NC State wrestling star Trent Hidlay announces return for final season

NC State wrestling star Trent Hidlay announced his return to the mat for the 2023-24 season and final year of eligibility.

The three-time All-American decided to use his sixth year and finish out his career. He’ll have one more shot at a national title.

Not only that, but Hidlay revealed his plan to bump up to 197 pounds for next season.

"Don't grieve for your own end, before you have finished it"

Officially coming back for my 6th and final year of eligibility. Putting my all into one last go with @PackWrestle. Oh yeah, I'll be bumping up to 197 too. #B2W pic.twitter.com/6jF8gyAtNv

— Trent Hoagie Hidlay (@hoagieboyhidlay) May 16, 2023

“Don’t grieve for your own end, before you have finished it,” Hidlay wrote on Twitter. “Officially coming back for my 6th and final year of eligibility. Putting my all into one last go with (NC State Wrestling). Oh yeah, I’ll be bumping up to 197 too. #B2W.”

Hidlay went 24-3 last season and finished in fourth place at 184 pounds. It’s been quite the run for for him since he began his varsity career.

In 2020, Hidlay went 23-4 before the canceled NCAA Tournament. He followed it up with a 10-2 record and a runner-up finish at the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Hidlay lost to Penn State’s Aaron Brooks, who’s now a three-time national champion.

The 2022 season saw Hidlay try and get back to the finals, but he ran into Brooks in the semifinals and lost 6-4 in sudden victory. The NC State star ended up placing fifth at the tournament with a win over Ohio State’s Kaleb Romero.

Hidlay lost to Brooks again at the tournament in March, 6-3. In his third place match, Hidlay took on Romero once again but the Buckeye got the 3-1 win in sudden victory.

With a 78-11 career record, Hidlay has a chance to reach the 100-win mark to cap his career. It’s widely expected for Hidlay to compete for the All-American podium, but 197 pounds is a new challenge.

Guys like Tanner Sloan (South Dakota State) and Rocky Elam (Missouri) are back and should be in the running for a national title. 

Title contender Bernie Truax transferred from Cal Poly to Penn State but he’s expected to drop to 184 pounds while Brooks bumps up to 197. Perhaps another matchup between Hidlay and Brooks is in store for this coming season.

NC State finished the 2022-23 dual season 14-1 (4-1 in the ACC) with the team’s lone loss coming to Virginia Tech.

Hidlay returns alongside fellow 2023 All-Americans Ed Scott (157) and Kai Orine (133) for next season. As of now, NC State should contend within the top 10 at the very least at the 2024 NCAA Tournament.