Ohio Wrestlers Prepare For Exciting NCAA Championships

Ohio wrestling team is gearing up for the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, set to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event, which runs from March 20 to March 22, 2025, promises to bring together the best collegiate wrestlers in the country, with all eyes on the intense competition and the hunt for national titles.

The wrestling action kicks off on Thursday, March 20, at 12 p.m. ET, inside the Wells Fargo Center. Fans can expect a thrilling weekend starting with session one at noon, which will feature the pigtails and first-round matches. Session two, beginning at 7 p.m. ET, will include wrestle-back preliminaries alongside first and second rounds of wrestles. On Friday, March 21, the excitement continues with session three at 12 p.m. ET pitting quarterfinalists against one another, followed by the semifinals later that evening at 8 p.m. ET. The final day, Saturday, March 22, will conclude with the championship finals slated for 7 p.m. ET.

Among the notable competitors is Ohio's redshirt junior Garrett Thompson, who enters the championship as the No. 4 seed in the 174-pound bracket. Thompson hails from Murrysville, Pennsylvania, and boasts a remarkable 24-5 record after finishing the regular season undefeated in MAC dual matchups. His recent success culminated with winning the MAC Championship and earning the title of MAC Most Outstanding Wrestler, which only adds to the spotlight on him heading into the tournament.

Thompson’s first matchup will be against No. 29 seed Jackson Turley from Rutgers, and fans will be eager to see how he performs. Meanwhile, redshirt senior Jordan Greer is making waves as well, seeded No. 20 in the heavyweight division. Set to face off against No. 13 Seth Nevills from Maryland, Greer arrives at the tournament with an impressive record of 19-4, having also earned his spot by reaching the MAC Championship finals.

With the tournament expected to attract a vast audience, numbers indicate that the NCAA Wrestling Championships are on track to break attendance records, with projections of drawing over 100,000 fans throughout the weekend. The Wells Fargo Center has a bustling environment, especially since it last hosted the championships in 2011 when attendance reached 104,260. This year, the excitement is amplified by improved facilities and fan experiences with the addition of venues like Xfinity Live! and the Live Casino and Hotel.

As excitement builds, the event has also caught the eyes of notable attendees. Former President Donald Trump has been reported to be attending, adding a layer of star power to the weekend's festivities. With unprecedented demand impacting ticket prices, Wells Fargo Center General Manager Mike Sulkes noted that this is the "highest-demand ticket we've ever had in the history of the Wells Fargo Center" and confirmed the venue is completely sold out for each day of the championship.

The NCAA chose Philadelphia as the host city due to its rich wrestling culture and enthusiastic fanbase, and the city is eager to welcome wrestlers and fans alike. The championships promise not only fierce competition but also a sense of community as fans celebrate a sport that values hard work and dedication.

With all these elements combining, the spotlight is truly shining on these athletes as they prepare to take the mats at the Wells Fargo Center. The performances from competitors will be underscored by the fervor of the crowd, with Ohio's Thompson and Greer looking to leave their mark on this national stage.

As the countdown continues to the start of the NCAA Wrestling Championships, enthusiasts are looking forward to every bout, each move, and the stories that are bound to emerge from what is sure to be a memorable weekend.