NC State wrestling rolls out strong senior classes every year, and this season is no different. The 2026 senior class includes four wrestlers that have collectively impressed in the ACC and on the national stage.
This year’s class includes sixth years Isaac Trumble, Ryan Jack, Don Cates and Zach Redding. Trumble and Jack have been mainstays in the Wolfpack lineup, while Cates has emerged as a consistent starter after two years away from wrestling. Redding joined the Pack this season after five years at Iowa State.
It’s impossible to tell the story of the Pack’s recent history without starting with Trumble. The No. 2 ranked heavyweight nationally is looking to join an elite group of NC State wrestlers who have won a national championship. Trumble was a title contender last year before finishing fourth nationally with an ACL, MCL and meniscus injury at the NCAA Tournament. The Nebraska native came back stronger this year, and is one of only two undefeated ranked heavyweights this season. A national title would further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
“I think I’ve grown a lot,” Trumble said after a win over UNC. “I’ve gotten married, my wife’s pregnant now, I’ve continued to rise with my wrestling career. It’s taken a long time to get here, I mean six years is a long time. I was just saying I’ve spent a quarter of my life here at NC State now that I’m 24. Spent a quarter of my life here, this is home to me.”
Trumble’s legacy extends beyond NC State. Redshirting during the 2023-24 season while bumping up from the 197 to heavyweight class, Trumble took his talent to the global stage, winning the U23 97kg. World Championship. Trumble also competed at the Olympic trials and took second place.
Arguably just as big as his impact on winning is Trumble’s impact on the team. One of the leaders for the Wolfpack, Trumble’s impact will extend beyond his time in Raleigh with the guidance he’s given his teammates. After graduating from NC State, Trumble will be joining the United States’ military.
“He’s meant a ton,” said head coach Pat Popolizio. “He’s helped lead things to continue to where we’re at today. He’s going into the military, so he brings that aspect as a natural leader and someone that’s gonna defend our country. What better example to have for a guy on the team that’s a heavyweight and doing as good as he is.”
Another consistent presence for NC State, Jack is one of the Wolfpack’s best wrestlers this season. With three NCAA Tournament appearances, 2024 All-American honors and a 2024 ACC title, Jack lives up to the Pack’s standard of excellence. Ranked No. 13 this season, Jack is competing to add a second ACC title and All-American award to his resume before graduating.
Jack’s roots run deep in Raleigh as the younger brother of Kevin Jack, a three time All-American at NC State. With the talent to compete anywhere nationally, Jack’s loyalty to the Wolfpack and impressive success will be remembered for years by NC State fans.
“The whole Jack family, Ryan’s obviously here and put his time in, Kevin’s been here, been an assistant,” Popolizio said. “His parents have been a part of this program and family for maybe a 13-year span. That’s a long time and they’ve meant a lot to NC State wrestling.”
Cates’ time at NC State can be defined by relentlessness. Returning to the mat after a hiatus that included full-time work and creating his own clothing line, Cates is a regular contributor now. The Durham native found his place as NC State’s starter in the 184-pound slot and a strong presence on the team. Improving his conditioning and groundwork this season, Cates is giving everything to close his collegiate career on a high.
“I would just wanna be known as relentless and be a good person,” Cates said after a win at Duke. “I’m a good wrestler, but I wanna be a good person off the mat as well.”
Rounding out the Pack’s senior class is Redding, who is a dangerous presence on the mat. The Iowa State transfer is ranked No. 24 nationally and has an opportunity to close the year strong. With the Cyclones, Redding qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice and was the 2023 Big 12 runner-up. Redding will compete for the 133-pound ACC Championship and seek his first All-American bid this season.
“[NC State] has been a very big help,” Redding said after a win over Cornell. “I transferred from Iowa State, spent five years there so this little transition, a little uncomfortable at first, very big change, but I kinda fit right in, I enjoy the coaches here a lot.”
While the Wolfpack’s seniors are done wrestling at Reynolds Coliseum, they’ll have two more opportunities to compete. First the Pack will travel to Blacksburg on Sunday March 8 for the ACC Tournament before the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland from March 19-21.
