Top 7 College Wrestlers Of All Time

Throughout the history of college wrestling, some special athletes have dominated on the mats. Of those great wrestlers, there’s an even smaller group who have achieved legendary status.

Join us as we embark on a journey to illuminate the careers of these extraordinary athletes. This is our list of the top seven college wrestlers of all time.

Read about how these wrestlers achieved greatness below and get your playoff tickets here.

Yianni Diakomihalis

Cornell great Yianni Diakomihalis is one of the top college wrestlers currently completing the sport. His accomplishments, while wrestling at Cornell, Yianni achieved greatness by becoming one of the top college wrestlers ever.

After dominating the competition in high school, Diakomihalis quickly made his presence known on the national stage. He became only the second true freshman behind Kyle Dake to win a NCAA title.

As a sophomore, Yianni only got better as he beat three top-five wrestlers to repeat as champion. His 3rd title attempt was halted due to Covid, and Yianni was forced to wait a year.

The wait didn’t affect Yianni, as he moved up to the 149-lb division to three-peat as champion. Diakomihalis made history his senior year by becoming only the fifth wrestler to win four straight NCAA titles.

Aaron Brooks

Penn State’s Aaron Brooks has been one of the biggest stories in collegiate wrestling over the last four years. He and his teammate Carter Starocci helped make Penn State the current powerhouse of college wrestling.

During his redshirt year, Brooks couldn’t compete for the title due to Covid. He made up for lost time by winning back-to-back titles during his sophomore and junior years. 

Brooks earned his third NCAA title as a senior, winning the U23 World Championship. Then, after becoming eligible for his fifth year, Aaron made history by becoming the seventh four-time NCAA world champion. 

What made earning this feat even more special is that his teammate Carter Starcocci simultaneously won his fourth title, making it the biggest story in wrestling over the last year.

Carter Starocci

We can’t mention Brooks without mentioning his equally talented teammate Carter Starocci, who became a folkstyle legend. Carter’s run started in 2021 when he won his first NCAA title against rival Michael Kemerer.

He had a perfect sophomore season, capped off by beating former champion Mekhi Lewis. Starocci earned perfection once again as a junior by beating five All-Americans for his third NCAA title.

When Carter started his campaign for his 4th NCAA title, his chances looked grim as he suffered a serious knee injury. The 3x champ somehow got into the final and beat two former champions.

This 4th straight NCAA world title etched Starocci’s name as one of the top college wrestlers ever.

Logan Stieber

Logan Stieber is easily one of the top college wrestlers of all time and all time and a Hall of Fame member. The Buckeye standout started his legendary collegiate career in 2013.

Stieber dominated the 133 lb division, winning every wrestling title one can win. He made history by becoming just the 4th wrestler in history to win four straight NCAA titles.

All while winning four straight Big 10 titles, the 2015 team title, and the Danny Hodge trophy. Needless to say, Logan had a legendary career.

Pat Smith

When discussing the top college wrestlers of all time, the legend Pat Smith must be in the conversation. Pat’s the younger brother of wrestling icon John Smith, who earned a feat that his brother never reached.

During the early 1990s, Pat earned world titles while attending Oklahoma State from 1990-1992 and 1994. Becoming the first wrestler in history to ever win four NCAA titles with a stellar 121-5-2 overall record. 

Smith also set the Oklahoma State record with 98 straight wins, which still stands today.

Kyle Dake

Out of all the top college wrestlers of all time, Kyle Dake is one of the greatest. The Cornell alum not only won four straight NCAA championships, but he did so in four different weight divisions.

Dake won his four titles at 141, 149, 157, and 165 lbs. No other wrestler in the sport’s history has ever accomplished that feat, and no one may ever do. 

After his collegiate career, Kyle became a 4x World Champion and Pan American Champion. Marking his name as one of the greatest American wrestlers ever.

Cael Sanderson 

In college wrestling, the goal is to seek perfection. All of the top college wrestlers of all time pursued perfection, but only one athlete ever achieved it.

Cael Sanderson is the only college wrestler in the history of the sport to go undefeated during his career. From high school to college, the Iowa State legend never suffered one loss in competition.

Sanderson went a perfect 159-0 in college and won every major title possible. He’s a true wrestling icon, who is rightfully considered one of the greats.