If seeds hold, here are my thoughts:
125- Could have a tough quarter against Alex Thomsen, but if he gets on top of Thomsen he should be able to tilt him and control the match. Thomsen is very good from neutral though. Shroeder will be a good test if they meet in the semis, but I expect Alex to win that. Mueller is a bear and might be one of the 2 wrestlers that can challenge Lee this year, so I would put best case scenario as 2nd place for Mackall.
133- Really depends on the draw for Small as he didn't get a seed, but this could be a good coming out party for him. Big opportunity to get some quality wins to work towards qualifying for a spot in March. I do not expect to see Gomez again this year, so it is time for Small to grab control of the spot.
141- To me this really depends how healthy Parker is. If he has improved health since the Iowa dual and can take some shots, he has an outside chance of upsetting McKee to get to Demas. I think Demas is beatable (as Ian has beat him in the last year), but I have a hard time picking Ian to get past McKee. If Ian beats McKee, that tells me he's healthy and feeling good and I would pick him to upset Demas in the semis and match-up with Pletcher in the finals. But, I am not confident in Ian's health so I would take a 6th place finish from him at this tournament.
149- This is going to be an insane bracket. Any of the top 8 seeds could win this bracket. Degen will have a tough quarter against Purinton (who just beat Max Thomsen a couple weeks ago) or Pohlmeyer, followed by a very tough semi against Parriot or Sasso. If it is Sasso, he is an electric wrestler but he tends to gas. If Degen can keep the first period within 4 points I think he would have a good chance to win the match. Hoping for a top 4 finish from Jarrett, but as crabs said would not be shocked with a DNP.
157- Showtime for David. Great opportunity for him to show he belongs in the top echelon of 157 and a chance to earn the #1 ranking. I expect him to make the semis and face Deakin from NW. Deakin will be a great challenge for David and is a complete toss up. I'll pick him to win and then beat Hidlay in the finals. Carr seems to love the bright lights and this will be a big moment for the Freshman.
165- Like 133, a good opportunity for Chase to pick up some wins and work towards earning a qualification for March. I liked what I saw from Chase for 6 minutes against Bucknell and the first 2 periods against Marinelli. If he can finish matches, he could be a solid 165.
174- A chance for Marcus to earn a top 20 ranking. He ran into a buzzsaw against Kem, but I am excited to see how he competes against the 10-20 ranked kids. Could either be a coming out party for Marcus, or a potential Sophomore step back
184- Like 149, this is a crazy stacked bracket. I do not like this draw for Colbray at all, but if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. I was disappointed with his match against Brands, but this is a great opportunity to rebound. If he can be top 6, that would be a great tournament.
197- Not expecting much here
Hwt- I actually love this draw for Gannon. He pinned Tate Orndorff (the #2 seed and top 5 wrestler this year) last year and will likely face him in the quarters. If he can beat Tate again, he would likely face Tanner Hall from ASU which is another winnable match. I am predicting Gannon will beat Tate, then lose to Hall but have a top 4 finish at this tournament and jump into the top 10 at hwt.
Going to be a fun tournament for sure and excited to see how the guys compete!
