The 86 kg weight class at the 2025 USA Wrestling World Team Trials is set to deliver fireworks, with a deep field of elite wrestlers all vying for a shot at Final X. Zahid Valencia, who earned his Final X spot by defeating Kyle Dake at the U.S. Open, awaits the winner of what promises to be one of the most competitive brackets in the entire tournament.
Top seed Kyle Dake (Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC), a four-time World champion and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, headlines the field. Dake moved up to 86 kilograms in 2025 and remains one of the most decorated American freestyle wrestlers ever. His loss to Valencia at the Open adds an extra layer of urgency and intrigue to his quest for another Final X appearance.
Coming in at No. 2 is Chance Marsteller (NJRTC/Titan Mercury WC), a gritty, hard-nosed competitor known for pushing elite opponents to the brink. Marsteller has steadily improved each year on the freestyle circuit and is hungry to break through with a signature win that would put him on the senior World Team for the first time.
At No. 3, Carter Starocci (Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC) brings a winning pedigree few can match. After capturing his fifth NCAA title, a feat rarely achieved in collegiate wrestling, Starocci now looks to add a World Team Trials title. Despite his youth, he has quickly adapted to the freestyle style and poses a real threat to veterans in the bracket.
The No. 4 seed, Parker Keckeisen (Panther WC – RTC), claimed a 2024 NCAA championship and has long been one of the most consistent performers in the nation. Known for his engine and technical precision, Keckeisen is another strong contender who could easily find himself in the finals.
Rounding out the top five is Marcus Coleman (Cyclone RTC/Titan Mercury WC), a veteran of the domestic freestyle scene. Coleman has a history of pulling off upsets and will be a dangerous matchup for anyone in the field.
Outside the top five, there are even more threats. Several unseeded or lower-seeded athletes will be entering with nothing to lose and everything to gain. In a bracket this deep, even early-round matchups could feature nationally ranked wrestlers going head-to-head.
With a Final X showdown against Zahid Valencia looming, every match at 86 kg will carry high stakes and major implications. The winner will not only earn a shot at making the 2025 U.S. World Team but will also gain momentum and confidence heading into a pivotal year for USA Wrestling.
The 86 kg bracket isn’t just loaded—it’s stacked with storylines, star power, and the promise of unforgettable battles. Stay with Heavyweight Nation for live updates, results, and in-depth coverage of the 2025 World Team Trials.
