Virginia Tech and Bucknell set for wrestling dual Friday at Cassell Coliseum

Blacksburg, VA – Virginia Tech opens its 2025-26 dual wrestling season this Friday at 7 p.m. ET, hosting Bucknell in Cassell Coliseum. Both teams will look to make an early statement in the season during this matchup.

Virginia Tech’s lineup features two-time All-American Eddie Ventresca at 125 pounds and a mix of veterans and newcomers filling out the roster. Notably, Caleb Henson, last season’s national champion at 149 pounds, is redshirting, with freshman Noah Nininger expected to step in at that weight.

The team also features transfers and a highly ranked recruiting class, adding depth and talent across weight classes.

Bucknell’s lineup includes Chris Nucifora at 125 pounds, Ty Kapusta at 133, Dylan Chappell at 141, Bower at 149, and wrestlers like Wirnsberger, Mulvaney, and Takats filling the middle weights. The Bison have solid starters in every weight class, rounding out the lineup with Bechtold or Bartush at 197 pounds and Sheppard or Lawler at heavyweight.

Potential matchups to watch include:

• 125 lbs: Eddie Ventresca (Virginia Tech) vs. Chris Nucifora (Bucknell)

• 133 lbs: Dillon Campbell (Virginia Tech) vs. Ty Kapusta (Bucknell)

• 141 lbs: Tom Crook (Virginia Tech) vs. Dylan Chappell (Bucknell)

• 149 lbs: Noah Nininger (Virginia Tech) vs. Braden Bower (Bucknell)

• 157 lbs: Ethen Miller (Virginia Tech) vs. Cade Wirnsberger (Bucknell)

• 165 lbs: Mac Church (Virginia Tech) vs. Noah Mulvaney (Bucknell)

• 174 lbs: Sergio Desiante (Virginia Tech) vs. Myles Takats (Bucknell)

• 184 lbs: Jaden Bullock (Virginia Tech) vs. Tyler Bienus (Bucknell)

• 197 lbs: Sonny Sasso (Virginia Tech) vs. Dillon Bechtold or Mikey Bartush (Bucknell)

• Heavyweight (285 lbs): Jimmy Mullen (Virginia Tech) vs. Logan Sheppard or Logan Lawler (Bucknell)

matchup provides an opportunity for both teams to measure their strengths early in the season. The dual will be televised on ACCNX and held at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, with action beginning at 7 p.m. ET.