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NC State Wrestling Eyes ACC Supremacy

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  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. 01/08/nc-state-wrestling-eyes-acc-supremacy.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 9:53 GMT by on3.com

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Raleigh, NC - January 8th, 2026 - As the ACC wrestling duals approach, NC State's program finds itself in a familiar position: a strong contender battling for conference supremacy. The ACC has consistently been a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling, boasting nationally ranked programs and individual talents. This year is no different. While the Wolfpack possesses a roster brimming with potential, the road to an ACC title will be fraught with challenges. This article provides an in-depth analysis of NC State's matchups, identifying key strengths, potential vulnerabilities, and ultimately, their chances of lifting the championship trophy.

NC State's strength lies in its depth and several nationally recognized wrestlers. However, competing against programs like Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh, all with their own elite athletes, requires more than just individual talent. It demands consistent performance across all weight classes and strategic dual meet management.

Weight Class Breakdown & Key Matchups

Let's examine each weight class and assess NC State's prospects:

• 125 Pounds: Kai Orrick (#16) faces a tough uphill battle against Virginia Tech's Collin Kern (#4). Kern is the clear favorite, and Orrick will need a career performance - exceeding all expectations - to secure a victory. This match sets a challenging tone for the dual.

• 133 Pounds: Jackson Arrington, currently unranked, enters a weight class dominated by North Carolina's Noah Sobeck (#12). An upset win for Arrington is unlikely, requiring a significant breakthrough performance against a seasoned competitor.

• 141 Pounds: Caden Rogers (#13) presents a bright spot for the Wolfpack. He's in a closely matched contest with Duke's Ty Miller (#11). NC State holds a slight edge here, making this a pivotal match in the dual meet's outcome.

• 149 Pounds: Trent Fields (#14) will be tested by Virginia's Dylan Lucas (#9). While Lucas is favored, Fields is capable of an upset, potentially shifting momentum for NC State.

• 157 Pounds: Eitan Yudelowitz, unranked, is up against a formidable opponent in Pittsburgh's Finn Solomon (#6). Like the 125 and 133-pound classes, securing a win here is a significant challenge, likely requiring a major upset.

• 165 Pounds: Alex Diego (#10) and North Carolina's Lachlan Ross (#11) are poised for a competitive showdown. This match is nearly a coin flip, and NC State has a slight advantage.

• 174 Pounds: Veteran Hayden Hidlay (#16) will have his hands full with Virginia Tech's Hunter Bolen (#4). This is another difficult matchup, demanding a flawless performance from Hidlay to contend for the win.

• 184 Pounds: Zed Hernandez (#3) is the Wolfpack's most significant asset. He's a clear favorite in his weight class, with no other ACC wrestler currently ranked higher than 16th. Hernandez is expected to deliver crucial points for NC State.

• 197 Pounds: Isaac Holley, unranked, faces a tough challenge from Pittsburgh's Dayton Blackshear (#10). An upset would be a major surprise.

• 285 Pounds (Heavyweight): DeAndre Fernandes (#8) will battle Virginia Tech's Cody Howard (#6) in what promises to be a thrilling heavyweight clash. Virginia Tech possesses a slight edge, making this a crucial match to watch.

Championship Outlook

NC State's path to the ACC championship is challenging but not impossible. Hernandez at 184 pounds is a guaranteed win, and the 141 and 165-pound classes offer potential for success. However, the Wolfpack needs upsets in several other weight classes - particularly at 125, 133, 149, 157, and 174 pounds - to truly compete for the title.

The team's performance hinges on the ability of its unranked wrestlers to exceed expectations and the ranked wrestlers to live up to their billing. Strategic dual meet planning, focusing on maximizing points in favorable matchups and minimizing damage in challenging ones, will also be crucial.

While Virginia Tech and North Carolina appear to be the frontrunners, NC State's wrestling program has consistently demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest level. A strong performance in the ACC duals could position the Wolfpack for a deep run in the NCAA championships as well. The next few weeks will determine whether NC State can translate potential into a conference title.