Wadsworth's Jaxon Joy Eyes NCAA National Wrestling Title in Cleveland

Cornell freshman ranked No. 2 nationally prepares for NCAA Championships in hometown

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Wadsworth graduate and Cornell freshman Jaxon Joy, ranked No. 2 nationally at 149 pounds, is set to compete for an NCAA wrestling national title in his hometown of Cleveland. Joy, who has been wrestling since childhood, has dominated this season with an undefeated 21-0 record, 81% bonus rate, and wins over multiple top-10 opponents.

Why it matters

Joy's journey from practicing wrestling moves as a kid with WWE action figures to competing for an NCAA title in his hometown of Cleveland represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. His success this season has made him a top contender, and the NCAA Championships coming to Cleveland adds an extra layer of excitement and significance to the event.

The details

Joy, a three-time state champion and Fargo All-American, has been dominant this season. He kicked things off by tech falling then-No. 2 Kaleb Larkin of Arizona State 15-0 at the Cliff Keen Invitational, earning him most valuable wrestling honors. Since then, he has held the No. 2 ranking, going 21-0 with 81% bonus rate, including two pins, eight technical falls, and seven major decisions against top-10 opponents.

  • Joy will compete in the NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championships on March 19-21 in Cleveland.
  • Prior to the NCAA Championships, Joy will focus on a home dual with Binghamton, away duals with NC State and Duke, and the Ivy League Tournament.

The players

Jaxon Joy

A Wadsworth graduate and Cornell freshman, ranked No. 2 nationally at 149 pounds, who is set to compete for an NCAA wrestling national title in his hometown of Cleveland.

Kaleb Larkin

A wrestler from Arizona State who was ranked No. 2 nationally before Joy tech falled him 15-0 at the Cliff Keen Invitational.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely going to be fun. I've been watching the NCAA Tournament as long as I can remember, so getting to wrestle in it in Ohio is going to be cool. I know some of my friends have already gotten suites and tickets, so I'm looking forward to just doing what I know I can. Regardless, it's going to be something I remember forever. It's going to be unlike anything I've experienced.”

— Jaxon Joy (beaconjournal.com)

“Hunters become the hunted. Guys are trying to take me out now because there's a number by my name but, for me, I don't really care too much about the rankings or the records and stuff. If I'm No. 2 and undefeated or if I'm number 22 and 8-5, my mindset is always just going to be to attack and try to score the first point, try to just put the pressure on my opponent.”

— Jaxon Joy (beaconjournal.com)

What’s next

Joy will continue to focus on upcoming dual meets and the Ivy League Tournament before competing in the NCAA Championships in Cleveland on March 19-21.

The takeaway

Jaxon Joy's journey from practicing wrestling moves as a kid to competing for an NCAA national title in his hometown of Cleveland represents the realization of a lifelong dream. His dominant performance this season has made him a top contender, and the NCAA Championships coming to Cleveland adds an extra layer of excitement and significance to the event.