Full Breakdown
NCAA Wrestling Week 8 Upsets: A Recap of Surprising Results
12/23/2025, 2:46:06 AM
Overview of the Upsets
During week 8 of the NCAA Division I wrestling season, several notable upsets occurred, significantly impacting individual rankings and team standings. This week marked the last competitive events before a break until January 5, 2026, making these results particularly significant as teams head into the holiday season.
Major Upsets
A series of double-digit upsets highlighted the week, where the difference in rankings between the winning and losing wrestlers was ten or more. Key results included:
- Meyer Shapiro from Cornell defeated #7 Kannon Webster of Illinois 2-1.
- Geronimo Rivera of Utah Valley triumphed over #9 Zan Fugitt of Wisconsin with a score of 5-2.
- #32 Ezekiel Witt from North Dakota State overcame #11 Nico Provo of Stanford 7-2.
In addition to these, several single-digit upsets were recorded, including:
- #21 Connor Euton of Iowa State defeating #12 Paddy Gallagher of Ohio State 4-2.
- #11 PJ Duke from Penn State besting #4 Daniel Cardenas of Stanford 5-2.
These results not only showcased individual talent but also indicated shifts in team dynamics as the season progresses.
Notable Performances
Utah Valley's Geronimo Rivera and Bridger Ricks both achieved impressive victories, with Rivera's win over Fugitt being particularly noteworthy as he had previously struggled this season. Ricks also secured a victory against #10 Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin, contributing to Utah Valley's competitive performance despite a team loss.
Ohio State's Jesse Mendez continued to demonstrate his prowess, leading his team to victory against Iowa State with significant wins from teammates Nic Bouzakis and Ben Davino, both of whom secured All-American wins. Oklahoma State also showcased their strength, defeating Nebraska 22-12, with standout performances from Sergio Vega and Cody Merrill.
Criticism & Opposition
While many celebrated these upsets, some analysts questioned the rankings that led to these results, suggesting that the rankings may not accurately reflect the wrestlers' current forms. For instance, PJ Duke's victory over Cardenas was debated, as some fans felt Duke's freestyle accolades should have positioned him as a favorite, regardless of the rankings.
Official Statements & Responses
The NCAA and various wrestling analysts highlighted the importance of these upsets in shaping the landscape of collegiate wrestling as teams prepare for the upcoming competitions. The results are expected to influence rankings significantly as teams return to action in January.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rivera showed last week that, just because he’s not ranked, doesn’t mean he can be overlooked.” — NCAA Wrestling Analyst
- “The win wasn’t full of offense or particularly flashy, but these kinds of results give Merrill’s resume consistency and show that he can win the kinds of gritty matches that he could find himself in during the first few rounds of the NCAA tournament in March.” — Wrestling Coach
What's Next
As the NCAA wrestling scene pauses for the holidays, teams will regroup and prepare for the next round of competitions starting January 5, 2026. The outcomes of these matches will be crucial as teams aim to solidify their standings and rankings heading into the postseason.
