The University of Maryland announced on Mar. 17 that four wrestlers will represent the Terrapins at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships, which will take place from March 19 to 21 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will be broadcast on ESPN Networks and ESPN+.
This year marks the fifth consecutive season that Maryland has qualified four or more wrestlers for the national tournament. The qualifiers are Braxton Brown (133 pounds, No. 23 seed), Dario Lemus (141 pounds, No. 30 seed), Carter Young (149 pounds, No. 12 seed), and Branson John (197 pounds, No. 16 seed).
Redshirt senior Braxton Brown is making his fourth straight appearance at the NCAA Championships after a season highlighted by a 17-9 record and multiple Big Ten dual wins at 133 pounds. Brown placed fifth at the 2025 Big Ten Championships and reached the Round of 16 at last year’s NCAA tournament. He will face Dylan Shawver of Rutgers in his opening match.
Dario Lemus, a redshirt sophomore, secured his first NCAA berth by earning an automatic qualifying spot at the Big Ten Championships in a weight class with only seven qualifying spots. Lemus clinched his place with three consecutive wins in the consolation bracket, including an upset over Michigan’s Dylan Ragusin.
Carter Young enters as Maryland’s highest-seeded wrestler this year and is making his third career NCAA appearance but first as a Terp after transferring from Oklahoma State. Young posted a strong season with a 6-1 Big Ten dual record and several ranked victories before qualifying through the conference tournament.
Branson John returns to nationals for his second time after moving up two weight classes since his freshman year. John leads Maryland in total victories this season with a record of 25-7 and has made significant contributions in bonus-point matches throughout conference play.
The Terrapins’ continued presence at the national championships reflects ongoing development within their wrestling program as they compete against top talent from across the country.