Charleston, S.C. – The Citadel wrestling team is poised to conclude its 2025-26 season with a pivotal Senior Day dual against Southern Conference rival VMI this Sunday, February 22nd, at McAlister Field House. More than just a final regular-season contest, the match presents The Citadel with a chance to secure its first SoCon regular-season title since 2004. The Bulldogs enter the competition with a 10-7 overall record and a 6-1 mark within the conference, currently tied with Appalachian State and Chattanooga for the league lead.
A victory over the Keydets (5-8, 1-5 SoCon) would guarantee at least a share of the championship for The Citadel, a significant milestone for the program. The complex conference standings have emerged from a series of head-to-head matchups: The Citadel defeated Chattanooga, Appalachian State topped The Citadel, and Chattanooga bested Appalachian State, creating the current three-way tie. The dual is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET, and live stats will be available here, with a live broadcast on ESPN+.
A Tight Race to the Top
The Bulldogs’ path to the championship hasn’t been without challenges. The Southern Conference has proven to be fiercely competitive this season, with Appalachian State and Chattanooga posing formidable opposition. The outcome of Sunday’s match will not only determine The Citadel’s fate but also impact the conference’s overall standings and seeding for the upcoming SoCon Championships. The team’s recent success, including a key doubleheader sweep over Bellarmine and Davidson, has positioned them favorably heading into this crucial contest.
Senior Day Spotlight
Beyond the championship implications, Sunday’s dual carries added significance as it’s Senior Day for The Citadel wrestling program. The team will honor its graduating wrestlers before the match, recognizing their contributions to the program. While the specific seniors were not named in the provided source, the event adds an emotional layer to an already important competition. The team hopes to send its seniors out with a victory and a conference title.
Projected Lineup and Key Matchups
The Citadel is expected to field a strong lineup against VMI, with potential matchups including Gylon Sims or Tyler Washburn at 125, Teegan Vasquez or Sam Cherichello at 133, and Marcus Wright at 141. Carson DesRosier, ranked #28 nationally, is slated to compete at 149, while Kyrel Leavell, ranked #26/33, will wrestle at 157. Thomas Snipes or Parker Kearns are projected for the 165-pound weight class, with Jacob Silka or Braxton Russell at 174. Brodie Porter is expected to compete at 184, Adam Ortega at 197, and Roy Price III or Mason Ayers at 285.
These projected matchups highlight the depth and talent within The Citadel’s roster. Several Bulldogs are nationally ranked, indicating their potential to score crucial points against VMI. The team’s coaching staff will likely emphasize strategic matchups to maximize their chances of success.
The Rivalry with VMI
The matchup against VMI holds historical significance as part of the broader military rivalry between The Citadel and the Virginia Military Institute. While the provided information doesn’t detail the specifics of the wrestling rivalry, the broader “Military Classic of the South” extends to football, as noted in web search results. The Military Classic of the South, a football rivalry between The Citadel and VMI, dates back to 1920. The Silver Shako trophy, awarded in the football series since 1976, symbolizes the longstanding competition between the two institutions. While this wrestling match doesn’t directly involve the Silver Shako, it contributes to the overall spirit of rivalry between the two military colleges.
The Bulldogs will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and the energy of Senior Day to secure a victory and claim a share of the Southern Conference regular-season title. Following Sunday’s dual, the team will prepare for the SoCon Championships, where they will aim to build on their regular-season success and compete for a conference championship. The Southern Conference Championships schedule and location have not been released as of February 22, 2026, but further details will be available on The Citadel Athletics website.
Fans can follow the action live on Sunday via the provided links for live stats and the ESPN+ broadcast. The outcome of this match will undoubtedly shape the landscape of Southern Conference wrestling and set the stage for an exciting championship tournament.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a collegiate athletic event. It is not intended to provide any financial, medical, or legal advice.
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