Arizona State Wrestling Opens 2026-27 Season at Michigan State Open
Tempe’s Sun Devil Wrestling program begins its 2026-27 campaign on the road, traveling to East Lansing, Michigan, to compete in the annual Michigan State Open this weekend. The event, hosted by Michigan State University at historic Jenison Field House, serves as the season-opening tournament for a number of top collegiate programs. As reported by thesundevils.com, Arizona State will send a contingent of 25 wrestlers to face a challenging field that includes 11 other teams, all vying for early-season bragging rights in a double-elimination bracket format.
The action kicks off early, with the first matches on Saturday morning starting at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Time (9:30 a.m. Eastern). Fans unable to attend in person can catch all the live action streamed on FloWrestling, though a subscription is required.
A Loaded Field and a Debut for the Maroon and Gold
The Michigan State Open has long been a prestigious stop on the college wrestling circuit, and this year is no exception. The field, as detailed on msuspartans.com, is particularly deep, featuring competitors from powerhouse programs like Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Iowa State, Wisconsin, and more. For Arizona State, this means facing a gauntlet of talent right out of the gate. Head coach Zeke Jones will be looking to see how his team stacks up against this high-caliber competition, especially with a large number of new faces in the lineup.
Speaking of new faces, the Sun Devils will rely heavily on youth this weekend. Six freshmen are set to make their collegiate debuts for Arizona State: Rylan Seacrist, Travis Cardenas, Justin Wardlow, Max Wirnsberger, Billy Ward, and Kal-El Fluckiger. Arizona State welcomes 10 newcomers to the team. Among the newcomers, Seacrist stands out as a highly touted prospect, a U.S. Open All-American and Ohio state champion who was the No. 2 lightweight in the country coming out of high school.
Zeke Jones, entering his 13th season as head coach, will be watching to see how the young wrestlers compete.
Arizona State Brings Returning Champions and Ranked Wrestlers
While youth will be on display, Arizona State also boasts significant experience and star power. The Sun Devils bring back Nicco Ruiz at 165 lbs, who secured first place in the freshmen/sophomore division at last year’s Michigan State Open. Kaleb Larkin, who placed first at 149 lbs at last year’s Michigan State Open, is also part of the returning group.
This blend of proven winners and new talent will be tested across the weight classes. The Sun Devils have several wrestlers ranked in the preseason, including Nicco Ruiz, who comes in at No. 2 in the nation at 165 lbs, and Kyler Larkin, ranked 8th at 141 lbs. These established leaders provide a crucial foundation for a team looking to build on last season’s success, which included a third-place finish at the Big 12 Championships and a 12th-place showing at NCAAs.
Michigan State Hosts with Preseason Watch List Members
Of course, the tournament is hosted by Michigan State, which adds another layer of intrigue. The Spartans will be competing on home turf, and they have their own set of compelling narratives. According to msuspartans.com, two Michigan State wrestlers—Kael Wisler and Darius Marines—were named to the Big Ten Wrestling Preseason Watch List. Wisler is a returning NCAA qualifier and team leader, while redshirt sophomore Marines is seeking his first NCAA tournament appearance this season.
The Spartans are also dealing with some logistical challenges for fans. Due to a Michigan State hockey game on Saturday afternoon, parking near Jenison Field House and the Breslin Center will be unavailable. Spectators are directed to use Kellogg Ramp 4 and Lots 62 and 124. A strict clear bag policy is in place for the event, with metal detectors at all entry points. Adults can purchase tickets for $15, with admission for high school students and under costing $5.
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