Tar Heels Set for Top-15 ACC Wrestling Showdown at Virginia Tech
When No. 13 North Carolina travels to Blacksburg on Friday night to take on sixth-ranked Virginia Tech, it won’t just be another dual-it’s a clash of two ACC powers, a rivalry matchup with postseason implications, and a chance for the Tar Heels to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
The action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET inside Cassell Coliseum, and fans can catch the drama live on ACC Network.
A Rivalry With History-and Momentum
Virginia Tech holds the historical edge in this series, leading 43-32-2, but momentum is a different story. Carolina pulled off a gritty 20-17 win over the Hokies last season in Chapel Hill, snapping a two-year drought against their conference foe. That victory wasn’t just a notch in the win column-it was a statement that the Tar Heels under head coach Rob Koll are building something serious.
Now, they’ll try to do it again, this time on the road, in one of the toughest environments in college wrestling.
Rolling Into Blacksburg With Confidence
North Carolina enters Friday’s dual riding high after a 25-13 win over Duke. The Tar Heels dominated that rivalry bout with four major decisions and a fall, extending their win streak over the Blue Devils to 10 straight.
To put that in perspective: Carolina has now taken 48 of the last 50 meetings against Duke. That’s not just dominance-it’s tradition.
The win also marked a milestone for Ethan Oakley, whose 10-1 major decision at 133 pounds sealed his 100th career victory. The Trinity, N.C. native continues to be a steady force in the lineup, and he’s now 2-0 in ACC action this season.
Other standouts from the Duke dual included Cameron Stinson Jr. (125), who earned a decision, and major decisions from Laird Root (157), Jake Dailey (184), and Robert Platt (197). Joey Showalter delivered the exclamation point with a second-period fall at 157.
New Faces Making Big Impacts
This is year three of the Rob Koll era, and the roster has seen some fresh additions that are already paying dividends. The Tar Heels added nine newcomers in the offseason, including two high-impact transfers: Bryce Hepner (Ohio State) and Kysen Terukina (Iowa State). Between them, they’ve posted a combined 23-4 record this season, and both are expected to play key roles Friday night.
Hepner, currently ranked No. 12 at 165 pounds, has brought veteran poise and consistent production. Terukina, ranked No. 13 at 125, has been a spark plug at the top of the lineup and will face a stiff test against No. 3 Eddie Ventresca of Virginia Tech.
Ranked Wrestlers Across the Board
This Carolina team isn’t just deep-it’s ranked. Six Tar Heels appear in the latest InterMat national rankings, giving them firepower up and down the lineup:
- 125: Kysen Terukina - No. 13
- 133: Ethan Oakley - No. 27
- 141: Luke Simcox - No. 10
- 157: Laird Root - No. 25
- 165: Bryce Hepner - No. 12
- 184: Jake Dailey - No. 13
As a team, Carolina holds the No. 13 spot in the NWCA Coaches Poll. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, sits at No. 6, and they’ll bring a loaded lineup of their own into Friday’s dual.
Key Matchups to Watch
This one is loaded with ranked-versus-ranked battles, and the margin for error will be razor-thin. Here are a few matchups that could swing the outcome:
- 125: No. 13 Terukina vs.
No. 3 Ventresca - A high-stakes opener between two of the ACC’s best lightweights.
Terukina will need to set the tone early.
- 133: Oakley (or Matthew Botello) vs. No. 6 Aaron Seidel - Oakley’s experience and recent form will be tested against one of the top 133-pounders in the country.
- 141: No. 10 Luke Simcox (or Nick O’Neill) vs.
No. 22 Tom Crook - Simcox has been a breakout star this season and will look to keep his momentum rolling.
- 157: No. 25 Root vs.
No. 16 Ethen Miller - This one could be pivotal.
Two ranked wrestlers, both capable of bonus points.
- 165: No. 12 Hepner vs.
No. 33 Mac Church - Hepner has a chance to assert dominance and potentially grab bonus points.
- 184: No. 13 Dailey vs.
No. 32 Jaden Bullock - Dailey’s been a rock at 184.
A win here could swing the dual late.
- 197 & 285: Robert Platt and Jacob Levy will face tough tests against ranked opponents in Sonny Sasso (No. 14) and Jimmy Mullen (No. 17), respectively. Carolina will need them to keep it close.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about bragging rights. With both teams ranked in the top 15 nationally, the outcome could impact seeding for the ACC Championships-and even shape the NCAA tournament picture down the line. For Carolina, a win on the road against a top-10 opponent would be a signature moment in a season that’s already shown plenty of promise.
Expect intensity. Expect grit. And expect a dual that could come down to the final whistle.
**Friday night. Cassell Coliseum.
Top-15 showdown. Let’s wrestle.
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