John Martin Best

University of Maryland Athletics

2025-26 Wrestling Roster

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CAREER HONORS:

2024-25 (REDSHIRT JUNIOR):

Finished year with a 5-2 record, winning his first five matches of season.
3-0 to start the season, all wins by bonus points in dual matches.
Won by fall (2:11) against Isaac Stoker of Gardner Webb (12/8), also had two major decisions and one technical fall.

2023-24 (REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE):

2022-23 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN):

Went 2-0 in Maryland's quad meet on Nov. 5 in his first action back from injury, winning by major decision against Bloomsburg's Trenton Harder and by decision over American's Caleb Campos.
Came away with big SV decision against Indiana for first career Big Ten win (1/09).
Won in TB2 against Purdue's Cooper Noehre to help kickstart Maryland's massive comeback against Purdue.
Represented Maryland at 2023 Big Ten Championships.

2021-22 (FRESHMAN):

Suffered seaon-ending ACL injury on Dec.4 against Duke
2021 Clarion Open Finalist
Earned first dual victory of career with a 5-0 decision victory over Duke's Brandon LaRue (12/4).

BEFORE MARYLAND:

Two-time West Virginia State Champion, was also a Cadet Pan American Championships Gold Medalist in 2019.
First state title came in 2017 at 120-pounds while his second would come at 152-pounds in 2019 just months before his international successful.
During his lone year in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Best redshirted while studying at the Academy’s Prepatory School. Despite heading to Air Force to start his college career, the West Virginia native nearly chose Maryland back when making his decision. At the time, Best was considered the No. 62 prospect in America by The Open Mat.
Best’s father was a former Chief Master Saergent before retiring from the Air Force.