Matty Bianchi and Stephen Little Place for Trojans at NCAA Tournament

PHILADELPHIA – Stephen Little and Matty Bianchi are coming home with hardware. The All-American duo concluded their trip to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships with a sixth and seventh place finish, respectively, as well as propelling the Trojans to their second top-20 team score in as many years.

"We had some really high highs and really low lows," sad head coach Neil Erisman. "I'm super happy for those who accomplished part of their dreams and proud of the team as whole, and I'm heartbroken for those who fell short. I believe they will get back up, lock in and get back to work. We have always been resilient and shown a lot of grit." 

"Regardless, we set new standards this weekend and raised the bar," Coach Erisman added. "We are gonna back to work and get better. Those who stay will be champions." 

Matty Bianchi won his final match of the tournament to claim seventh place, a fitting end for his breakout year. Every single one of his bouts came down to the wire this week, as the redshirt junior never lost by more than one point or takedown in overtime - but also never won by more than two points or takedown in overtime. Essentially, it's the picture of toughness in hard situations.

That also reflects his entire year, as he finished with 16 wins by decision out of his 27 total wins. Overall, his record of 27-6 including 10 more victories than last year and his win percentage jumped from 62.9% to 81.8% year-over-year.

"What a great testament to staying and living the process," said Coach Erisman. "He has embodied what this program is about. Faith. Family. Wrestling. I'm so happy and proud of him." 

Little was one of just two overall returning All-Americans from 2024 that both lost on Thursday and yet still battled all the way back to stand on the podium and become a back-to-back placer. Every other returner across the entire tournament that lost on the first day bowed out and were unable to persevere through the end.

The redshirt sophomore ended up one place higher than his finish last year, securing sixth place and locking in his status as the program's most decorated wrestler. Little's five wins over the week added to his season record of 24-6, which included 16 bonus point wins.

"What a tough dude," added Coach Erisman. "He showed up when it mattered most. He found ways to make it happen in unfavorable situations, displaying a lot of grit. I'm incredibly proud of him."

The five-man team of qualifiers, comprised of Nasir Bailey, Jordan Williams, and Joseph Bianchi along with Matty and Stephen, finished in 17^th place as team with 22.5 points. The results not only prove that the program's success was not a one-time fluke last year, but that the Little Rock coaching squad has set a foundation for several years of success after just six seasons.

And we can't wait for the next one.
 
 
Day Three Results

Cons. Semi - Jacob Cardenas (Michigan) 24-3 won by decision over Stephen Little (Little Rock) 24-6 (Dec 5-2)
5th Place Match - Joseph Novak (Wyoming) 29-7 won by major decision over Stephen Little (Little Rock) 24-6 (MD 8-0)
7th Place Match - Matty Bianchi (Little Rock) 27-6 won by decision over Caleb Fish (Oklahoma State) 21-12 (Dec 4-2)


 
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