(Updated: August 18, 2022)
Let's be real, Oklahoma State Head Coach John Smith didn't expect to finish in 14th place at NCAAs last season.
So can they improve in 2023? Let's look at the lineup. . .
Who's Returning & Leaving?
Good news - most of OK State's team is returning, including 3X NCAA runner-up Daton Fix (133) and All-Americans Dustin Plott (174) and Travis Wittlake (165 to 184).
On top of those cowboys, NCAA qualifiers Trevor Mastrogiovanni (125) and Carter Young (141) are also returning.
As far as seniors leaving, 2022 NCAA qualifier Wyatt Sheets and 2X NCAA place winner Dakota Geer both graduated. Additionally, Kaden Gfeller is moving on from the Cowboys even though he has one year of eligibility remaining.
After the season ended, Anthony Montalvo announced his transferred to Arizona State (Sun Devils lineup here).
What's up with Ferrari?
You may have been excited to see NCAA Champion AJ Ferrari return to the cowboys lineup this season, but he was dismissed from the team in July.
Top Starting Recruits
Oklahoma State's top recruit from 2021 is Victor Voinovich, a 2X Ohio State Champion from Brecksville. As the #15 overall recruit in 2021, he'll likely get the nod at 149.
Top 50 recruit Kyle Haas wrestled a perfect redshirt season (11-0) and will likely start at 197 lbs in lieu of AJ Ferrari.
At 157, #23 recruit in 2022 Anthony Ferrari was expected to start as a true freshman. However, with his departure look for veteran cowboys Jalin Harper (JR) and Chance McLane (SO) to be competition.
The last freshman who could start is Jordan Williams (165 lbs). A true freshman, he is the #10 recruit in the class of 2022.
2023 Lineup Preview
This is my best guess at the top projected lineup for Oklahoma State.
- 125. Trevor Mastrogiovanni (NQ)
- 133. Daton Fix (2nd)
- 141. Carter Young (NQ)
- 149. Victor Voinovich
- 157. Jalin Harper / Chance McLane
- 165. Jordan Williams
- 174. Dustin Plott (6th)
- 184. Travis Wittlake (4th at 165, 2021)
- 197. Kyle Haas
- 285. Luke Surber (NQ)
What to Expect
Based off of FloWrestling rankings, Oklahoma State could crack the top 10 again and improve from 2022.
Look for Oklahoma State to score around 45-50 points (an improvement from 38.5 last season). They may be competitive in the Big 12, but I think Mizzou has their number this season.
Where do you think they will finish in 2023? And are you watching Final X Stillwater on June 3 (Live on FloWrestling)?
Josiah Hritsko Wrestling Fan & Founder of Fanco Wrestling
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