The VT vs NCST rivalry has no doubt raised the level of both programs, and despite NCST winning the last 6 ACC tournaments this rivalry has been very competitive until this year. So what happened? The common sentiment has been that NCST is identifying and developing talent better. And while that IS true, they haven’t been without failure. Those failures may soon be catching up with the Pack. Below is a deep dive into VT vs NCST recruiting the past 5 years. Those hits and misses foretell the results we see today, but a not so subtle shift in tides is occurring, and I predict VT will soon be back on top. In honor of the best sports weekend of the year, here is some reading material for my fellow wrestling junkies out there. Hope you enjoy! 2018 NCST brought in the #6 recruiting class and pretty much nailed it. It was headlined by big boarders T. Hidlay and Camacho, but lower ranked Trombley and Faison proved to be good evals. The VT class was far less impactful. It was small and at the time received HM recognition. Only Dakota Howard remains from that group. 2019 VT reloaded with the #5 class and 3 top 50 prospects in Brady, Andonian and Latona. Also bringing in local product Andy Smith. NCST took a small class which ranked #17 and again was dead on. K. Orine #49 and Trephan #72 both hit. 2020 For VT I would consider this the recruiting class most responsible for the disparity in our programs this season. VT brought in a big class which was ranked #9 overall. Catka #6, Hillegas #51, Ulrey #57, Ventresca #69, and Sam fisher. This class really struggled to hold par with the level of production being recruited by the Wolfpack. This cycle NCST brought in the #8 class consisting of Scott #19, Trumble #43 and Ryan Jack #46. In hindsight these 3 consecutive years fortell the results we are seeing today. NCST was recruiting at a high level and hitting the evals. They also grabbed solid contributors in the lower ranks with Trombley and Trephan. But 2021 was a turning point. In 2021 the Pack uncharacteristically struck out on the #4 ranked recruiting class. Only #46 Fields remains from that group. VT added Flynn and Trey Kibe in a small class. In 2022 both teams reload, NCST with the #3 class and VT #10. Despite NCST nabbing 4 top 50 recruits in Fishback #5, Singleton #10, Arrington #16 and Horne #35, early returns would indicate we have the upper hand with Henson #7 and Stewart #31, along with Crook who was a great eval at #69. 2023 is the year that could really set the tone for the next era of this rivalry. VT with the #7 class seems to have hit it out of the park. Mullen #7, Sasso #26 Church #29 and Hipolito #57 could be high level starters. It will be interesting to see what weight Church fills into. Mason #85 and Frazier HM round out the class. NCST took a small class with Buesgens #20 headlining along with V. Robinson #46. TLDR: If you’ve read up to this point, the takeaway seems clear. NCST isn’t doing anything spectacular in terms of development. Their high level contributors were expected to be just that, and good recruiting and evaluation from 2018, 2019 and 2020 continue to pay dividends for them. Our comparatively down years in 2018 and 2020 couldn’t keep pace, and we see the results now. The years ahead will be a different story. Our 2022 and 2023 classes have set a new tone, and the balance of power could shift in our favor very soon. S/o @Hikinghokie who correctly reminded us earlier in the season that our reinforcements are here, they’re just redshirting.