It’s been a difficult year for recruiting, both for the coaches and athletes. Since March 13, 2020, the NCAA has been in a “dead-period”. During a dead period, a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents, and may not watch student-athletes compete or visit their high schools. Coaches may only write and telephone student-athletes or their parents during a dead period. This left a lot of kids in a sort of limbo about wanting to take visits and similar things but running out of time.

The emergence of the transfer portal has also thrown a slight wrench into high school recruiting. Why take a chance on a teenager when you could potentially get someone who has proven they can be solid at the D1 level?

Anyway, high school recruiting is still a huge indicator of success in college teams. Recruit well and you will most likely do well. These rankings do not include any sort of transfer, just high school athletes from the class of 2021. Because the NCAA team titles are awarded using individual scoring, the rankings tend to reward getting higher ranked athletes vs a larger number of lower-ranked athletes. An athlete’s immediate impact, long-term impact, overall lineup fit, as well as a team’s ability to fill their needs, are also taken into consideration. 

The individual rankings are taken from the 2021 Big Board and the latest set of high school rankings.

Now, let's dig a little deeper into each team's recruiting haul.

#1 Penn State

Overview

With just four total recruits but three in the top-20, Penn State went for quality or over quantity. And that’s just fine because individual points are what wins team NCAA titles. Two in the top four gets Penn State back on top.

Lineup Fit

With Joe Lee going 6-7, including 0-2 at NCAAs, in 2021 I think there is a chance we see Facundo go right away at 165. However, he’s going to have to hold that weight for at least a couple of years while Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks, and Max Dean occupy 174, 184, and 197. Shayne Van Ness and Beau Bartlett will be a solid 1-2 punch whichever weights they end up at. Gary Steen is looking like a huge late steal from Pitt with the recent news that Robbie Howard could be out for the 2021-2022 season. 

Missed Needs

If either Steen or Howard isn’t able to fill out into a full-sized 133 when RBY is done, that could be an issue.

Past 5 Years

2020: #4

2019: NR

2018: #1

2017: #3

2016: #2

#2 Arizona State

Overview

The #1 overall recruit and a tie for the total number of top-100 recruits is good enough to get the #2 spot. Unsurprisingly west coast heavy plus a Pennsylvania state champion and 2X finalist.

Lineup Fit

ASU will have to get creative with their lightweights if both Brandon Courtney and Michael McGee want to use their extra year of eligibility. Both All-Americans have two years remaining meaning, but unless Richard Figueroa really puts on some size in Tempe, he’s a 125. It could work to put Figs in at 125, and bump Courtney, McGee, and Parco to 149. However, that forces out either Jesse Vasquez or Ramon Ramos at 149 and Carter Dibert at 133 for at least a year. A good problem to have if you’re Arizona State.

If Cael Valencia can stay at 165 he can perfectly replace his brother Anthony after a redshirt year.

Missed Needs

Unless Max Wilner can really pack on some mass, the Sun Devils will still be looking to replace Kordell Norfleet at 197.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: #2

2018: NR

2017: #12

2016: NR

#3 Iowa

Overview

With all of Iowa’s 2022 starting lineup being upperclassmen, this recruiting class and the next are going to be huge if Iowa wants to continue to stay on top. This class is a good first step in that direction for the Hawkeyes.

Lineup Fit

If Drake Ayala can maintain 125 and be effective, he will be an excellent replacement for Spencer Lee. If not, he will have to battle Sebolt Academy teammate Cullan Schriever or Jesse Ybarra for the 133 spot. Wyatt Henson and Caleb Rathjen look like a good bet to replace Jaydin Eierman and Max Murin.

Missed Needs

If Caleb Rathjen goes 149 and Will Carano, Cam Lucero, and Sebastian Robles can’t get to and/or be productive at 157, the Hawks could be in a situation after four years of Kaleb Young.

Past 5 Years

2020: #2

2019: NR

2018: #9

2017: #2

2016: #3 

#4 NC State

Overview

A fourth-straight top-20 haul from the Wolfpack, three of which have been in the top-10. Stevo Poulin is the highest New York native on the Big Board and Jacob Null is #3. And you know you don't have to worry about how these guys will develop.

Lineup Fit

Great job by Pat Pop and company filling in 165 and 174 with 2022 being Thomas Bullard and Hayden Hidlay’s last seasons. Stevo will be a good replacement for Jakob Camacho in either 2024 or 2025. Joey Milano and Brock Delsignore will have a roster battle with the potential Isaac Trumble showed this season.

Missed Needs

Ed Scott has potential as Hayden Hidlay's replacement at 157, but if you’re looking for a weak spot in the Wolfpack lineup that’s it right now. Maybe he can go back down to 149 after next season when Tariq Wilson is done. Heavyweight is already covered with Chase Horne coming in the class of 2022.

