Hodge Trophy Update: What’s ahead for front-runners?

The following is an alphabetical listing of the front-runners for the 2014 WIN Magazine/Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy, presented by ASICS. The breakdown lists each wrestler’s quality wins and statistics through Feb. 9.

James Green, Nebraska, Junior, 157 pounds, 26-0, 4 pins, 3 TF, 6 MD

Last week: defeated Michigan’s Jake Salazar, 7-6, in sudden victory.

This week: off until Feb. 21 when Nebraska travels to Wisconsin and a probable meeting with No. 7-ranked Isaac Jordan.

Andrew Howe, Oklahoma, Senior, 174 pounds, 19-0, 5 pins, 4 TF, 6 MD

Last week: moved up to 184 pounds and defeated Oklahoma State’s Jordan Rogers, 9-2.

This week: at NWCA National Duals, Feb. 16-17; first round vs. Bloomsburg, then will face either Illinois or Central Michigan (No. 9 Mike Ottinger) in the quarterfinals. A team win could put the Sooners against Cornell. On the other side of the bracket is Minnesota (No. 4 Logan Storley).

Mitchell Port, Edinboro, Junior, 141 pounds, 21-0, 10 pins, 2 TF, 3 MD

Last week: took weekend off while Edinboro hosted a tournament for most unattached wrestlers

This week: travels to Pittsburgh, Feb. 14, and a probable match-up with No. 13 Edgar Bright.

Zain Retherford, Penn State, Freshman, 141 pounds, 24-0, 4 pins, 2 TF, 7 MD

Last week: defeated No. 4 Chris Dardanes of Minnesota, 4-0.

This week: plays host to Oklahoma State, Feb. 16, and a probable meeting with No. 19 Anthony Collica

Jimmy Sheptock, Maryland, Senior, 184 pounds, 23-0, 5 pins, 4 TF, 5 MD

Last week: got a pin against Duke’s Jacob Kasper

This week: plays host to North Carolina State this Friday, Feb. 14. Probable opponent will be Michael Macchiavello, who is 11-10 on the season.

David Taylor, Penn State, Senior, 165 pounds, 24-0, 11 pins, 7 TF, 6 MD

Last week: scored a 13-3 major decision against Minnesota’s Dan Zilverberg, who actually scored a takedown against the 2012 Hodge Trophy winner.

This week: plays host to Oklahoma State on Sunday and a probable second meeting this year against No. 2 Tyler Caldwell. Taylor defeated Caldwell, 9-1, at the Southern Scuffle on Jan. 2 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The ASICS Race for the Hodge Trophy Update lists the contenders for the 2014 WIN Magazine/Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy. The list is compiled from the current season’s numbers through February 9 and is based on dominance and the total number of matches. Results include action from the NWCA All-Star Classic in November.

Like the Heisman Trophy, the official selection is made by the 44-person Hodge Voting Committee, which is made up of all former Hodge winners, some members of the national wrestling media, retired college coaches from different regions of the country, a representative from a number of national wrestling organizations and two votes from a composite fan vote through WIN’s website.

The official announcement is made the week following the 2014 NCAA Division I Championships, which will be held in Oklahoma City, March 20-22.