anything to write home about, last year he knocked off Michael DePalma (who just placed 3rd at NCAA's), BJ Clagon, Justin Oliver, Sal Mastriani and Clay Ream. Arizona State also is getting a talent infusion with recruits like Josh Maruca potentially entering the fold as well, which makes earning the starting position all the more complicated for Pagdilao.  

Sam Speno -- NC State | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt Senior

Record: 19-6
Speno spent the year transitioning up to 149 pounds. He weighed 141 for most of the 2014-2015 season, then got sick, so Kevin Jack was inserted and the rest was history. He has had a pretty busy season, hitting up multiple tournaments and wrestling 25 matches.

Speno has notched a few very strong wins in the last 2 years over Alex Griffin, Joey Ward and Anthony Abidin. Now, he's got a clear path to start at 149 this year.    

Shyheim Brown -- Maryland | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt Sophomore

Record: 15-4
Maryland will get a nice boost to the middleweights when Shyheim Brown is re-inserted into the lineup. A year ago at 141 pounds, Brown took out Joey McKenna and Tommy Thorn.

This year, he recorded a solid win over Duke's emerging talent, Mitch Finesilver. Maryland's back-to-back tandem of Bannister and Brown could form a solid nucleus in the middleweights.

Justin Arthur -- Nebraska | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year: Redshirt Junior

Record: 10-4
With the graduation of Jake Sueflohn, the Huskers will probably look to Arthur. He finished in the round of 12 in 2014 for Clarion, but has struggled to rekindle that flame of success.  

Arthur is known for his killer headlock. Being in the Nebraska system for a few years now, I’d expect to see an uptick in his performance. While I’m unsure of the degree, I’d be surprised if he coudn’t once again become an NCAA qualifier who could make some noise at the big dance. This year, his most notable win was over Stroker.