Rutgers wrestling 2026 offseason tracker

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Rutgers wrestling 2026 offseason tracker

April 8, 2026

Welcome to the Rutgers wrestling 2026 offseason tracker.

With roster turnover occurring at record rates across college sports, this is where Rutgers’ transfer portal activity and other news will be posted

The wrestling transfer portal opened April 1 and closes April 30.

Rutgers, which has lost seven starters from this past season via either graduation or the transfer portal, will likely poach a heavyweight again from the portal for the third time in the last four seasons. The Scarlet Knights also could possibly grab a 133-pounder from the portal.

The Scarlet Knights will be extremely young in 2026-27. They could have a lineup consisting of at least seven freshmen or sophomores.

Remy Cotton (197), who was one win away from being an All-American this past season, two-time national qualifier Shane Cartagena-Walsh (184) are currently the only potential starters who will be juniors

Andrew Barbosa (165), who will be a redshirt sophomore, is the only other returning NCAA qualifier currently on the roster

April 7: Steve Mytych resigns as assistant coach

Mytych, who was an assistant coach the last three seasons and with the program the last four seasons, announced April 7 in an Instagram post he has resigned.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Mytych (@steve_mytych)

“After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role as an assistant coach at Rutgers,’’ Mytych said in his post.

“This sport has given me so much, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside amazing athletes and coaches. What I’ve always loved most about coaching is the opportunity to develop young men—helping them grow, push past their limits, and realize their full potential both on and off the mat.

“As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of NIL and the transfer portal, I’ve found myself reflecting on what matters most to me. My passion has always been rooted in development, growth, and building something deeper than just results or compensation. I believe in the process, in mentorship, and in the long-term impact I can have on student-athletes’ lives.

“While this decision wasn’t easy, I’m excited for what’s ahead and for opportunities that align more closely with my values and purpose as a coach.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—your support and relationships mean everything.’’

Mytych helped Rutgers make major inroads in recruiting Pennsylvania scholastic wrestlers.

Among the wrestlers currently on Rutgers’ roster with Pennsylvania ties are freshmen Tahir Parkins (141) and Devon Magro (149), sophomore Conner Harer (157) and redshirt freshman Mason Gibson (133/141).

Parkins and Magro both saw dual-meet action this past season in their redshirt year and could be starters next season.

Harer was the Scarlet Knights’ starting 157-pounder in the 2024-25 season and redshirted this past season. He could be the starter next season at 157.

Harer’s younger brother Brandt Harer (149), will be a freshman at Rutgers next season and could jump right into the lineup.

Gibson saw dual-meet action at 141 this past season and will likely compete for the starting spot at 133.

The Harer brothers, Parkins, Magro and Gibson were all ranked among the top 53 in the country by flowrestling when they were recruited.

Mytych’s departure leaves head coach Scott Goodale with a position to fill to join current assistant coaches Joe Pollard and Mikey Labriola.

Pollard has been a full-time assistant the last three seasons and with the program for 15 seasons. Labriola has been an assistant the last two seasons.

April 5: Ayden Smith reportedly enters transfer portal.

Smith’s decision, which has been reported by both intermat and FloWrestling, came as no surprise after four-time NJSIAA champion Anthony Knox signed with Rutgers on Jan. 8.

Knox, who had de-committed from Cornell on Dec. 18, is expected to be the Scarlet Knights’ 125-pounder next season.

Smith was Rutgers’ 125-pounder this past season as a redshirt freshman. He qualified for the NCAA Tournament and jump-started the Scarlet Knights’ 23-15 upset of then No. 6 ranked nationally Minnesota with a 7-2 decision over eventual NCAA seventh-place finisher Jore Volk.