Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Men's Wrestling program has reloaded for the 2025-26 season, announcing an 18-member recruiting class that blends proven collegiate standouts with high school talent. The group includes six transfers and twelve freshmen, highlighted by multiple state champions, national medalists, and an international addition from Germany.
 
The newcomers will join the Patriots following a successful 2024-25 campaign that featured a Mid-South Conference Tournament title and a trip to the NAIA National Championships. Head coach Corey Ruff believes this year's signees will add depth and firepower across the lineup.
 
"This class checks every box for us," Ruff said. "We've added proven winners who know how to compete at the highest levels, and we've brought in young talent that are hungry to make their mark. These guys fit our culture. They are tough, accountable, and understand that everything matters. We are not just building a roster; we're building a program where expectations are clear. The guys we've signed are ready to step in, do the work, and represent UC Wrestling the right way."
 
The transfer group is headlined by former Indian Hills standouts Riley Bettich and Brice Coleman, both of whom bring NJCAA All-American honors with them to Williamsburg. Bettich, who finished his high school career with a 149–8 record, was a two-time Michigan state finalist and Indiana state placer before earning All-American status twice at the junior college level. Coleman, meanwhile, was an Indiana state medalist who parlayed his prep success into a third-place finish at last year's NJCAA National Championships. Their Indian Hills teammate Yaveion Freeman also joins the Patriots after qualifying for the national tournament and earning a No. 4 NJCAA ranking at 149 pounds.
 
UC also adds proven talent from four-year programs, including Lane Kiser, a four-time Kentucky state medalist and Campbell University transfer, and Isaac Thornton, a five-time Kentucky state finalist and NHSCA National Champion who spent last season at Indiana University. Rounding out the transfers is Elijah Velancia, who captured an NCWA National Championship last season at Menlo College after placing in the California state tournament during his prep career.
 
On the freshman side, the Patriots incoming class is equally impressive. Internationally, UC welcomes Efe Can-Atak of Germany, a U17 and U20 national champion, who will bolster the upper weights. Indiana adds a strong presence with Caden Brewer, a two-time state medalist, along with Malachi Evans and Justice Thornton, both state placers, and Drew Waldon, a standout from DeKalb High School. Kentucky remains well-represented as well, led by Rider Trumble, a four-time state medalist and USA Wrestling All-American, alongside Trinity products Ayden Lehman and Roman Valera, and Cascade's Vayden Moore, a two-time Tennessee state runner-up.
 
Together, this group of 18 signees provides balance across the lineup, mixing national-caliber transfers with decorated high school prospects. With their arrival, the Patriots add firepower at nearly every weight, reinforcing UC's place as a contender on both the conference and national stage.
 
Cumberlands will open the season November 1^st for the Pepsi Patriot Open.

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