Seeking to be UNC’s first NCAA wrestling champion since 1995, redshirt sophomore Austin O’Connor will begin this season as the No. 1 ranked wrestler at 149 pounds–according to FloWrestling’s preseason rankings, which were released on Tuesday.
O’Connor–who went 34-6 and finished third at the NCAA championships as a freshman–is one of five Tar Heels to earn a spot in the preseason rankings, while the team is ranked No. 19 overall.
Joining O’Connor in the poll are: redshirt freshman Joey Melendez (No. 22 at 125 pounds), redshirt sophomore Zach Sherman (No. 23 at 141 pounds), redshirt junior Josh McClure (No. 21 at 165 pounds) and redshirt junior Devin Kane (No. 15 at 174 pounds).
UNC will begin its wrestling season officially on Oct. 24 with team wrestle-offs.
Photo via UNC Athletics
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