Rutgers University wrestling advanced two athletes to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships on March 19, as Hunter Catka and Remy Cotton secured victories during Session I at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
The event is significant for Rutgers, as both Catka and Cotton remain in contention on the championship side of their brackets. Their performances highlight the team’s efforts at a national level competition attended by 16,625 spectators, with Rutgers standing in 27th place with two points after the first session.
Catka, seeded No. 27 in the heavyweight division, achieved an upset victory over No. 6 seed Nathan Taylor from Lehigh. After trailing during parts of the match, Catka managed a takedown midway through the third period to take a lead before Taylor forced overtime. In sudden victory, Catka scored another takedown with 25 seconds left to win 6-3. Cotton, seeded No. 15 at 197 pounds, defeated No. 18 seed Andrew Reall from Brown by a score of 4-2 after securing a key takedown in the second period and holding off his opponent in the third.
Other Rutgers wrestlers faced tough opponents and moved to consolation rounds following opening-round losses. Ayden Smith (125), Dylan Shawver (133), Joseph Olivieri (141), Andrew Clark (149), Andrew Barbosa (165), Lenny Pinto (174), and Shane Cartagena-Walsh (184) will compete again in wrestlebacks starting at 7 p.m., according to tournament scheduling information.
Looking ahead, Cotton will face four-time All-American Rocky Elam from Iowa State while Catka is set to wrestle Devon Dawson from Northern Illinois when Session II begins Thursday evening on ESPN.
The results from this session set up important matches for Rutgers athletes as they continue their pursuit of All-American honors and team points at one of collegiate wrestling’s premier events.