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Wrestling fans, athletes and coaches: NC United's Class of 2026 College Prospect Rankings recognized 20 of North Carolina's leading high school wrestlers for their skills, achievements and collegiate potential. The list reflected the dedication of wrestlers across the state and the strength of North Carolina's high school and club programs.
Significance of the United Prospect List
The NC United College Prospect Rankings were designed to identify athletes who demonstrated:
- Exceptional skills on the mat
- Significant achievements in local, regional and national competition
- The potential for collegiate wrestling success
The rankings gave college coaches a resource for identifying North Carolina prospects and considered college open performances, wins against nationally ranked opponents, Super 32 and NHSCA results, state tournament performance and significant in-season wins.
Top Five Profiles
1. Bentley Sly · 144 lbs
UndecidedStuart Cramer · Darkhorse
2–2 against NCAA Division I opponents, ranked No. 20 nationally, multiple wins against nationally ranked opponents, 5–2 at Super 32, 6–2 at Fargo, NHSCA All-American, first at Southeast Regionals and two-time state champion.
2. Lorenzo Alston · 157 lbs
NC StateUwharrie Charter · K-Vegas
5–4 against NCAA Division I opponents, two-time NHSCA All-American, previously nationally ranked, multiple wins over nationally ranked wrestlers and two-time state champion.
3. Eli Horton · 138 lbs
UndecidedMorehead · Combat
4–2 at Super 32, a win against a seeded Super 32 opponent, state champion and two-time state finalist.
4. Cael Dunn · 190 lbs
UndecidedAvery County · Dogtown
3–2 at NHSCA and Super 32 and two-time state champion.
5. Andrew Meadows · 175 lbs
UndecidedMount Airy · K-Vegas
4–2 at NHSCA, state champion and two-time state placer.
Top 20 Class of 2026 College Wrestling Prospects
| Rank | Wrestler | High School | Club | Weight | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bentley Sly | Stuart Cramer | Darkhorse | 144 | — |
| 2 | Lorenzo Alston | Uwharrie Charter | K-Vegas | 157 | NC State |
| 3 | Eli Horton | Morehead | Combat | 138 | — |
| 4 | Cael Dunn | Avery County | Dogtown | 190 | — |
| 5 | Andrew Meadows | Mount Airy | K-Vegas | 175 | — |
| 6 | Dominic Blue | Union Pines | Wrestling Factory | 175 | — |
| 7 | Gabe Rogers | Seaforth | TWA | 120 | — |
| 8 | Avery Rhymer | St. Stephens | Combat | 215 | — |
| 9 | Jace Barrier | Mooresville | Darkhorse | 126 | — |
| 10 | Landon Pope | Pisgah | Haywood Elite | 215 | — |
| 11 | Sammuel Gantt | Pine Forest | RAW | 144 | — |
| 12 | Will Varner | Kings Mountain | Darkhorse | 150 | — |
| 13 | Dominic Hittepole | Wheatmore | Combat | 175 | — |
| 14 | Trevelian Hall | Lumberton | NC Pride | 106 | — |
| 15 | Tiaj Thao | Davie | Combat | 132 | — |
| 16 | Andrew Davis | Davie | Combat | 144 | — |
| 17 | Sam Harper | South Iredell | C2X | 190 | — |
| 18 | Cameron Gue | Mount Pleasant | Darkhorse | 132 | — |
| 19 | Jack Gibson | Northwest Guilford | — | 150 | — |
| 20 | Jordan Miller | Seaforth | TWC | 113 | — |
What's Next?
NC United planned to continue breaking down the top prospects from each graduating class, highlighting their accomplishments and potential for success.
Read the previous archive: Top 25 College Prospects — Class of 2025.