BREAKING NEWS: 184 Pounds Nebraska Wrestling Weight-Class Preview

Nebraska Wrestling Weight-Class Preview: 184 Pounds

This year’s deep dive into Nebraska’s wrestling outlook for the 184-pound weight class offers a comprehensive look at the roster, national competition, and the Huskers’ historical performance at the weight. As part of an ongoing series, each weight class is being broken down weekly, with previews available every Wednesday, including what’s coming next in the 197-pound weight class.

Roster Outlook for 2024-25
Junior Lenny Pinto returns for his third year at 184 pounds, entering the season ranked #8 by FloWrestling. Despite setbacks, including injuries before his Nebraska debut and mixed results in his first two seasons, Pinto has consistently shown potential. Last season, he improved his consistency, with wins over top opponents such as NCAA finalist Dustin Plott and four-time All-American Bernie Truax. He ended the season with a 24-6 record, but still seeks his first All-American honor.

Redshirt freshman Ethan DeLeon is a strong backup option after going 17-6 last season. Nebraska also has the flexibility to move wrestlers like Elise Brown Ton up to 184 pounds if needed, depending on possible lineup changes, such as Pinto dropping to 174 or Silas Allred moving down to 184.

 National Competition at 184 Pounds
Nationally, Penn State’s four-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci is expected to move up to 184 pounds, joining returning NCAA champion Parker Keckeisen from Northern Iowa, who went undefeated last season. Keckeisen remains a dominant force, having beaten Pinto twice. Oklahoma State’s Dustin Plott, Trey Munoz from Oregon State, and Nelson Brands of Iowa are also strong contenders.

 Future Stars and Recruitment
Nebraska is set for the future at 184 pounds with the recruitment of Ty Eise, a top prospect ranked #3 nationally at 175 pounds. He’ll redshirt upon arrival, with plans to take over for Pinto after the 2025 season.

 Historical Success at 184 Pounds
Since the modern weight classes began in 1998-99, Nebraska has had several All-Americans at 184 pounds, with the most recent being Taylor Venz in 2018. The team is looking to break its six-year drought, and Pinto or Allred are likely to be strong contenders to end that streak.