Past 5 Years

2020: #8

2019: #17

2018: #6

2017: NR

2016: #1

#5 Cornell

Overview

Cornell picked up five top-100 recruits and 11 total, but will most likely have a bit of a log jam at the bottom two weights in the upcoming years.

Lineup Fit

Unfortunately for the Big Red, three of their top-five recruits are going to struggle to see the starting lineup for at least a couple of years with Vito Arujau still having three years of eligibility and Greg Diakomihalis with four years at 125/133. Peyton Craft will be a nice addition at 174.

Missed Needs

I’m not sure if any of the upper weight commits will be a suitable replacement for Ben Darmstadt, but they do have Jack Darrah, who won 2021 Folkstyle Nationals at 220, committed from the class of 2022.

Past 5 Years

2020: #5

2019: #3

2018: NR

2017: #1

2016: #13

#6 Oklahoma State

Overview

The Cowboys filled in their middleweights nicely with 2X WNO winner Victor Voinovich and National Prep champ Travis Mastrogiovanni but still left a couple of holes.

Lineup Fit

Victor Voinovich and Travis Mastrogiovanni are great replacements for Kaden Gfeller and Wyatt Sheets. Kyle Haas will either have to get on the Cowboy slim job and make 184 or AJ Ferrari will have to go up to heavyweight and Haas to 197.

Missed Needs

141 and possibly 285 if AJ Ferrari doesn’t move up.

Past 5 Years

2020: #1

2019: #13

2018: #12

2017: #5

2016: #12

#7 Minnesota

Overview

Five top-100 recruits headline a solid class for the Gophers, but it could cause some decent middleweight guys to be riding the bench for a bit. These middle weight recruits include Idaho state champion Drew Roberts, Junior WTT 5th place Tagen Jamison, Colorado state champion Vance VomBaur, and Super 32 placer Blaine Brenner.

Lineup Fit

If Gable Steveson does in fact dip out from the NCAA wrestling scene the Gophers are going to be just fine. However, with Marcos Polanco, Michael Blockhus, and Brayton Lee all with at least three years of eligibility, Tagen Jamison, Drew Roberts, and Vance Vombaur won’t have anywhere to go. If Patrick McKee bumps up to 133 after the departure of Boo Dryden, that most likely means the bench for Jager Eisch as well.

Missed Needs

Minnesota did a good job of filling their departing seniors with their 2020 class leaving few needs to be met.

Past 5 Years

2020: #19

2019: NR

2018: #3

2017: NR

2016: #10

#8 Nebraska

Overview

Nebraska’s class is headlined by District 11 boys Lenny Pinto and Jagger Condomitti. However, those two will be spending a gap year at the Olympic Training Center and not arriving in Lincoln until the fall of 2022. 

Lineup Fit

Depending on whether or not Peyton Robb uses his extra year of eligibility, there could be a year of overlap between him at Condomitti at 165. If Pinto can’t get down to 174 he, Nathan Hass, and Silas Allred will be in a predicament for the 184 and 197 spots.

Missed Needs

The Cornhuskers might have to end up starting true freshman Antrell Taylor at 174 and Harley Andrews at 285 in 2022-2023.

Past 5 Years

2020: #6

2019: #5

2018: #8

2017: #5

2016: #19

#9 Oklahoma

Overview

Two top-20 recruits headline Oklahoma’s best class since 2017. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon is a 3X Pennsylvania state champion who is tough in scrambles and on the mat. Tate Picklo earned the #1 rankings at 195 after beating Ohio State Seth Shumate at Who's #1 2020.

Lineup Fit

Herrera Rondon should nicely replace Justin Thomas at 157. Jared Hill is also a solid option but might have to move up or down to see the lineup. If Jake Woodley uses his extra year, Tate Picklo might have to sit for a year after redshirting. Ryder Wiese looks like the replacement for Josh Heindselman at heavyweight. 

Missed Needs

The Sooners will still need to replace Joey Prata and Anthony Madrigal at 125 and 133.

Past 5 Years

2020: #20

2019: #16

2018: NR

2017: #6

2016: NR

#10 Northwestern

Overview

Similar to Penn State, Northwestern went for quality over quantity, but definitely got quality. Super 32 Joel Vandervere leads the way at #9. Stillwater's Carter Young just made the Junior World Team Trials finals. Lastly, Indiana state champion Evan Bates continued Chesterton, Indiana’s wrestling pipeline to Northwestern when he signed in late 2020.

