The 2024-25 season was the best ever for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers set program records at the NCAA Championships with their highest finish (2nd), the most individual NCAA champions (2), the most All-Americans (8), and the most points (117).

And they might be better this season.

Head coach Mark Manning lost All-American Caleb Smith (125) and NCAA champion Ridge Lovett (149) to graduation, but gained Chance Lamer (Cal Poly) and AJ Ferrari (Cal State-Bakersfield) through the transfer portal. 

The team returns seven All-Americans and eight national qualifiers, including NCAA champions Antrell Taylor and Ferrari. 

“Our team has put in a great summer — a lot like last year,” Manning said. “They made great strides in their development. They’re super excited about this season, and they know there’s a lot out there for them. We’re looking forward to maximizing our potential and being the best version of ourselves.”

The team’s biggest acquisition was Ferrari, who finished first and third at the NCAA Championships at 197 pounds, but is moving up to 285 pounds for his junior season. Lamer will complete his career at Nebraska after stints at Michigan and Cal Poly. 

“AJ and Chance fit in well,” Manning said. “They like their time here, and they’re excited for the season. I think they are two important pieces of the puzzle for us. 

“AJ is a really good athlete. People know he’s strong and powerful, and I think he could be very effective at heavyweight. He brings a toughness to that weight class, and we’re happy to have AJ on our team. I think he’s been a missing piece for us.”

Nebraska will compete at the 2025 National Duals Invitational on November 15-16 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“Duals are important because they allow fans to follow the team concept,” Manning said. “We’re proud to be part of this inaugural event.”

2025-26 Nebraska Overview

Head coach: Mark Manning (26th season)

Assistants: Bryan Snyder, Tervel Dlagnev, James Green, Brandon Bradley

2025 NCAA tournament finish: 2nd (program high)

2025 NCAA tournament record: 39-14

2025 NCAA tournament points: 117 (program record)

2025 Big Ten tournament finish: 2nd

2025 dual record: 11-3 (6-2 conference)

Returning All-Americans: 7 (Jacob Van Dee, Brock Hardy, Antrell Taylor, Christopher Minto, Silas Allred, Camden McDanel, AJ Ferrari)

Returning national qualifiers: 8 (Jacob Van Dee, Brock Hardy, Chance Lamer, Antrell Taylor, Christopher Minto, Silas Allred, Camden McDanel, AJ Ferrari)

Key Transfers: Chance Lamer (Cal Poly), AJ Ferrari (Cal State-Bakersfield)

Last NCAA champion(s): Ridge Lovett, Antrell Taylor (2025)

Highest NCAA team finish: 2nd (2025) (program high)

Highest NCAA team finish under Manning: 2nd (2025) (program high)

Most national placers in a season under Manning: 8 (2025) (program record)

Prospective Line-up

125 Pounds: Kael Lauridsen, FR, or Alan Koehler, SO
This weight isn’t set, and Manning has two quality options. Lauridsen was 6-4 last season with a 1-1 dual record behind All-American Caleb Smith, who graduated. Koehler was 16-5, including a 1-1 dual record. 

133 Pounds: Jacob Van Dee, JR, or Omar Ayoub, FR
Van Dee is the likely starter following an All-American run at the 2025 NCAA Championships. The Union City, Pennsylvania, native finished seventh at nationals after a 19-11 season. He could get pushed by Ayoub, who was 8-1 during his true freshman year. 

141 Pounds: Brock Hardy, SR
Hardy is a returning national finalist who finished the season 27-4. The Brigham City, Utah, native has been a force for the Huskers, finishing sixth, third, and second at the NCAA Championships. He can score loads of points and will be a fan favorite whenever he competes. 

149 Pounds: Chance Lamer, SR
Lamer will complete his career at Nebraska following two-year stints at Michigan and Cal Poly. He is a three-time national qualifier and two-time Round of 12 finisher. The Corvallis, Oregon, native isn’t eligible until the second semester, so expect Scott Robertson, Blake Cushing, and Dez Gartrell to fill in during the first semester and make a run for the spot in March. 

157 Pounds: Antrell Taylor, JR
Taylor won the 2025 NCAA Championships following a 27-4 season. He’s a two-time All-American who is looking to become the program’s first back-to-back champion (Jordan Burroughs won titles in 2009 and 2011). 

165 Pounds: Christopher Minto, SO or Jagger Condomitti, SR
Minto finished fourth at the 2025 NCAA Championships after a 24-7 season. He is the likely starter, but Condomitti will add depth and push for the spot during his senior season.

174 Pounds: LJ Araujo, FR
Araujo was 10-4 during his true freshman year following a credentialed high school career, including a bronze medal at the 2024 U20 World Championships. 

184 Pounds: Silas Allred, SR
Allred has been consistent for the Huskers, reaching the Round of 12 at nationals twice and finishing seventh last season with a 22-8 record. 

197: Camden McDanel, SO
McDanel finished eighth at the 2025 NCAA Championships during his redshirt freshman season with a 23-14 record. 

285: AJ Ferrari, JR or Harley Andrews, JR
Ferrari won the 2021 NCAA Championships for Oklahoma State at 197 pounds before finishing third at nationals in 2025 for Cal State-Bakersfield. He has a 50-2 career college record and is moving up to 285 pounds for the first time. Andrews gained 25 pounds over the summer and was the starter for the Huskers last season. He finished 11-16 and didn’t qualify for the NCAA Championships.