The 2025 NCWA Men’s National Championships featured intense battles across multiple weight classes, with Tarleton State University emerging as one of the most dominant programs in the tournament.
With three individual national champions, multiple top-three finishes, and several key placements throughout the competition, Tarleton State solidified its standing as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling. Other universities, including Liberty, Iowa State, and Texas A&M, also had standout performances, making this year’s championship one of the most competitive in recent history.
In the first-place matches, Zachery Espalin of Tarleton State captured the 141-pound national title in dominant fashion, securing a 20-4 technical fall victory over Ryan Wilson of Washington State.
His overwhelming offensive output demonstrated his ability to control the match from start to finish, leaving no doubt about his superiority in the division.
Another Tarleton State star, Joseph Liescheski, claimed the 165-pound championship in an all-Tarleton final, narrowly defeating his teammate Finn Shepard with a 6-4 decision. The matchup showcased the depth of Tarleton’s wrestling program, as two of their own wrestlers battled for the title.
At 235 pounds, Koby Kidd of Tarleton State secured a hard-fought 8-4 decision over Caleb Hartung of Apprentice to claim another national title for his team.
In the third-place matches, Aidan Medina of Tarleton State delivered a strong performance at 133 pounds, pinning Jeremiah Steele of Menlo in 2:12. Medina’s ability to finish the match with a fall proved crucial in securing valuable team points.
