Andrew Alirez took to social media Tuesday to announce his decision to finish his college wrestling career at the University of Northern Colorado. Alirez, the 141-pound NCAA Champion in 2023, entered the transfer portal on May 1 but elected to stay in Greeley, Colorado, where he has spent the past 5 years of his collegiate career.

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This past season, Alirez didn't compete in college competition but chose to take an Olympic redshirt and focus on freestyle. Alirez had a successful year on the senior level at 65 kg winning the 2023 Senior Nationals with victories over Beau Bartlett, Alec Pantaleo, and Austin DeSanto. However, Alirez fell just short at the Olympic Trials when he lost in the semi-finals to Nick Lee in a high-scoring, 11-9 match.

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What Weight Will Andrew Alirez Wrestling Next Season?

Alirez is currently ranked #1 at 141 pounds in our pre-season rankings but he hasn't yet announced his intentions for his weight class in the 2024-25 season but he will likely wrestle either 141 pounds or 149 pounds. Regardless of what weight class Alirez chooses to wrestle, he will be an NCAA title contender, and several compelling matchups will be in store for him. 

At 141 pounds, returning NCAA Champion Jesse Mendez will likely return to defend his title along with All-Americans Beau Bartlett, Brock Hardy, Anthony Echemendia, Lachlan McNeil, Ryan Jack, and Vance Vombaur. At 149 pounds, 2024 NCAA Champion Caleb Henson should return to the field accompanied by 2024 All-Americans Ty Watters, Kyle Parco, Ridge Lovett, Casey Swiderski, and either Tyler Kasak or 2023 All-American Shayne Van Ness.

Andrew Alirez's win over Real Woods in the 141-pound 2023 NCAA Finals:

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