The National Duals Invitational sponsored by Paycom will feature a first-round dual between the Michigan Wolverines and the Arizona State Sun Devils. On paper, this dual is a toss-up and has the potential to come down to the final match. Check out the article below for a full breakdown and prediction of what has the potential to be an incredible dual.

There will be several key matchups throughout this dual, but the most anticipated bout will be at 149 pounds between three-time All-American Lachlan McNeil and first-year starter Kaleb Larkin. Obviously, McNeil is the more accomplished collegiate wrestler, but Larkin has had outstanding success on the freestyle scene that suggests this should be a competitive match. Larkin won the 2023 Bill Farrell while recording notable wins over Jesse Mendez, Pat Lugo, and Matt Kolodzik. Beyond that, at the 2024 Olympic Trials, Larkin had a back-and-forth battle with Yianni Diakomihalis that ended with Yianni winning 13-8. Larkin has outstanding point-scoring potential, and his match against McNeil will be a great measuring stick for where he stacks up against the field at 149.

Watch Larkin's win over Jesse Mendez at the 2023 Bill Farrell:

While 149 pounds is the premier bout of the dual, the winner of the dual is likely decided by who comes out on top at 157, 184, and 197. At 157 pounds, we’ll see Michigan freshman Cam Catrabone take on Arizona State senior Chance McLane. Catrabone had a solid redshirt year with an 11-4 record and notable victories over Jaxon Joy, Sam Cartella, and Joey Butler. Catrabone wrestles a bit of an unconventional style and is dangerous in scramble positions. McLane has never qualified for the NCAA Tournament but he could use his experience to help him get past the young Wolverine.

Catrabone's win over Jaxon Joy:

At 184 pounds, we’ll see another Michigan freshman in Brock Mantanona take on Arizona State’s Aziz Fayzullaev. Mantanona had a solid redshirt year at 165 pounds with a 12-3 record that included 6 wins over national qualifiers. Beyond that, his only losses came against Terrell Barraclough (4-1), Nicco Ruiz (11-9), and Max Brignola (8-6). Now up at 184 pounds, Fayzullaev will be a great test Mantanona at the larger weight class. Originally from Uzbekistan, Fayzullaev is relatively unknown to the average college wrestling fan. However, he’s a two-time NJCAA champion and notably pinned national qualifier Anthony D’Alesio last year. Beyond that, his only loss was a close 11-7 decision to All-American Edmond Ruth. If Arizona State hopes to win this dual, they’ll need Fayzullaev to pull off the upset against Mantanona.

Mantanona's win in the 7th place match at the 2024 CKLV over national qualifier Kyle Mosher:

The final matchup that I view as a toss-up and could play a big part in deciding this dual is at 197 pounds between #28 Colton Hawks and #32 Hayden Walters. Hawks is a 6th year senior and transfer after spending his first 5 years at Missouri. Walters is a redshirt sophomore and was the #31 overall recruit in the class of 2023. As a three-time national qualifier and round of 12 finisher, Hawks has the advantage here. However, Walters results from last year indicate this should be a competitive match, and if Walters can pull off the upset, Michigan should win this dual.

Fayzullaev's match against Edmond Ruth:

2025-26 Michigan Overview

• Head Coach: Sean Bormet
• Assistants: Josh Churella, Kevin Jackson, David Bolyard
• 2025 NCAA tournament finish: 12
• 2025 NCAA tournament points: 35.5
• 2025 Big Ten tournament finish: 7th
• 2025 Dual Record: 7-5
• All-Americans: Dylan Ragusin (141), Lachlan McNeil (149), Taye Ghadiali (285)
• National Qualifiers: Diego Sotelo (125), Dylan Ragusin (141), Lachlan McNeil (149), Dylan Gilcher (165), Beau Mantanona (174), Taye Ghadiali (285)
• Key Off-Season Transfers: Diego Sotelo (125), Lachlan McNeil (149), Taye Ghadiali (285)
• Last NCAA Champion: Mason Parris (2023)
• Highest NCAA Team Finish: 2nd (2022)

2025-26 Arizona State Overview

• Head Coach: Zeke Jones
• Assistants: Lee Pritts, Frank Molinaro, Eric Thompson
• 2025 NCAA tournament finish: 18
• 2025 NCAA tournament points: 21
• 2025 Big 12 tournament finish: 11th
• 2025 Dual Record: 4-11
• National Qualifiers: Nicco Ruiz (165), Cael Valencia (174), Colton Hawks (197), David Szuba (285)
• Key Off-Season Transfers: Colton Hawks (197) David Szuba (285)
• Last NCAA Champion: Richard Figueroa (2024)
• Highest NCAA Team Finish: 1st (1988)
• Highest NCAA Team Finish under Zeke Jones: 4th (2021 & 2022)

Probable Lineups

Michigan

125 lbs - #20 Diego Sotelo

133 lbs - Gauge Botero

141 lbs - #11 Dylan Ragusin/Eren Sement

149 lbs - #3 Lachlan McNeil

157 lbs - #31 Cameron Catrabone

165 lbs - Dylan Gilcher

174 lbs - #9 Beau Mantanona

184 lbs - #13 Brock Mantanona

197 lbs - #32 Hayden Walters

285 lbs - #4 Taye Ghadiali

Arizona State

125 lbs - Tristan Mascarenas/Ane’e Vigil

133 lbs - Kyler Larkin

141 lbs - Pierson Manville

149 lbs - Kaleb Larkin

157 lbs - Chance McLane

165 lbs - #13 Nicco Ruiz

174 lbs - Cael Valencia

184 lbs - Aziz Fayzullaev

197 lbs - #28 Colton Hawks

285 lbs - #23 David Szuba

Key Matchups

149: #3 Lachlan McNeil vs Kaleb Larkin

157: #31 Cameron Catrabone vs Chance McLane

184: #13 Brock Mantanona vs Aziz Fayzullaev

197: #32 Hayden Walters vs #28 Colton Hawks

Michigan vs Arizona State Predictions

I have Michigan winning this dual 6 matches to 4 with a final score of 21-14. However, it shouldn't be surprising to anyone if the Sun Devils come out on top in this first-round matchup. Arizona State will likely need to flip either 149, 157, or 184 and avoid giving up bonus points at weights like 174 and 285. Regardless of what happens, this should be an exciting dual from start to finish in Tulsa!

125 lbs - #20 Diego Sotelo, Michigan over Tristan Mascarenas/Ane’e Vigil, Arizona State by decision

133 lbs - Kyler Larkin, Arizona State over Gauge Botero, Michigan by major decision

141 lbs - Pierson Manville, Arizona State over Eren Sement, Michigan by decision

149 lbs - #3 Lachlan McNeil, Michigan over Kaleb Larkin, Arizona State by decision

157 lbs - #31 Cameron Catrabone, Michigan over Chance McLane, Arizona State by decision

165 lbs - #13 Nicco Ruiz over Dylan Gilcher, Michigan by major decision

174 lbs - #9 Beau Mantanona, Michigan over Cael Valencia, Arizona State by tech fall 

184 lbs - #13 Brock Mantanona, Michigan over Aziz Fayzullaev, Arizona State by decision

197 lbs - #28 Colton Hawks, Arizona State over #32 Hayden Walters, Michigan by decision

285 lbs - #4 Taye Ghadiali, Michigan over #23 David Szuba, Arizona State by major decision

Final Score Prediction: Michigan 21, Arizona State 14