Starting on June 15th the class of 2027 can be officially contacted by college coaches. Recruiting and roster management continues to change with NIL, transfer portal, and roster limits, with consistent lawsuits keeping things in flux. The Tigers are coming off of top ten classes for 2024 and 2025, with a small class for 2026 so far.
With all that I figured I’d take a look at what weights the team may be looking to add depth to and potential targets for fans to look out for in 2027. The 2026 class is only three recruits but that includes #11 Antonio Mills, #60 Aiden Cooley, and #124 Teequavious Mills. It’s always difficult to guess where wrestlers will end up weight wise, so take these listed with a grain of salt.
The team has seven seniors and seven juniors, including six returning starters. They’re bringing in a large class with nine true freshmen, with a good distribution of weights. Here’s what each weight class looks like for the next few years with some potential 2027 targets to look out for.
125lbs: Mack Mauger (RS-FR), Hank Benter (TR-FR), Luqman Masud (SR), #124 Teequavious Mills (Class of 2026)
The Tigers are in a good spot here as they could have three young career 125’s with Mauger, Benter, and incoming Mills. Mauger is the likely starter this year, with hometown Benter looking to develop into a challenger. Benter won his last state title at 126lbs and has a lanky frame and could potentially grow, but I think he starts his career at 125. Teequavious Mills has won two titles at 106 and is likely moving up this season with two more years to build up.
- Potential Targets: #141 Camden Rugg (WI)
While this weight doesn’t look like a priority, it never hurts to have an abundance of lightweights. Rugg isn’t the highest ranked at the moment but an AWA wrestler, so a good connection and someone with upside. He went 49-0 at 106lbs to become his schools first state champ, with all but two matches not ending with a tech or fall.
133lbs: Kade Moore (JR), Gage Walker (SO), #11 Antonio Mills (Class of 2026)
This weight could have some interesting roster battles and potential weight changes the next couple of years. Moore has been the starter here the past two seasons and despite rollercoaster seasons has made the NCAA tournament twice. Walker is likely moving up here this season and has a redshirt he can use this season. And then Mills is coming in as a blue chip, and projects as 133/141.