2019-20 NCAA DIII Rankings

157 Antwon Pugh - Mount Union University

Pugh was as close as you can get to winning an NCAA title in 2019 but fell short on the big stage in Roanoke. The second wrestler from Mount Union to claim the top spot to start year went 37-1 in 2018-19 and is one of the most dominant wrestlers in DIII. Pugh finished in 4th last season in the DIII “Most Dominant” ranking as he averaged 4.4 team points per match. Pugh will have to wait until second semester to potentially rematch Ryan Epps as he will start the year at 165.

Four All Americans will be back in the mix in the 2019 making 157 a deep weight class even with Epps moving up to start the year. The Lower Midwest Regional has two wrestlers ranked in the top six in Brandon Murray and Cole Erickson. Murray was on the podium last year, Erickson missed out on NCAAs after being the odd man out in the Lower Midwest Regional in 2019. Erickson is a two-time All American and will be looking to get back on the podium in 2020 at the Cellular Center which is right down the road from Coe College. Austin Bethel was third at 149 back in 2018 and missed all of last season due to injury, he will be a factor at 157 this coming year with his wild style and ability to pin you at any moment. Kaidon Winter and Grant Zamin secured their first All American finish in 2019, they will both be in the hunt in 2020. Sam Schneider was an All American in 2017 at 149 but has missed the last two years due to a knee injury that happened at the 2018 National Duals. A long time from the mats but if healthy will be a factor at 157 this season.

Questions or comments about the rankings? Get in touch with the ranker Anthony Bonaventura (Twitter: @coachabon; email: abonaven@stevens.edu)