NCAA Wrestling Championships: Biggest Storylines to Watch
Introduction
The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships have arrived, bringing together the nation’s best collegiate wrestlers for one whirlwind weekend. From Thursday to Saturday, 330 athletes are battling through a grueling double-elimination bracket in Philadelphia. Ten individual champions – one in each weight class from 125 lbs to heavyweight – will be crowned by weekend’s end, and one school will claim the coveted team title. Whether you’re a dedicated wrestling fanatic or a casual sports fan, this tournament delivers high-octane drama, raw emotion, and historic feats that can captivate everyone.
The stage is set for showdowns and surprises. Defending champions return with targets on their backs, hungry underdogs look to shock the world, and powerhouse programs collide in the team race. In this engaging preview, we’ll break down the biggest storylines unfolding on the mats: key battles in various weight classes, dominant contenders chasing glory, Cinderella stories to rally behind, the implications of the tight team race, and other major news surrounding the event. Strap in for an informative yet exciting ride through the can’t-miss moments of the NCAA Wrestling Tournament – and remember, our coverage will continue throughout the weekend until all 10 NCAA champions are crowned.
Epic Battles in Every Weight Class
From the lightest weight to the heaviest, virtually every bracket has a showdown that has fans buzzing. Even returning titleholders aren’t safe – multiple 2024 champions enter this year with fierce challengers in their path.
125 Pounds – Unpredictable Fireworks: The excitement kicks off at 125 lbs, historically one of the most unpredictable weight classes.
165 Pounds – Champion vs. Phenom Showdown: The 165-lb class is stacked with talent and could produce one of the marquee matchups of the finals.
174/184 Pounds – New Opportunities and New Rivalries: The middle weights bring intriguing storylines, especially after some shuffling of stars.
285 Pounds (Heavyweight) – The Return of an Olympic Hero: The heavyweight division has a headline-grabbing storyline: Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is back.
Dominant Contenders Chasing History
While up-and-comers fight for their place, a select group of dominant contenders is chasing historic milestones this weekend.
Penn State’s Carter Starocci stands on the brink of an unprecedented achievement: winning a fifth NCAA championship.
Gable Steveson is aiming for his third heavyweight title, bolstering his case as one of the greatest ever in the sport.
Underdogs and Cinderella Stories
One of the reasons the NCAA wrestling tournament is so enthralling is the inevitability of surprises.
Several underdogs and comeback stories are already making headlines, including A.J. Ferrari's return to the national stage.
The Thrilling Team Title Race
While each wrestler fights for individual glory, there’s another layer of competition unfolding: the race for the team championship.
Penn State is the overwhelming favorite, but the battle for the runner-up spot is highly contested between Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Minnesota.
Major News and Can’t-Miss Moments
Beyond the brackets and scores, the NCAA Wrestling Championships come with plenty of newsworthy storylines.
Gable Steveson’s comeback has drawn mainstream attention, and Carter Starocci is chasing an unprecedented fifth title.
Conclusion
As the NCAA Wrestling Tournament heads into its decisive weekend, the excitement continues to build.
By the time the final whistles blow on Saturday night, we will have ten national champions and one team titleholder.
Stay tuned and keep following our coverage throughout the weekend. We’ll be updating you on all the pivotal moments, upsets, and triumphs as they happen.
Jimmy Pallotto
Co-Host
Jimmy Pallotto - Co-Host, The Far End of the Bench
Born and raised in the heart of Colorado, Jimmy Pallotto is the passionate voice behind The Far End of the Bench. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jimmy brings unparalleled energy, humor, and insight to the podcast, combining his deep-rooted love for the game with a sharp analytical edge. As a proud alumnus of Western Colorado University, where he majored in Communication Arts and Sociology, Jimmy’s background equips him to deliver thoughtful commentary and engage in meaningful discussions with fans and guests alike.
Jimmy’s love for sports extends beyond the mic. By day, he’s shaping young minds as a 7th-grade social studies teacher and multi-sport coach, mentoring athletes in wrestling and football. A dedicated coach and educator, Jimmy instills the same values of teamwork, leadership, and dedication in his students that he shares on the podcast.
When he's not in the classroom or recording episodes, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Carlye, their energetic Border Collie Boomer, and his close-knit family. Whether he's breaking down game-winning plays, sharing hilarious locker room stories, or diving deep into the latest sports controversies, Jimmy’s vibrant personality and authentic voice make him a fan favorite.
Catch Jimmy every week on The Far End of the Bench, where he and his co-host Niko Bryant tackle everything from Colorado sports to national headlines, bringing the sidelines to center stage.
Untouchable History, Undaunted Glory: Stories and Recap from the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Finals
