Mizzou wrestling head coach Brian Smith has announced the signing of five new athletes to the 2026 recruiting class. The signees come from several states and bring a range of competitive achievements.
Zion Borge, originally from Richland, Missouri, is returning to his home state after winning the Utah State Championship in 2024. Borge is ranked 19th nationally at 138 pounds and holds the 95th spot on the 2026 Big Board. He also won an NHSCA title this year. After competing in Utah for most of his high school career, he will finish his senior year in Oklahoma.
“Mizzou is close to home and the culture. The people are special, and how they treat us as a family member as soon as we join is a great feeling,” Borge said about his decision.
Coach Smith commented, “Zion has been training with us at our Tiger Style RTC and will be a 133. He has been successful at all levels and loves to compete. He will be competing for Bixby High School in Oklahoma this season.”
Brady Collins joins from Wisconsin’s Askren Wrestling Academy with a record of 123-10 in high school competition. Ranked No. 14 at 126 pounds and No. 124 on the Big Board, Collins was runner-up in last season’s state tournament and placed sixth at Fargo over the summer.
“The coaching staff has my best interest in mind, not just about wrestling but about life,” Collins said.
Smith added, “Brady is another talented wrestler coming out of Askren Wrestling Academy that we are excited about bringing to Columbia. He has really improved on the mat, making jumps in his technique and confidence.”
Timothy “Trey” Craig comes from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Missouri. Craig ranks 19th nationally at 190 pounds according to MatScouts and was runner-up at state in 2023 before finishing third last season.
“I chose Mizzou because of the family atmosphere, and I wanted to be surrounded by the best in the country!” Craig stated.
Coach Smith remarked, “One of our goals is to keep the best kids home, and we believe that Trey has shown his ability throughout Missouri and the country. Trey is also coached by alum Jack Flynn, and has been training at our RTC.”
Aiden “Cash” Cooley arrives from Allen High School in Texas with a ranking of No. 14 at 215 pounds by Mat Scouts and No.118 overall after posting a season record of 43-2 last year. Cooley competed on the U17 World team for Greco-Roman wrestling representing Team USA in 2023.
“I chose Missouri because it offers top-tier athletics and strong academics. Competing for Mizzou provides me the opportunity to perform at the highest level and work alongside the best. Beyond sports, Mizzou’s academics and passionate fan base create an environment for me to excel both on the mat and in the classroom,” Cooley explained.
Coach Smith noted: “Coached by former Tiger Style standout Allan Hart, Cash is another talent coming out of Texas. He’s been on world teams and placed in many national tournaments. Cash will be a 197-pounder for us.”
Yandel Morales comes from Massachusetts but will transfer to Lake Highland Prep in Florida for his final high school year after winning three Massachusetts State Championships; he also represented Puerto Rico as a U17 World Team Member where he finished ninth globally.
“I love the culture that not only the team brings but the staff as well. I want to win an NCAA title at Mizzou,” Morales said regarding his commitment.
Smith described Morales’ path: “Yandel was coached by his Dad in Massachusetts where he won the New England title.He wanted to compete more during season…so he…decided…to get him down to Lake Highland Prep…to compete with a loaded practice room…”
The incoming class reflects Mizzou’s focus on attracting top-ranked wrestlers from across different regions while maintaining ties with local talent.