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Merrill Set for U23 World Championships this Weekend
10.14.2026 | Men's Wrestling
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State freshman heavyweight Coby Merrill travels to Las Vegas this weekend for the U23 World Championships. Merrill will compete at 125 KG for Team USA with action beginning Friday at 12:30 p.m. (CT).
What: U23 World Championships
When: Oct. 16-17
Where: Las Vegas -Â Thomas & Mack Center
Watch: FloWrestling
Brackets: TBA (Thursday)
Tournament Hub: UWW
MERRILL'S TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Friday, October 16
12:30 p.m. - Qualification Rounds
6:45 p.m. - Semifinals
Saturday, October 17
12:30 p.m. - Repechages
8Â p.m. - Medal Rounds
*All times central
On the heels of an outstanding summer on the freestyle circuit, expectations are high for Merrill as he chases a world gold medal in Las Vegas. He is one of two true freshman on the U23 World Team.
Merrill was the 2026 U20 US Open champion at 125 KG and placed third at the 2026 US Open in the senior division with a notable upset of Hodge Trophy winner and world bronze medalist Mason Parris in the quarterfinals. Between the US Open and the World Team Trials, Merrill also earned wins over Cole Mirasola (twice), Taye Ghadiali (twice) and Hayden Zillmer.
The California native also won gold at the U23 Pan-American Championships this summer.
To read FloWrestling's full preview of Merrill's 125 KG bracket at the World Championships, CLICK HERE.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Wrestling
Thursday, April 16
Saturday, March 21
Friday, March 20
Friday, March 20
