2021-22 Dan Hodge Trophy Rankings

2021-22 Dan Hodge Trophy Rankings

College wrestling is back, and everything that comes with it such as previews, predictions, rankings, and, of course, Hodge talk.

Who are the favorites? Who are the contenders? Who are the dark horses? What conference will the winner come from? If you're looking for some clues, our pound-for-pound ranking is a great place to start. As a reminder, however, the Dan Hodge Trophy has set criteria to determine who the winner should be. The criteria is below in order of importance:

1. Record

2. Number of pins

3. Dominance

4. Past credentials

5. Quality of competition

6. Sportsmanship/citizenship

7. Heart

For the first time in the history of the award, we have returning co-champions. Before WIN Magazine announced their decision, I made my case for why Spencer Lee should win the Hodge. However, heading into this season, I’m giving Gable the slight nod as it appears Lee will be on a pitch count and Gable will have the tougher quality of competition. 

With it being so early in the season, this list is almost solely based on based past credentials and career bonus rates. Things will probably shift up massively in the first update when it's based more on this season's results. As the season progresses, the list will continue to change with wrestlers who lose falling out and more undefeated athletes coming in.