Drexel's NCAA Championships Run Comes to an End

Friday, March 20

Cleveland, Ohio

12 p.m.

Drexel University

NCAA Championships Day 2

Drexel's NCAA Championships Run Comes to an End

3/20/2026 4:25:00 PM | Wrestling

CLEVELAND — The Drexel wrestling team's season came to an end at the NCAA DI Championships Friday evening. Cody Walsh upset the No. 17 seed Connor Euton of Iowa State, but fell just short to the 2026 EIWA Champion Max Brignola of Lehigh in a close battle. Desmond Pleasant fell to West Virginia's Jett Strackenberger in the second round of the consolations.

Cody Walsh found himself trailing 9-4 early into the second period, after getting off to a quick 3-0 lead with a first period takedown. Walsh responded with the takedown of his own, nearly finishing the match with two added nearfall points to take the advantage. Euton soon shifted the momentum back on his side, gaining the reversal to retake the lead. Walsh quickly escaped and went back on the attack, scoring the go-ahead takedown with 26 seconds left on the clock to secure the 14-11 victory.

In the third round of consolations, Walsh fell to Lehigh's Brignola in a 6-4 decision. Brignola took an early 3–1 lead, while Walsh fought off multiple shots before conceding a takedown. Walsh added an escape point in the second period to close the gap to one heading into the final two minutes. Brignola quickly extended his lead with a reversal to start the third and held off Walsh's late push to secure the win.

Desmond Pleasant's NCAA Championship run came to an end in the second round of consolations, as he fell to West Virginia's Jett Strickenberger by a 17-7 major decision. Strickenberger set the tone early with a first-period takedown to take a 3-1 lead. Pleasant opened the second with an escape, but Strickenberger responded with another quick takedown to extend his advantage. Pleasant found offense in the third with a takedown of his own, but Strickenberger countered with a reversal and nearly secured a pin, adding a late takedown and four near-fall points to seal the victory.

Results
Desmond Pleasant, 125lbs (1-2 Record)
Consolation, Round 2: Jett Strickenberger (West Virginia), def. Pleasant, MD 17-7

Cody Walsh, 165lbs (3-2 Record)
Consolation, Round 2: Walsh def Connor Euton (Iowa State), Dec. 14-11
Consolation, Round 3: Max Brignola (Lehigh) def. Walsh, Dec. 6-4