Lineup Fit

Either Yahya Thomas or Joel Vandervere will have to grow into 157 to replace Ryan Deakin. There is a similar jam at 197 with Lucas Davison. Carter Young will fill the 141 hole after Colin Valdiviez is done.

Missed Needs

Northwestern didn’t get much out of Fisher and Jessen last season at 174 and 184, but it looks like they will continue to be the starters moving forward.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: #20

2018: #14

2017: NR

2016: NR

#11 Maryland

Overview

How about this class for Alex Clemsen’s second recruiting class? Two top-50 recruits, four in the top-100, and two decent in-state recruits.

Lineup Fit

With zero national qualifiers in 2020, lineup fit shouldn’t be too much of an issue with top recruits. The Terps will have upperclassmen starters at 141, 157, 184, 197, and 285.

Missed Needs

141 and 285. However, the Terps have Cole Deery coming in from the class of 2022 at heavyweight.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: NR

2018: NR

2017: NR

2016: NR

#12 Ohio State

Overview

Headlined by in-state hammer Paddy Gallagher, Ohio State is back in the top-20 recruiting rankings after having an unusually down year in 2020. Andre Gonzales is a California state champion who appears to be a career 125.

Lineup Fit

Paddy Gallagher will most likely get the nod at 157 and Andre Gonzales should come in at 125 after Malik Heinselman. If Paddy lifts a little too much and can’t hold 157, Carson Kharchla will probably have to move up to 174 and Paddy to 165 after a redshirt year.

Missed Needs

If Paddy can’t get down to 157, that could be a miss for the Buckeyes.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: #1

2018: #2

2017: #4

2016: #8

#13 Wisconsin

Overview

Dean Hamiti was a great pick up by the Badgers when he committed in September of 2019, but since then he has turned into a huge recruit with a lot of promise. He won Super 32 in 2020 as did heavyweight Hayden Copass.

Lineup Fit

If Dean Hamiti Jr. wrestles next season, he’ll most likely bump-out Josh Otto with senior Andrew McNally transferring in from Kent State. However, after that he is pretty much free to go whatever weight he pleases. Next year could be Hillger’s last year or he could force Copass to sit for a year. 

Missed Needs

Chris Weiler is returning at 184, but there doesn’t appear to be a solid replacement after next season. I’m not sure Cole Carroll or Cale Anderson are long-term solutions at 157 either. 

Past 5 Years

2020: #14

2019: #7

2018: #15

2017: #19

2016: #18

#14 Virginia Tech

Overview

A Super 32 champ in Cooper Flynn and a Penn State flip in Trey Kibe headline Virginia Tech’s small but mighty 2020 class.

Lineup Fit

I think Cooper Flynn is a 125 for at least the first year or two of his college career. However, the Hokies have 2021 All-American Sam Latona there. Latona has a bigger frame to move up but might not want to. If Hunter Bolen opts not to use his extra year of eligibility, Trey Kibe could perfectly work as his replacement and the Hokies have a nice three-punch combo of Clayton Ulrey, Mekhi Lewis, Trey Kibe.

Missed Needs

Andy Smith failed to qualify for the national tournament last season at 197. If he is unable to make improvements, VA Tech will need to get a solid 2022er or turn to the portal.

Past 5 Years

2020: #9

2019: #5

2018: NR

2017: #7

2016: NR

#15 Northern Colorado

Overview

UNC got three top-three recruits in 2019 and they did it again this year. Troy Nickerson continues to do a great job of locking down the Colorado borders as well as picking up national-level out-of-state recruits.

Lineup Fit

The Bears needed some upper weights and they got three solid ones in Branson Britten, Franklin Cruz, and Branson Britten. All should be able to start after a redshirt season. Benji Alanis will also most likely take over for Chris Sandoval after a redshirt year.

Missed Needs

Look for Northern Colorado to try and lock down a 125 and 157 prospect in the next year or two.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: #10

2018: NR

2017: NR

2016: NR

#16 North Dakota State

Overview

How about this for a recruiting class from coaches Roger Kish and Obe Blanc? Three California studs, a 3X Arizona state champion, an Illinois native who just beat Dean Hamiti Jr at Junior Nationals, and a total of 15 incoming recruits. Not bad at all.

Lineup Fit

Michael Caliendo will come in perfectly after Luke Weber is done at 165. If Brandon Metz uses his extra year of eligibility, that could cause a highly contested wrestle-off at 285. Alex Ramirez and Carlos Negrete could have some issues with Kellyn March and Jared Franek at 133 and 157 for a couple of years, so they will have to look into going 141 and 149. Lastly, I think Colby Evans will be a suitable replacement for McGwire Midkiff after a redshirt year.

