Michigan Wrestling Poised for Breakthrough Season After Transfer Portal Success & Return of Key Players
ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan wrestling team enters the 2024-25 season with substantially elevated expectations, fueled by a dynamic blend of returning talent and high-impact additions from the transfer portal. Head coach Sean Bormet believes the Wolverines have found a “sweet spot of youth and veteran leadership” that could propel them to new heights within the challenging Big Ten Conference.
A major catalyst for optimism is the arrival of transfer Marcus McNeil, described by Bormet as possessing a “work ethic…guys with his work ethic.” mcneil’s addition is considered Michigan’s most prominent acquisition, bolstering a roster already featuring experienced returners.
Redshirt sophomore Beau Mantanona (174 pounds) and redshirt freshman Brock Mantanona (184 pounds) both performed well for the Wolverines last season and are expected to take on increased roles this year. Additionally, redshirt freshmen Teddy Flores (133 pounds) and Cameron Catrabone (157 pounds), who saw limited action in 2023, are poised for more notable contributions.
The team also welcomes back graduate student Dylan Ragusin, an All-American at 133 pounds in 2023, after an injury sidelined him for much of the previous year. Ragusin previously boasted an remarkable 8-1 record in Big Ten dual meets during his last full season.
Bormet expressed excitement about the team’s energy and scoring potential, stating, “They’re very excited to put on the Michigan singlet and compete for Michigan this year…They bring a lot of energy to the mat, a lot of scoring power, they’re pinners.It’s gonna be a lot of exciting wrestling for our fans.”
Despite losing veteran leadership, michigan faces a demanding schedule within the Big Ten, consistently ranked as the nation’s premier wrestling conference. The conference boasts the top-four teams nationally and eight of the top 15. The Wolverines’ schedule includes a challenging seven-match stretch against ranked opponents including No.14 Rutgers, No. 15 illinois, No. 4 Ohio State, No. 1 Penn State, and No.3 iowa.Michigan struggled in conference play last year, finishing with a 3-5 record.
“We wanna wrestle against the best competitors and we get to do that almost every weekend in the Big ten,” Bormet said. “That’s what makes it special and we have guys we recruit with that mentality. We have guys excited about wrestling on that big stage all the time.”
Michigan will begin its season Saturday at the MSU Open, traditionally used to evaluate new additions. While the team possesses a strong core and promising newcomers, the ultimate test will be its ability to elevate its performance against the Big Ten’s elite.
