Columbia News

Missouri Tigers men's wrestling head coach Brian Smith has announced the addition of five new athletes to the program's 2026 signing class. The signings, revealed on November 12, include wrestlers from Missouri, Wisconsin, Texas, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma.

Zion Borge returns to Missouri after winning the Utah State Championship in 2024. Borge is ranked 19th nationally at 138 pounds and holds the 95th spot on the 2026 Big Board. He also won an NHSCA title this year. Originally from Richland, Missouri, Borge completed most of his high school career in Utah and will finish his senior year in Oklahoma.

Borge commented on his decision: "Mizzou is close to home and the culture. The people are special, and how they treat us as a family member as soon as we join is a great feeling."

Coach Smith added: "Zion has been training with us at our Tiger Style RTC and will be a 133. He has been successful at all levels and loves to compete. He will be competing for Bixby High School in Oklahoma this season."

Brady Collins joins from Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin with a high school record of 123-10. Ranked No. 14 at 126 pounds and No. 124 on the Big Board for his class, Collins was state runner-up last season and placed sixth at Fargo during the summer.

Collins said about joining Mizzou: "The coaching staff has my best interest in mind, not just about wrestling but about life."

Smith described Collins as "another talented wrestler coming out of Askren Wrestling Academy that we are excited about bringing to Columbia. He has really improved on the mat, making jumps in his technique and confidence."

Timothy "Trey" Craig comes from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis and is ranked 19th by MatScouts at 190 pounds. Craig was state runner-up in 2023 and finished third last season while being a three-time district champion.

Craig explained his choice: "I chose Mizzou because of the family atmosphere, and I wanted to be surrounded by the best in the country!"

Smith stated: "One of our goals is to keep the best kids home, and we believe that Trey has shown his ability throughout Missouri and the country. Trey is also coached by alum Jack Flynn, and has been training at our RTC."

Aiden "Cash" Cooley joins from Allen High School in Texas after posting a dominant season with a record of 43-2. Cooley is ranked No.14 at 215 pounds by Mat Scouts and No.118 overall for his class; he was also part of the U17 World team for Greco-Roman wrestling representing Team USA.

Cooley shared: "I chose Missouri because it offers top-tier athletics and strong academics. Competing for Mizzou provides me the opportunity to perform at the highest level and work alongside the best. Beyond sports, Mizzou's academics and passionate fan base create an environment for me to excel both on the mat and in the classroom."

Smith commented: "Coached by former Tiger Style standout Allan Hart, Cash is another talent coming out of Texas. He's been on world teams and placed in many national tournaments. Cash will be a 197-pounder for us."

Yandel Morales arrives from Massachusetts with three state championships under his belt; he currently ranks No.19 nationally at 132 pounds (No.160 overall). Morales represented Puerto Rico as a U17 World Team Member where he finished ninth globally before transferring to Lake Highland Prep School in Florida for his final high school year.

Morales said: "I love the culture that not only the team brings but the staff as well. I want to win an NCAA title at Mizzou."

Coach Smith remarked: "Yandel was coached by his Dad in Massachusetts where he won the New England title...He wanted to compete more during season at some of top High School tournaments so he & family decided get him down Lake Highland Prep Florida one top prep schools nation compete loaded practice room national schedule."