
March 21, 2026 09:26 PM | Wrestling
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Redshirt sophomore Ty Watters placed sixth at 157 pounds to lead the West Virginia University team at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
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This marks the second career finish on the podium in as many trips for Watters. He placed fourth at 149 pounds in 2024. Following a loss in the semifinals on Friday night, Watters needed two victories to earn bronze. He matched up with Ohio State's No 8 seed Bradon Cannon to battle it out for a spot in the bronze medal match.
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Watters scored the first points of the bout with a takedown in the first period. Back-to-back escapes and a takedown in the early part of the second period gave Cannon the lead at 5-3.
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Watters cut the deficit to one before tying it up at five with an escape in the first 30 seconds of the third period. Cannon scored the deciding takedown with 1:36 remaining in the bout to take the lead. He eventually won by decision, 9-6.
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Watters medically forfeited his next match against No. 11 seed Kannon Webster to place sixth.
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West Virginia finished tied for 23rd place with 17 points. Penn State won the national championship, and Oklahoma State finished second.
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Consolation Semifinals Result
157: No. 8 Brandon Cannon (Ohio State) over No. 11 Ty Watters (Dec 9-6)
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Fifth Place Match Result
157: No. 7 Kannon Webster (Illinois) over No. 11 Ty Watters (Medical Forfeit)
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This marks the second career finish on the podium in as many trips for Watters. He placed fourth at 149 pounds in 2024. Following a loss in the semifinals on Friday night, Watters needed two victories to earn bronze. He matched up with Ohio State's No 8 seed Bradon Cannon to battle it out for a spot in the bronze medal match.
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Watters scored the first points of the bout with a takedown in the first period. Back-to-back escapes and a takedown in the early part of the second period gave Cannon the lead at 5-3.
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Watters cut the deficit to one before tying it up at five with an escape in the first 30 seconds of the third period. Cannon scored the deciding takedown with 1:36 remaining in the bout to take the lead. He eventually won by decision, 9-6.
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Watters medically forfeited his next match against No. 11 seed Kannon Webster to place sixth.
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West Virginia finished tied for 23rd place with 17 points. Penn State won the national championship, and Oklahoma State finished second.
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Consolation Semifinals Result
157: No. 8 Brandon Cannon (Ohio State) over No. 11 Ty Watters (Dec 9-6)
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Fifth Place Match Result
157: No. 7 Kannon Webster (Illinois) over No. 11 Ty Watters (Medical Forfeit)
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Players Mentioned
Sunday, November 01
Saturday, October 10
Thursday, October 01
Wednesday, August 19
















