Rutgers University announced on Apr. 22 that several of its wrestlers will compete at the 2026 U.S. Open, scheduled from Friday through Sunday at the Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas.
The event is significant for Rutgers wrestling as it provides athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage and gain experience against top-level competition.
Anthony Knox will participate in the senior freestyle division at 57 kilograms, beginning his matches on Friday. Knox is pre-seeded fifth in his weight class and has a history of strong performances, including being named Most Outstanding Wrestler during his U20 Men’s Freestyle National Championship run at last year’s U.S. Open in Las Vegas. He also won the U20 World Team Trials title at 57 kilograms in Geneva, Ohio, which earned him a spot representing Team USA at the U20 World Championships held in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Billy Townson (61kg) and Jordan Chapman (86kg) are set to compete in the U20 freestyle division starting Saturday. Both recently completed their first varsity seasons with Rutgers; Chapman recorded twelve victories and competed in duals against Hofstra and Penn State, while Townson achieved ten wins during his redshirt season.
The Scarlet Knights finished No. 11 nationally in the final NWCA Coaches Poll for the second consecutive year during the 2025-26 season. The team ended its regular season with six straight wins—including its first-ever victory over then-No. 6 Minnesota—marking its best Big Ten regular-season finish to date under head coach Scott Goodale’s leadership. Rutgers also secured nine NCAA qualifiers this season, its highest total since 2016.
All matches from this weekend’s competition will be streamed live on FloWrestling.
