The Barn Session

Every year, there’s at least one guy at the big show that makes a run to finish on the podium that no one expected. These types of stories are always the best to follow, especially if you start to notice it from the start. Here are 10 ‘darkhorses’, 1 per weight, that you should keep an eye on at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships. (Darkhorse is a loosely used term, so we will say anyone seeded below 16 is considered a darkhorse).

125: Brendan McCrone – #20 Seed – (21-9) season record

McCrone would likely have seen a significantly higher seed with a better Big Ten performance. He’s felt like a guy that can beat and lose to most of the field, he’s one of two people with a win over #1 seed Luke Lilledahl. So, with a high ceiling and a low floor, The Ohio State 125lber just needs to put it all together for three days.

133: Kai Orine – #26 Seed – (13-7) season record

A 2-time All-American down this low? When examining his season, he has 2 losses to the 6 seed, and one loss to the 12 (which he avenged) and 13 seed each. His other 3 losses are to Luke Stanich (redshirt), Cael Hughes (not starting), and Haiden Drury (didn’t qualify). He just didn’t have any high-quality wins that could prop him up. Expect Kai to let it fly in his last college competition.

141: Josh Saunders – #20 Seed – (18-6) Season Record

In his first year as the starter for the Big Red, Josh has shown moments of brilliance. His best win on the year is over Josh Edmond (23 seed), but has been highly competitive in his losses to high level guys. Cornell had a relatively quiet season, so now is the chance for them to make some noise.

149: Teague Travis – #33 Seed – (4-3) Season record

This one is a bit of a gimme, had Teague wrestled a full season at 149, he would likely be seeded in the top half. But, there is still a lot for the Cowboy to prove, he lost to Paniro Johnson and Gavin Drexler at Big 12s. If he wants to make a run for the podium he will need to beat guys of similar caliber.

157: Ed Scott – #22 Seed – (13-6) Season Record

Another All-American (and 2-time R12 finisher) for the Wolfpack seeded low. Justifiably too, Ed’s season doesn’t have any significant quality wins, with tough losses to the All-American contending guys at 157. But, Ed has had sluggish regular seasons before and he’s still found a way to come home with some hardware.

165: Tyler Lillard – #27 Seed – (19-10) Season Record

The most promising quality about Lillard is his Midlands performance. Beating guys he lost to later in the season in Mayfield and White, as well as returning All-American Hunter Garvin. But, a tough Big Ten tournament, including a loss to Wisconsin’s Cody Goebel, leaves the Hoosier in a tough spot in the bracket.

174: Jared Simma – #19 Seed – (17-12) Season Record

A year ago, Jared Simma was moments away from beating Shane Griffith and making the semis. Can he recreate that same magic and then some this year. His season has not been without it’s tests, most of his losses have been against quality opponents. But, with how the Panther train is rolling this year, expect fireworks.

184: DJ Washington – #22 Seed – (13-8) Season Record

Speaking of fireworks, DJ Washington has had a career full of ’em. Just one of two college losses for Carter Starocci EVER, DJ can compete with the best. While this hasn’t been DJ’s best season, it is his last, so why not go out and let it fly?

197: Michael Dellagatta – #27 Seed – (14-4) Season Record

2 losses to Luke Stout and one to Christian Knop (and a medical forfeit), Mikey has not been put through the paces. His ceiling has not been realized yet, but that’s due to change in Philly.

285: Lance Runyon – #18 Seed – (16-7) Season Record

He started out at 165 as a freshman, now he’s competing with the biggest of them all. Lance had a very strong regular season, but an unfortunate Big 12 performance. Lance can definitely find his way onto the podium, even in a heavyweight field this deep.