The first NCAA Coaches’ Panel Rankings of the 2020-21 wrestling season were released on Thursday, with a total of nine Tar Heels included.

These rankings are used to help determine seedings and placements for the 2021 NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis.

Austin O’Connor is the highest ranked Tar Heel at No. 2 in the 149-pound weight division. UNC’s strength in the lower weight classes was evident with Jaime Hernandez ranked No. 8 at 133 pounds and Zach Sherman checking in at No. 9 in the 141-pound division.

Kennedy Monday earned the No. 10 spot at 165 pounds, giving UNC a total of four wrestlers ranked among the top 10 in their respective classes.

Others included in the rankings are: Josh McClure (No. 25 at 157 pounds), Clay Lautt (No. 16 at 174 pounds), Devin Kane (No. 22 at 184 pounds), Max Shaw (No. 18 at 197 pounds) and Andrew Gunning (No. 27 at 285 pounds).

UNC will have its final regular season dual on Saturday against Virginia, then will begin preparing for both the ACC and NCAA Championships.

The ACC earned a total of 33 automatic berths this season for the NCAA Championships.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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