After more than a decade, Maryland wrestling finally established itself in the Big Ten last season.
The program hit several benchmarks, including its first road win against a top-10 opponent since 2009 and first All-American honors since 2019.
But roster changes and an injured heavyweight competitor force Maryland to play a young, inexperienced team this season.
“It kind of depends on what we do with our lineup,” coach Alex Clemsen said on the program’s next steps. “We may strategically redshirt a couple of guys, which could make us really young next year.”
One of those players redshirting is three-time NCAA qualifier Kal Miller. Clemsen first mentioned a redshirt year to him at the end of last season, and the two decided in the preseason to follow through, Miller said.
Redshirting still allows him to compete in open tournaments, including Maryland’s season opener at the Southeast Open on Sunday.
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When dual competitions start, the Terps will need contributions from less-experienced wrestlers such as freshman Jackson Young, who secured a victory as a 149-pounder in Maryland’s Red vs. Black scrimmage.
“He’s getting a lot better, so I’m excited for him and everyone at that weight,” Miller said.
Miller’s brother — Ethen Miller — transferred to Virginia Tech in the offseason. The 157-pounder sported a 23-5 record with nine wins coming by major decision. Filling his spot will likely be Mekhi Neal, who flashed in Maryland’s annual Red vs Black scrimmage, defeating his opponent 17-1.
The Terps will also begin the season with a young heavyweight room. Maryland brought in junior Chase Horne from North Carolina State to fill the void of Seth Nevills, but the Georgia native was on crutches during the Red vs. Black scrimmage due to an injury.
Clemsen did not comment on the status of Horne’s injury or if he will compete in Maryland’s season opener.
The injury leaves Maryland’s heavyweight class with little experience. The remaining three players boast just 20 combined wins.
But Maryland’s roster still has proven winners returning this season.
Redshirt senior Jaxon Smith highlights the group with All-American honors last season— Maryland’s first since 2019.
Smith ranks fourth at the 184-pound class according to Flowrestling and his season will start a day before the rest of the Terps as he faces No. 7 Zack Ryder from Oklahoma State at the NWCA All-Star Classic on Nov. 1.
[Maryland wrestling continued its slow climb through the Big Ten]
Redshirt senior Braxton Brown should also be a key player for Maryland. The 133-pounder advanced to the top 16 at the NCAA Championships while sporting a team-best 18-1 dual record.
If Maryland wants to take the next step, it will need contributions from both its newcomers and weight classes that have previously struggled.
The 125-pound class has arguably been Maryland’s worst during its climb through the Big Ten. Last year, sophomores Abram Cline and Tyler Garvin posted a combined record of 18-34.
“Our 125-pounders need to do more wrestling,” Clemsen said. “They need to try more moves. They need to be more offensive. They need to show their athleticism more.”
The Terps will have over two months of non-conference play to sort their unit. Then, a conference gauntlet awaits. The slate may work in their favor as five of its final seven duals are at the Xfinity Pavilion — where Maryland finished 4-3 last season. Over the last three years, The Terps’ have won more conference duals at home, so the team will look to those final Pavilion matches to prove itself as a staple in the Big Ten.
