Branch Adds Four More to the Roster Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

LARAMIE, Wyoming (5/7/25) – University of Wyoming wrestling head coach Mark Branch announced a few late additions to his 2025-26 squad on Wednesday. Four future Cowboys – two junior college transfers, one four-year transfer and one high schooler – all signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at Wyoming.  

Christian Carroll (Iowa State)

Christian Carroll is a transfer from Iowa State. He competed at 197 for the Cyclones during the fall semester last year, compiling a record of 5-5. Carroll boasted a couple impressive victories, defeating Big 12 champion, Wyatt Voelker (Northern Iowa) and NCAA qualifier Nik Stemmet (Stanford) at the Cliff Keen Invite in December. 

Carroll committed to Oklahoma State out of high school and redshirted as a HWT in his first year with the Cowboys. He has also done quite a bit outside of the collegiate wrestling season. Carroll competed at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In 2024, he placed third at the U23 Nationals. In 2023, he was a U20 Freestyle national champion, a U.S. Open champion and a U20 United States World Team member.

Carroll is from Elkhart, Indiana, where he competed in high school. He has since moved to Argyle, Texas. Carroll will likely have four years of eligibility remaining. He will compete at HWT for Wyoming.  

“Christian is an outstanding wrestler and just needs the right fit,” Branch said. “He loves the Laramie environment and will make a huge impact in our upper weights. He’s not a big heavyweight and he moves fast, so there will be a lot of benefit with him and Novak.”

Sefton Douglass (Western Wyoming)

Sefton Douglass is a transfer from Western Wyoming Community College. He was the 125-pound national runner-up at the NJCAA Championships this past season.

Douglass is from Lyman, Wyoming, and was a four-time state champion while competing at Lyman High School. He didn’t lose a match in his final three years as an Eagle. Douglass likely has three years of eligibility remaining and will compete at 125 for Wyoming.

“Keeping an in-state star here in Wyoming is a huge get for us,” Branch said. “He will certainly bolster our 125-pound group, and his pride and passion for UW is just what we need.”

Owen Hull (Grants Pass, Oregon)

Owen Hull is from Grants Pass, Oregon, and competed for Grants Pass High School. He was a two-time 6A state champion while wrestling for the Cavemen. Hull will compete at 165 for Wyoming.

“Owen is a very tough, solid wrestler,” Branch said. “We are excited to get him here to strengthen our middle weights.”

Cody Phelps (Michigan State)

Cody Phelps is a transfer from Michigan State. He redshirted this past season with the Spartans, compiling a record of 6-7.

Phelps was a 133-pound NJCAA national champion as a sophomore at Western Wyoming. He also placed third as a freshman at the NJCAA Championships.

Phelps is from Pinedale, Wyoming, and was a four-time state champion for Pinedale High School. He did not lose a match during his final two years as a Wrangler. Phelps has two years of eligibility remaining and will compete at 133 for Wyoming.

“Cody started his college career here in Wyoming, and we are so glad to get him back to finish his career,” Branch said. “We have seen how tough he is, and I truly believe him being back home in a familiar environment will bring out the best in him.”

These four join six freshmen who signed during the fall to complete the 2024-25 signing class. Those six include Bradlee Farrer (165/174), Lane Foard (174/184), Isaiah Harrison (125), Gunner Henry (184/197), Travon Sharon (125/133) and Luke Willochell (133/141).