Missed Needs

Things are looking good in Fargo. The Bison have a young lineup and brought in a monster class.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: NR

2018: NR

2017: NR

2016: NR

#17 South Dakota State

Overview

Great job by the Jackrabbit coaching staff picking up some solid border state talent as well as Super 32 champ and multiple-time Ohio state champion Alek Martin.

Lineup Fit

I think Martin would benefit from a redshirt year, but there is a very real possibility that he is the best 149 in the room next year. Cael Swensen, on the other hand, is going to run into some trouble with Cade Devos and Tanner Cook still having several years of eligibility at 157/165. Roman Rogotzke and Bailey Roybal are also guys who could contend for starting spots in the future.

Missed Needs

SDSU is a rather young team that did a good job of picking up both high school recruits and transfers to fill their holes this offseason. 

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: NR

2018: NR

2017: NR

2016: NR

#18 Michigan

Overview

Zack Mattin (younger brother of Cole and Drew) and the Tanefeu twins add some depth, but this class is almost all about Chance Lamer. I’m high enough on Lamer that snagging him earned Michigan the 18th spot.

Lineup Fit

Lamer will perfectly fill in at 149 once Storr is done this year. If Lamer doesn’t grow at all, he will probably go 141 and take over for Drew Mattin. Zack Mattin and the Tanefeu twins could get stuck behind Dylan Ragusin, Jack Medley, and Kurt McHenry. Always good to have depth at the lower weights, however.

Missed Needs

Upperweights. Logan Massa, Myles Amine, and Patrick Brucki will all be gone after next season, or even possibly already gone in the case of Massa and Amine.

Past 5 Years

2020: #16

2019: #12

2018: #4

2017: #9

2016: NR

#19 North Carolina

Overview

Not a bad group of guys headed to Chapel Hill. A couple of southern studs in Super 32 champion Caden McCrary and Cadet World Teamer Spencer Moore plus midwestern/mountain hammers in Illinois state champion Sincere Bailey and 4X Wyoming state champion Jace Palmer.

Lineup Fit

Spencer Moore is a young high school senior who will need at least a redshirt to mature into a college-ready 125, but then could compete with Joey Melendez, who failed to qualify for NCAAs this year, for the spot. 

McCrary, Bailey, and Palmer create a bit of a log jam at 141-157. 2021 AA and 2021 national champion Zach Sherman and Austin O’Connor both have several years of eligibility left. Also don’t forget that Super 32, Ironman, and National Prep champion Lachlan McNeil will be technically joining the squad next year after taking a gap year and projected as a 149. 

Missed Needs

Unless Sonny Santiago can grow into 165, the Tar Heels should be looking for a Kennedy Monday replacement.

Past 5 Years

2020: NR

2019: NR

2018: NR

2017: NR

2016: NR

#20 Iowa State

Overview

Some solid out-of-state guys and a bunch of homegrown guys to add depth is the story of Iowa State’s 2021 recruiting haul. Connor Knopick defeated former Oklahoma State 125 Jakason Burks in the state finals his junior. Nate Schon is a 2X Pennsylvania state champion and Paniro Johnson is a 4X medalist.

Lineup Fit

Zach Redding could be a bit of a problem for Conor Knopick. The Nebraska native will either have to stay small and wrestle off Kysen Terukina or Redding will have to move up after Ian Parker is done. Paniro Johnson could either wrestle-off another Pennsylvania native, Cam Robinson, for the 149 spot or one of them can go 157 and David Carr up to 165. The Cyclones just brought in transfer Sam Schuyler at heavyweight, who was a national qualifier last year. Schon could slide in after him.

Missed Needs

If David Carr doesn’t move up to 165, that could be an issue for the Cyclones. Either 184 or 197, whichever weight 2022 commit Manny Rojas doesn’t go could be an area for concern as well.

Past 5 Years

2020: #15

2019: #4

2018: #19

2017: NR

2016: #9

Honorable Mention

Rutgers

Rutgers has three in the top-100, but #36 Kyonte Hamilton has plans to both wrestle and play football which makes me hesitant. The sky's the limit for 3X New Jersey state champion Joey Olivieri.

Navy

Navy brings in a massive class with two in the top-100 and a lot of Pennsylvania talent. Head coach Cary Kolat will no doubt turn a couple of these guys into serious contenders.

Wyoming

A 4X Iowa state champion in Aiden Noonan and Fargo champion in Quayin Short headline another solid class for the Cowboys.

Pitt

In-state talent Luca Augustine, Brock McMillen, and Ethan Finch top a solid six-person class for head coach Keith Gavin.

Penn

Two top-100 recruits in #78 Kyle Hauserman and #82 Nico Nardone plus Kelly Dunnigan and Cole Spencer, who are just outside of the top-100, will make a couple of nice additions to the Quaker lineup.