East Lansing is buzzing with anticipation as Michigan State's wrestling talents, Kael Wisler and Clayton Jones, gear up for the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Cleveland. The action kicks off on Thursday, March 19, and fans can catch every move on the ESPN networks or stream it live on ESPN+.
Championships Schedule
Thursday, March 19
- 12:00 PM - Session I (First Round) on ESPN2
- 7:00 PM - Session II (Second Round, Consolation Matches) on ESPN
Friday, March 20
- 12:00 PM - Session III (Quarterfinals, Consolation Matches) on ESPNU
- 8:00 PM - Session IV (Semifinals, Consolation Matches) on ESPN2
Saturday, March 21
- 11:00 AM - Session V (Medal Matches - 3rd, 5th, 7th) on ESPNU
- 6:30 PM - Session VI (Finals)
Spotlight on Kael Wisler
Wisler, the No. 28 seed at 197 pounds, is set to face a formidable first challenge against Wyoming's Joey Novak, a former All-American and the No. 5 seed. With a solid 24-10 record this season, Wisler is no stranger to tough competition.
His journey to the championships was marked by a gritty performance at the Big Ten Championships, where he secured crucial wins over Michigan's Hayden Walters and Minnesota's Gavin Nelson. Should he advance, Wisler will meet either Ohio State's No. 12-seeded Luke Geog or West Virginia's No. 21-seeded Rune Lawrence in the second round.
Clayton Jones' Path
Meanwhile, Clayton Jones, seeded 32nd at 149 pounds, starts his campaign with a pigtail match against Brown's Austin McBurney. A win there sets up a clash with the undefeated top seed, Shayne Van Ness from Penn State.
Jones' season record of 11-15 might not turn heads, but his ability to pin opponents makes him a wildcard. His standout moment came at the Big Ten Tournament, where he stunned Nebraska's Chance Lamer, a four-time NCAA qualifier, with a lightning-fast pin in just 35 seconds.
As Wisler and Jones prepare to take the mat, their stories are a testament to resilience and the unpredictable excitement of college wrestling. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this is a championship you won't want to miss.