CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. – In an action-packed day to open the 2026 NCAA Wrestling National Championships, junior Adrian Samano and senior Khalil Mitchell each had their highs, but were ultimately eliminated on Friday at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse hosted by the American Rivers Conference. 

Samano, the No. 15 seed at 125 pounds, got his morning off to a resounding start with a 11-3 major decision win over Jack Thode of Centenary University (N.J.), before meeting with the second-seeded Mac Cafurello, also ranked second nationally per the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Going against one another for the third time in a month, Samano and Cafurello went neck-and-neck for three rounds, and as Samano held a 4-2 lead late, the Maroon got what was thought to be the winning takedown as the buzzer expired. 

However, under video review post-match, the takedown was negated, and Samano was granted the upset win to advance in the bracket.

Samano then had one match to claim All-American status, and it came versus No. 7 seed and seventh-nationally ranked Mason Jones of Manchester University. Down just 4-2 in the third period, Jones gained momentum late with an escape and takedown to seal the 8-2 win. Samano went down to the consolation rounds, needing just a single win to advance to the second day. 

With a showdown versus No. 8 seeded and 13th nationally ranked Izzy Balsiger of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Balsiger went up early and never looked back, as he defeated Samano 16-9. 

The junior finished his season 19-6, ODAC champion, and 2nd-place at the regional championships.

Mitchell dominated his way to the main draw with a 17-1 tech fall over 15th-seeded Mathew Gummere from Case Western Reserve University. Kasey Ross of Wartburg College, the second overall seed, took just two minutes and fifty seconds to finish Mitchell by fall, which sent him to the consolation rounds.

James Lledo of Arcadia University was up next, and Mitchell came out hot with a takedown. Mitchell appeared to suffer an apparent injury, but carried on. Lledo then flipped the match and went victorious by fall to end Mitchell's season.

Mitchell's season ends 11-8 with an ODAC title and third-place finish at regionals.



2026 NCAA National Championship (Day 1)
125
Champ. Preliminary Round: Adrian Samano def. Jack Thode (Centenary), MD 11-3
2nd Round: Adrian Samano def. Mac Cafurello (Roanoke), Dec 4-2
Quarterfinal: Mason Jones (Manchester) def. Adrian Samano, Dec 8-2
Consolation Round 2: Izzy Balsiger def. Adrian Samano, Dec 16-9

184
Champ. Preliminary Round: Khalil Mitchell def. Mathew Gummere (Case Western Reserve), TF 17-1 (4:30)
2nd Round: Kacey Ross (Wartburg) def. Khalil Mitchell, Fall 3-0 (2:51)
Consolation Preliminary Round: James Lledo (Arcadia) def. Khalil Mitchell, Fall 4-3