Wildcats Announce 2026 Incoming Class
6/4/2026 12:50:00 PM | Wrestling
DAVIDSON, N.C. — Davidson College head wrestling coach Nate Carr Jr. has officially announced the addition of 12 incoming scholar-athletes to the Wildcat program for the upcoming 2026 season. This highly decorated freshman class features multiple state champions, national placeholders, and international competitors hailing from eight different states and territories, signaling a major talent infusion as the program continues its ascent toward an elite national standard.
The class boasts a combined nine state championships, numerous Fargo All-American honors, and deep local ties to the Carolinas alongside premier wrestling talent from powerhouse states like Iowa, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Coach Carr's Corner
"I am really excited about this incoming class! There is a ton of talent and potential in this group, but what stands out most is that these are high-character, hard-working individuals. This class will help us continue to make strides, bringing a unique and elite experience to Davidson College. This group will definitely be exciting to follow as they bring a positive impact to the program, on campus, and in the community."
2026 Incoming Roster
Jaylen Burge
The class boasts a combined nine state championships, numerous Fargo All-American honors, and deep local ties to the Carolinas alongside premier wrestling talent from powerhouse states like Iowa, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Coach Carr's Corner
"I am really excited about this incoming class! There is a ton of talent and potential in this group, but what stands out most is that these are high-character, hard-working individuals. This class will help us continue to make strides, bringing a unique and elite experience to Davidson College. This group will definitely be exciting to follow as they bring a positive impact to the program, on campus, and in the community."
2026 Incoming Roster
Jaylen Burge
- Weight Class: 141 pounds
- Hometown: Lone Tree, Colorado
- High School: Ponderosa High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: A dominant lightweight out of Colorado, Burge is a four-time Colorado 5A state finalist. He has proven his elite skill on the national circuit as a Reno Nationals place-winner and a Cheesehead Invitational place-winner.
- Weight Class: 125 pounds
- Hometown: Cleveland, Tennessee
- High School: Cleveland High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Cordero comes to Davidson as one of the anchors of the lower weights. He is a phenomenal four-time Tennessee state champion and a five-time Fargo All-American, bringing immediate national pedigree to the Wildcats.
- Weight Class: 133 pounds
- Hometown: Wilton, Iowa
- High School: Wilton High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Emerging from the historic wrestling hotbed of Iowa, Shirk is an IHSAA state champion, a three-time state finalist, and a four-time Iowa state place-winner. He finished his high school career with 178 wins.
- Weight Class: 174 / 184 pounds
- Hometown: Nolensville, Tennessee
- High School: Nolensville High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Melzoni is a two-time TSSAA state champion and solidified his spot among the country's best as a 2024 USA Wrestling All-American.
- Weight Class: 285 pounds
- Hometown: Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
- High School: Selinsgrove High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Representing Pennsylvania's brutal heavyweight division, Peters brings immense size and leverage to the 285-pound class. He earned national recognition by finishing in the top 12 at the prestigious Super 32 tournament.
- Weight Class: 184 / 197 pounds
- Hometown: Muscatine, Iowa
- High School: Muscatine High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Another elite midwestern addition, Franke earned Fargo Greco-Roman All-American honors and is a decorated IHSAA 3A state place-winner in Iowa's largest high school division.
- Weight Class: 141 / 149 pounds
- Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
- High School: Bettendorf High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: An incredibly consistent and battle-tested wrestler, Trevino is a four-time IHSAA 3A state placer out of Iowa.
- Weight Class: 165 pounds
- Hometown: Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
- High School: Delbarton High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Coming from east coast powerhouse Delbarton, Jones is a two-time NJSIAA state place-winner out of New Jersey, known for wrestling one of the toughest schedules in the country.
- Weight Class: 141 pounds
- Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina
- High School: Mooresville High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Staying right in the local backyard, Green is a premier North Carolina talent. He stays close to home as a two-time North Carolina state champion.
- Weight Class: 125 pounds
- Hometown: Dededo, Guam
- High School: North Bay Haven (Florida)
- Highlighted Accomplishments: DeLoach brings international flair to Davidson as a two-time Guam world team member and a two-time UWW Oceania champion. On the domestic stage, he is a two-time Florida state placer and a Fargo Greco-Roman All-American.
- Weight Class: 149 pounds
- Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
- High School: Charlotte Latin School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Another local standout from nearby Charlotte, Gorelick competed on the grueling private school circuit, earning prestigious National Prep All-American honors.
- Weight Class: 133 pounds
- Hometown: Newtown, Pennsylvania
- High School: Council Rock North High School
- Highlighted Accomplishments: Coming out of the highly competitive PIAA District 1 ecosystem, Loss is a Pennsylvania AAA state placer, adding supreme technical skill to the lower weights.
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