One of my favorite age-level tournaments of the year has arrived - the Junior World Team Trials. The nation’s best high school upperclassmen and college underclassmen will put it on the line for a chance to represent their country overseas.

It’s October and that means the 2023-24 college wrestling season is right around the corner! In order to help you prepare for the upcoming season, we’ll be previewing all 10 Division 1 weight classes. Check out the article below for an in-depth look at 157 pounds.

Below is a partial list of NCAA D1 middleweight wrestlers (149, 157, 165, 174) who are returning and will contest for a varsity spot after an interval of at least one year.

Head coach: Brian SmithAssistants: Tyrel Todd, Kendric Maple, Dom Bradley2023 NCAA tournament finish: 5th2023 NCAA tournament points: 64.52023 NCAA tournament record: 28-182023 Big 12 tournament finish: 1st2023 dual record: 8-3 (7-1)Returning national qualifiers: 8 (Noah Surtin, Josh Edmond, Brock Mauller, Keegan O’Toole, Peyton Mocco, Colton Hawks, Rocky Elam, Zach Elam)Returning All-Americans: 5 (Brock Mauller, Keegan O’Toole, Peyton Mocco, Rocky Elam, Zach Elam)Returning NCAA champion: Keegan O’Toole (2022, 2023)Last NCAA champion: Keegan O’Toole (2023)Highest NCAA team finish: 3rd (2007)Highest NCAA team finish under Smith: 3rd (2007)Most place winners under Smith: 5 (2009, 2013, 2015, 2023)