The University of Michigan wrestling team is preparing to host its Big Ten opener against Michigan State University on Friday, January 9, at the Crisler Center. The event, which begins at 7 p.m., will feature several promotions including a “Maize Out,” with fans encouraged to wear maize, and giveaways for early attendees. Alumni Night will also be observed, recognizing Michigan Wrestling alumni during an intermission.
Michigan enters the match ranked No. 12 nationally with a current record of 4-2 overall and is seeking to improve on last season’s conference performance. Over the past five seasons, the Wolverines have achieved a 26-13 record in Big Ten duals and finished among the top five teams four times. The program is aiming to rebound from a 3-5 conference mark last year, which was its first losing record in league play since 2016-17.
So far this season, Michigan has recorded home victories over VMI and Virginia, winning nearly all matches in those duals and securing numerous bonus-point wins. Their most recent dual meet saw four falls against Virginia—the highest number since 2015.
Michigan State arrives with a 3-2 record and two wrestlers ranked nationally by InterMat: Max Vanadia (No. 27 at heavyweight) and Kael Wisler (No. 29 at 197 pounds). Historically, Michigan holds a significant advantage in their rivalry with Michigan State, leading the series 77-35-5 and winning the past fourteen meetings.
The Wolverines have nine wrestlers nationally ranked in their respective weight classes according to InterMat, including Cameron Catrabone (No. 14 at 157 pounds), Beau Mantanona (No. 12 at 174), Brock Mantanona (No. 8 at 184), Taye Ghadiali (No. 6 at heavyweight), and Lachlan McNeil who is No.10 at 149 pounds according to FloWrestling.
Graduate student Dylan Ragusin is expected to make his return for his first varsity competition since suffering an injury last season. Ragusin is a four-time NCAA qualifier with an overall career record of 87-34.
Redshirt sophomore Dylan Gilcher will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury sustained earlier this winter but retains three more years of eligibility under medical hardship rules.
At their most recent major competition—the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational—Michigan secured second place as a team, its best finish there in eight years. Five individuals placed in their weight classes, led by redshirt freshman Brock Mantanona’s runner-up result at 184 pounds.
Brock Mantanona currently holds a season record of nine wins and two losses, with notable victories over highly ranked opponents such as Nebraska’s Silas Allred and Oklahoma’s Brian Soldano.
Both Beau Mantanona and heavyweight Taye Ghadiali posted strong performances after quarterfinal setbacks at CKLV, each finishing third in their respective divisions with six wins out of seven matches.
Ghadiali leads the Wolverines with eleven wins this season—nine by bonus points—including multiple victories over nationally ranked opponents.
Cameron Catrabone climbed to No.14 nationally following his fourth-place showing at CKLV; he has won eight matches so far this season—including five against ranked foes—and shares the team lead for falls.