With the 2017-2018 in the books, might as well look ahead to next year.
125-133 will be the most interesting part of the roster, with 3 NCAA qualifiers fighting for two, maybe three spots. Brent Fleetwood, Paul Bianchi, and Cam Sykora are 3 above average options competing for seemingly 2 spots. I don't think Cam has the size/strength to be as effective at 141, but having him bump up would keep all three guys in the lineup while solving the 141 problem. If they don't bump up, I expect Binachi to be the odd man out next year, although he would put up similar results to Fleetwood. Midkiff should redshirt next year, and I think he is the heir apparent at 133 once Sykora graduates.
141 was our biggest struggle all year, and I'm not sure it gets better next year. Hampton started off very well, but they went away from him after some struggles. Colunga has the speed, agility, and length, but needs more strength. Taylor Nein had a rough year redshirting after being the starter the previous year. Sawyer Degen is really long and tough on top, and he is my early pick for the spot if Cam doesn't bump up. With a full year to add bulk and strength, I think he could be average at 141 thanks to his length and his mat wrestling.
149 Van Maanen has to be the favorite hear, but he didn't have a great redshirt campaign. Maybe Nico can add some more bulk and compete for the spot here.
157 I think it comes down to two guys, Franek and Mergen. Mergen was actually ok this year and is probably the favorite for the spot next year. IMO, Franek is ready and is probably the higher upside option. Based on past results, Mergen is an average starting option at very best, but Franek offers more potential.
165 Fogarty will be looked to as the anchor of the lineup.
174 will come down to Urbach and Shearer. We know what Urbach is but the jury is still out on Shearer. I hope Shearer takes a step and locks this spot down.
184 Belongs to McNutt and I think he's capable of being an NCAA qualifier if he's healthy and going well. Popp is another option here, and I love his motor. He could be an option at 174 too.
197 is Eaton and I hope he gets some offseason mat time and improves into an NCAA qualifier.
HWT will be fascinating to see how it shakes out between Big Dan and Metz. I didn't think Big Dan would be as solid as he was this year, but he was solid. I still think Metz offers far more upside and wins the spot. Metz needs to add strength, get his body better, and keep working on his offense. Even a decent snatch single would be hugely beneficial. I expect Metz to be an NCAA qualifier.
This has the potential to be a very young team with Shearer, Van Maanen, Metz, Franek, and Degen with legitimate chances at the lineup as freshmen.