NC State’s Vince Robinson Named Open Mat’s NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year

NC State’s Vince Robinson has been named the NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year by The Open Mat.

More well deserved honors for Vince 🙌#GoPack || #PackMentality pic.twitter.com/oAJ7HKAFdA

— NC State Wrestling 🤼‍♂️ (@PackWrestle) May 6, 2025

The Redshirt Freshman shocked the world when he won the NCAA Championship at 125 pounds, becoming the 8th wrestler in NC State history to take home the hardware.

As a #4 seed, Robinson defeated #7 seed Troy Spratley out of Oklahoma State 2-1 in Overtime.

THE CELEBRATION 👏#NCAAWrestling x 🎥 ESPN/ESPN+ / @PackWrestle pic.twitter.com/nb9TgE0Seu

— NCAA Wrestling (@NCAAWrestling) March 22, 2025

Vince Robinson – National Champion 🥇#PackMentality pic.twitter.com/fTCRiDdBQx

— NC State Wrestling 🤼‍♂️ (@PackWrestle) March 23, 2025

All year long, Robinson’s background on his phone was a picture of an NCAA National Championship trophy.

Check out Robinson’s Press Conference after his victory.

Robinson is the first Freshman National Champion at 125 pounds since 2018, when Iowa’s Spencer Lee did so.

His record in his first year on the mat was a superb 24-3 record, defeating 7 ranked opponents in the regular season.

Check out the entirety of Robinson’s match against Oklahoma State’s Spratley for the National Championship.