Best lineup to finish the season?
I’ve always leaned toward the “win today and worry about tomorrow later” mindset. That said, I fully understand the idea of redshirting Henson and I’m on board with that decision. Beyond that, I’m hesitant to push any additional chips into future years.
With that in mind, what do we think is the best lineup to finish this season? We’re still chasing an ACC regular-season title, an ACC tournament title, and multiple All-Americans at Nationals, right? My thoughts:
125 – Eddie
133 – DC / Seidel
141 – DC / Seidel (I think either could give us better results than Crook, though I am not sure)
149 – Gaj / Nininger
157 – Gaj / Nininger / Miller (less certain here)
165 – Burton (ride him for now; not convinced Church moves the needle results-wise)
174 – Hoping Gage Wright comes back; not much confidence in Desiante at this point
184 – Any chance at a transfer? Not much confidence in Bullock right now
197 – Sasso, who seems to be coming on strong
HWT – Mullen, same as Sasso
12 Replies
6mo
Looks like we have confirmation on the following starters on Friday based on SERTC:
125 - Ventresca
141 - Crook
149 - Gaj
174 - Desiante
197 - Sasso
285 - Mulls
(In response to this post by Diehard Hokie)
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donjfs3
6mo
Our Freshman are better than advertised. Returning starters are good. Two transfers are a bit disappointing. It's setting up for a very nice run the next few years. This year will be good, right around #8 in the country. Should be competing for team trophies next year.
(In response to this post by UTPr0sim)
6mo
- I think DC should stick with 133. He has built a record and RPI here.
- Seidel or Crook 141. But I want to see more of Seidel at this weight in the coming duals. Crook is solid NCAA qualifier with a win or two, but at this point I am not sure there is more upward trend.
- Bullock has shown some real grit, but he is not as technically sound as other incoming/young guys. If he could clean up the technical missteps, I think he could be a force.
- Mullen is HWT and I would like to see him transform his body into a Walz type. He doesn't suck weight so focusing on converting/adding muscle weight both off-/-in season should not be a problem. It seems his gas tank is a little low too. He could barely walk in the last couple Scuffle matches. For someone that does not need to be in a calorie deficit, these things are easy to focus on. He has all the technical to achieve a high ceiling.
My humble thoughts at this point.
(In response to this post by Diehard Hokie)
6mo
Is it better to let him eat a bit and go to 141 or does he lose more edge at that weight
Honest question (my thought is it probably depends on weight class matchups as well as the individual’s frame arm and leg length and how they’d hold that weight)
IS it better to just let him naturally float up a bit in weight…does that help or hurt stamina. Sometimes it seems weight cuts are harder on guys strength but then again going up may slow him down a little
Would like to hear expert wrestler thoughts
(In response to this post by Hokie Flyer)
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donjfs3
6mo
But likely need an offseason to add strength and prepare your body the right way.
(In response to this post by hokiepro)
6mo
If that’s the case, I say we let him roll. Championships don’t grow on trees and if he’s got a shot, it helps the program as a whole.
(In response to this post by Hokie Flyer)
6mo
him. Seidel looks good enough to AA, maybe even a give a deep run at 133. If he's a 133 title contender, he needs to go at that weight unless you make a strategic decision to hold him out this year.
If Seidel goes 141 instead of 133, you run the risk having two qualifiers and no AAs at both 133 and 141.
I feel the same way about 149. Whoever is better there needs to go there. If Miller doesn't win the 149 spot, he or Church should go at 157. No need to burn a shirt on NN or Gaj if they aren't wrestling at their optimal weight.
I'm kinda leaning toward letting Seidel go 133 this year and RSing him next season; running with NN at 149, Miller at 157 and Church at 165; and RSing Gaj and Burton. I think all 3 of those guys (Seidel, Gaj, and Burton) are title contenders down the line, but Gaj and Burton will benefit from more development.
** Edited by goodbadugly at 1/6/2026, 4:55:16 PM
(In response to this post by Hokie Flyer)
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njhokie4
6mo
...I think if Robie and co feel that Gaj is the best option at 149 this year he should wrestle. Gonna be tough for him to get in the lineup next year at 149 and a.) who knows how much bo is gonna grow in the next year b.) melvin to contend with potentially for 157 next year if he comes early and c.) gonna be hard to shelf seidel next year if he makes a deep run, dont want a rocco welsh type situation
Tough decisions for the coaches but this is why they get paid the big bucks! Great time to be a hokie wrestling fan!
(In response to this post by goodbadugly)
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donjfs3
6mo
Gaj looks really good at 149, I currently think that's his optimal weight. Same with NN. RS one of them next year and then winner goes 157 in two years (or 149/157 if Bo can stay at 141).
(In response to this post by goodbadugly)
6mo
Feels like there is a body/mind disconnect. His mindset is to get after it, but his body isn't capable of that currently. Would love to see him focus on his stamina/strength in the off-season.
It's kind of the opposite of Cody Howard (JYD!). Dude had a motor that won him matches, but not quite the technique to win tough matches.
(In response to this post by Hokie Flyer)