2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships: Jacori Teemer falls to wrestlebacks

Jacori Teemer hasn’t quite been himself all season long due to injuries and lack of matches coming into the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships. The Iowa graduate senior will now have to win Thursday night in order to stay alive.

An NCAA finalist just last season for Arizona State, Teemer to Iowa seemed like a home run transfer ahead of the season. But with a hamstring issue earlier this season and a sported shoulder brace practically all season, Teemer hasn’t found last year’s success.

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An 11-3 major decision loss to Central Michigan’s Johnny Lovett was the end of his Thursday morning. Instead of having a much anticipated go against Cornell’s Meyer Shapiro, who finished third last season, Teemer will wrestle for his life next.

Now 8-5 on the season, Teemer, who was seeded No. 18, will take on No. 31 Noah Castillo of Chattanooga. A loss there and his season, and college career, is over.

“The guy has unbelievable ability on the mat,” Iowa 184-pounder Gabe Arnold said of Teemer earlier this season. “Off the mat, he’s just a cool, chill dude. He’s a cool guy to be around. He’s a fun guy to have on the team. I’m glad we picked him up from the transfer portal this year.”

Teemer will need that unbelievable speed in the wrestlebacks. He now has to win four in a row in order to get back on the podium.

Teemer’s placed three times on the podium before, all with Arizona State. He was 2nd last year, 6th in 2022 and 4th in 2021.

Have the injuries and years of wear and tear finally taken their toll? It remains to be seen, but Teemer will have a chance at redemption Thursday night. Session II begins at 7:00 p.m. ET in Philadelphia.