Rutgers Wrestling Soars: Eight Scarlet Knights Punch Tickets to NCAA Championships
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The Rutgers wrestling team delivered a strong performance at the 2026 Huge Ten Wrestling Championships, securing eight bids to the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Cleveland later this month. This marks the most Scarlet Knights heading to nationals since 2024, and just the fourth time in program history the team has qualified eight or more wrestlers.
A Weekend of Wins and Qualification
The Scarlet Knights finished eighth in the team standings with 63.5 points, racking up 27 wins over the weekend, including 18 against ranked opponents. The team’s success was highlighted by Hunter Catka (HWT), who needed two wins on Sunday to clinch his fourth NCAA appearance and delivered with a pin against Josh Terrill of Michigan State.
Big Ten Placewinners Shine
Rutgers boasted seven placewinners at the conference tournament:
- 5th: Joseph Olivieri (141)
- 5th: Shane Cartagena-Walsh (184)
- 6th: Andrew Barbosa (165)
- 6th: Lenny Pinto (174)
- 6th: Remy Cotton (197)
- 7th: Andrew Clark (149)
- 8th: Ayden Smith (125)
Barbosa’s Upset and Team Momentum
Andrew Barbosa’s upset victory over 2025 NCAA runner-up Joey Blaze of Purdue was a standout moment, demonstrating the team’s potential on the national stage. Coach Scott Goodale expressed satisfaction with the eight qualifiers but emphasized the require for improvement heading into the NCAA Championships.
Looking Ahead: At-Large Bids and Full Lineup Potential
Dylan Shawver (133) and Anthony White (157) finished just outside automatic qualification but remain contenders for at-large bids. If both receive bids, Rutgers would send its full lineup to the national tournament for only the second time in school history.
Historical Context: A Program on the Rise
This year’s eight qualifiers represent a continuation of Rutgers wrestling’s upward trajectory. The program has consistently sent five or more wrestlers to the NCAA Championships for the past 12 years, and Here’s the fourth time they’ve reached eight or more, joining previous achievements in 2011, 2016, and 2024.
Individual Performances: A Detailed Look
Here’s a breakdown of individual results:
| 125: | Ayden Smith (Eighth, 2-3) |
| 133: | Dylan Shawver (3-2) |
| 141: | Joseph Olivieri (Fifth, 4-2) |
| 149: | Andrew Clark (Seventh, 2-2) |
| 157: | Anthony White (1-3) |
| 165: | Andrew Barbosa (Sixth, 2-3) |
| 174: | Lenny Pinto (Sixth, 3-3) |
| 184: | Shane Cartagena-Walsh (Fifth, 4-2) |
| 197: | Remy Cotton (Sixth, 3-3) |
| HWT: | Hunter Catka (3-2) |
FAQ
Q: When and where are the NCAA Wrestling Championships?
A: March 19-21 in Cleveland.
Q: How many wrestlers did Rutgers qualify for the NCAA Championships?
A: Eight.
Q: What does it take to get an at-large bid?
A: Coaches’ rankings and RPI are considered.
Did you know? Rutgers has secured eight or more NCAA qualifiers only four times in program history.
Stay tuned for updates on Shawver and White’s at-large bid status. Follow Rutgers wrestling for the latest news and results as they prepare for the NCAA Championships!
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