2021-22 NCAA DI Rankings

The Union of Sammy SasSoviet Socialist Republics

With 2021 champ Austin O'Connor moving up to 157, the 149-pound division starts the year with a new number one, and it's NCAA finalist Sammy Sasso. 

The weight class also receives another title contender in the form of four-time qualifier and two-time 3rd-placer Tariq Wilson, who is back for another season with the Wolfpack, now up at 149. He gets the nod over incumbent 3rd-pacer at the weight, Yahya Thomas, thanks to a better track record over the last two seasons. 

Zach Sherman is also bumping up from 141, adding another All-American to the 149-pound mix. He slots in above one All-American and below two bloodrounders. 

We're also expecting Mike Carr to be healthy and back in action for the Illini. And we welcome Penn's Anthony Artalona back to the mat after missing a season due to the Ivy League suspending all sports for the 2020-21 school year. 

Entering the rankings right below the very dangerous Artalona is South Dakota State's Zach Price, who looks to bulk up two whole divisions. Price finished in the round of 12 last season and there's no reason to think he can't repeat or better than feat in 2022. 

Update - November 1, 2021

Austin Gomez will be up two weights from when he last competed. He slots in under Mikey Carr, who has also notched superb wins but has had his career hampered by injuries. 

All-American Brock Mauller will be taking a redshirt, which removed one of the title contenders from the board but adds in Josh Edmond, one of the many young Mizzou Tigers with lots of potential. Edmond doesn't have a lot of results to his name, so he starts pretty far down the rankings, however, he's got the talent to contend for a podium spot in March. 

In wrestle-off news, Manzona Bryant defeated teammate Jimmy Hoffman, who he takes his place in the honorable mentions. 

Do you have questions or comments for the rankers? We welcome and encourage your feedback. Hit up Andrew Spey (email: Andrew.Spey@flosports.tv; Twitter: @SpeyWrestle) and JD Rader (email: jd.rader@flosports.tv; Twitter: @rader_jd)