As of Wednesday (July 1st), college coaches can make in-home visits to prospective student athletes that completed their Junior year of high school. Despite that fact, and the growing trend of earlier and earlier Division I wrestling commitments, there hasn't been all that much action in the last 48 hours.

But make no mistake, it's coming.

A couple weeks ago we published an in-depth report on the 2015 Recruiting Classes, including a section on 'needs' for the top schools in 2016. And as you may have noticed, some of the country's heaviest hitters, including Iowa and Penn State, have big needs and/or big money to play with.


First, let's recap who already has what in tow.

There are 56 wrestlers committed to Division I programs for the Class of 2016. 

Doing particularly well already are:

Bucknell - Commitments from two Top 100 talents, Luke Karam (49) and Drew Phipps (66).

Lehigh - Nabbed the #1 HWT prospect in the class with Jordan Wood (2), along with Chris Weiller (28) and John Jakobsen (52).

Iowa - Has the #1 160lber in the country in stud Alex Marinelli (4), and another quality recruit in Kaleb Young (48). It should be noted that the Hawks also have two monster talents committed for the Class of 2017 with Justin Mejia (16) and Jason Renteria (19).

Cornell - Like Iowa, the Big Red has two studs for 2016 - upper weights Ben Darmstadt (18) and Max Dean (46), and two hammers for 2017 - Yianni Diakomihalis (3) and Vitali Arajau (13).

Virginia - got started early with three Juniors verballing last fall including Jack Mueller (29), and picked up another this spring.

Rutgers - Brings in two solid light weights with Brandon Paetzell (77) and Alex Mackall, along with Brett Donner and Mike Van Brill.

Pitt - Jason Peters has two monster recruits already committed in FloNationals Finalist Jake Wentzel (16) and Austin Bell (40), who just beat Fox Baldwin last weekend.


Lookin' Ahead

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The nation's top recruit, Mark Hall, is still available as is sixteen of the Top 25. Hall said he will make his announcement in October live on FloWrestling. For Hall's profile and school list, click here.

Arguably the #2 recruit in the class is Nick Suriano, whose choices are said to be Iowa, Nebraska, and Penn State.

Two other Top 10 recruits, Luke Pletcher (6) and Chad Red (10), are 133/141lbers that are both being recruited by Penn State. Click their names for the rest of the schools they are looking at.


What the Power Programs Need

Penn State - It's a critical year for Lions, who are a year removed from a four-peat and looking to ready themselves for another run. The back half of their line-up should be set with young talent. But they desperately need light weights. Nico Megaludis and Jordan Conaway graduate this year, and Jimmy Gulibon the year after. Look for them to pursue Suriano heavily and Pletcher, Red, or Mickey Phillippi (20).

Iowa - The Hawkeyes should be pretty set at all weights with the exception of a need at 141, where in-state talent Carter Happel (25) could fit the bill, and maybe a 74/84 for depth. Other recruits would be luxuries, but don't be surprised if the land a monster anyway.

Oklahoma State - After five straight Top 8 recruiting classes, the Cowboys are young and loaded. However, their situation at HWT is a pressing need.

Minnesota - The Gophers graduated, well, just about everyone the last two years. The only AA remaining on their roster is Mike Kroells. They have Mitch McKee (27) committed but could use just about everything.

Ohio State - Coming off a National Title, the Buckeyes are still young. Their dire need comes at 133 for the departing DiJulius. They'll be in the Pletcher sweepstakes as well.



Stay on top of the recruiting game. Refer to these resources often:

Top 100 Senior Recruits with Individual Profiles

2016 Commitment List

2015 Recruiting Class Rankings

Listen at the :49 minute mark of FRL where we predict where the recruits go.


To Report Commitments, email willie@flosports.tv