Angel Escobedo details how Indiana Wrestling can get over the hump in 2024-25

Indiana wrestling head coach Angel Escobedo knows what it takes for the Hoosiers to get over the hump.

The NCAA wrestling champion and four-time All-American climbed the mountain in 2008 as a 125 pound Hoosier student-athlete. Going into his 7th year at the helm of his alma mater, Indiana is this close to breaking through again.

After six NCAA qualifiers in 2024, Escobedo wants the next step of getting his guys on the podium.

“Yeah, I think it’s just a little bit more belief and expecting that you should do it,” Escobedo told On3. “You know, I think Tyler Lillard was a prime example. I thought he had a phenomenal year. You know, I think at the national tournament, you know, maybe he was a little more nervous than the other tournaments. And that’s where next year we got to flip that. 

“You got to expect that this is where I’m supposed to be and I’m supposed to win, and I’m supposed to wrestle my best at this tournament. And having that mindset, you know, I always say you can manifest things in life. You got to manifest that the way you want to wrestle, and that’s what we’re going to keep preaching this year.” 

Indiana hasn’t had an All-American since 2017, when Nate Jackson got on the podium for the second time. He’s currently an assistant coach at Princeton.

Escobedo is also Indiana’s last national champion (2008) but nine different individuals captured national titles in the program’s history.

To climb the ladder, especially going through a grueling Big Ten schedule, Escobedo knows the steps. It’s all about performing when it matters the most and believing.

“It’s manifest where we’re gonna be at the end of the season, manifest the way you want to wrestle to the best of your ability,” Escobedo said. “Every time you step out there, you’re putting it all on the line, and we’re going to continue to do that. I think that’s how we create that breakthrough because it’s just small things right? It’s a takedown here, takedown there. You know, that could be the difference maker and that can make an All-American and make you a national champ. 

“Or on the flip side, you can not qualify or you can not be an All-American. It’s a game of inches. So, we just got to make sure that we’re doing the right things to capitalize on those moments.”